An Amazing Herb with Extraordinary Payback: Camellia sinensis

Abstract

Camellia sinensis, commonly known as green tea, belongs to theaceae family. Herbal remedies are often perceived as being natural, therefore safe, but actually they are not free from adverse effects. Adverse effects of herbal medicine may be due to factors such as adulteration, substitution, contamination, misidentification, lack of standardization, incorrect preparation and dosage and inappropriate labeling. The major constituents of green tea are epicatechin (EC), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Traditionally the plant is used to control bleeding disorders, heal wounds, aid digestion, improve heart and mental health, regulate body temperature, act as stimulant, diuretic, astringent, maintain blood sugar, reduce risk of heart disease and stroke, help to reduce obesity, positive impact on bone density and protect against cavities and gum diseases. It possess various pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, neuroprotective, weight management, hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, dental caries, cardiovascular diseases, cerebral hemorrhage, anti-aging, antiasthmatic,  enhance bone health and immune function. This review will be helpful for developing interest among young researchers to formulate new dosage form of C. sinensis for therapeutic uses of different ailments.

Keywords: Camellia sinensis, theaceae, constituents, pharmacological activities, traditional uses

Cite this Article

Afreen Usmani, Anuradha Mishra, Mohd Mujahid et al. An Amazing Herb with Extraordinary Payback: Camellia sinensis. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology. 2016; 6(2): 1–12p.