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Tea (Camellia sinensis) is among the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, valued for its rich history, cultural significance, and numerous health benefits. One of its key bioactive components, catechins, has attracted considerable scientific interest due to its strong antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Among these, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been extensively studied for its potential role in preventing and managing neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, amyloid-beta plaque accumulation, and oxidative stress. Several in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies have highlighted the neuroprotective effects of catechins. EGCG, in particular, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit amyloid-beta aggregation, modulate key signaling pathways such as Nrf2/ARE, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK, and reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, EGCG has been shown to enhance synaptic plasticity, improve mitochondrial function, and regulate cholinergic neurotransmission, which are crucial for maintaining cognitive function. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that catechins reduce neuronal apoptosis, protect against amyloid toxicity, and enhance memory performance in AD models. Clinical evidence further suggests that regular tea consumption may lower the risk of cognitive impairment and slow age-related cognitive decline. However, challenges such as low bioavailability and metabolic instability limit their therapeutic potential. Novel delivery systems, including nanoformulations and bioenhancers, are being explored to optimize their efficacy. Overall, tea catechins, particularly EGCG, hold promise as a natural therapeutic strategy for AD prevention and management. Further clinical studies are needed to validate their long-term effects and establish optimal dosages for neuroprotection. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of tea catechins’ biochemical properties, mechanisms of action, and their potential in combating Alzheimer’s disease.

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Tea Catechins: A Useful Chemical Weapon Against Alzheimer’s Disease

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Hafize Yuca,
  • Aleyna Kopuz,
  • Songül Karakaya

摘要

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is among the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, valued for its rich history, cultural significance, and numerous health benefits. One of its key bioactive components, catechins, has attracted considerable scientific interest due to its strong antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Among these, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been extensively studied for its potential role in preventing and managing neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, amyloid-beta plaque accumulation, and oxidative stress. Several in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies have highlighted the neuroprotective effects of catechins. EGCG, in particular, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit amyloid-beta aggregation, modulate key signaling pathways such as Nrf2/ARE, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK, and reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, EGCG has been shown to enhance synaptic plasticity, improve mitochondrial function, and regulate cholinergic neurotransmission, which are crucial for maintaining cognitive function. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that catechins reduce neuronal apoptosis, protect against amyloid toxicity, and enhance memory performance in AD models. Clinical evidence further suggests that regular tea consumption may lower the risk of cognitive impairment and slow age-related cognitive decline. However, challenges such as low bioavailability and metabolic instability limit their therapeutic potential. Novel delivery systems, including nanoformulations and bioenhancers, are being explored to optimize their efficacy. Overall, tea catechins, particularly EGCG, hold promise as a natural therapeutic strategy for AD prevention and management. Further clinical studies are needed to validate their long-term effects and establish optimal dosages for neuroprotection. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of tea catechins’ biochemical properties, mechanisms of action, and their potential in combating Alzheimer’s disease.