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Mechanism of Action and Potential for Use of Tea Catechin as an Antiinfective Agent
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pp.57-62 (6) Authors: Tadakatsu Shimamura, Wei-Hua Zhao, Zhi-Qing Hu
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| Abstract |
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“Drinking several cups of green tea a day keeps the doctor away” is clearly an overstatement. However, extensive research has revealed that the predominant catechin from tea (Camellia sinensis), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), has significant medicinal and health-promoting properties. This review summarizes what is presently known about the antimicrobial properties of EGCg, with a particular focus on the synergistic relationship between EGCg and β-lactams in the inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The mechanisms of action and prospects for use of tea catechins such as EGCg as an anti-infective agent are discussed.
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Keywords:
Tea, catechins, EGCg, polyphenols, flavanols, antimicrobial agents, β-lactams, MRSA
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Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai,Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan.
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