{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Antiviral activity of green tea and black tea polyphenols in prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19: A review.
{Author}: Mhatre S;Srivastava T;Naik S;Patravale V;
{Journal}: Phytomedicine
{Volume}: 85
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: May 2021
{Factor}: 6.656
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153286
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>The rapid spread of novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 or nCoV has caused countries all over the world to impose lockdowns and undertake stringent preventive measures. This new positive-sense single-stranded RNA strain of coronavirus spreads through droplets of saliva and nasal discharge.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>US FDA has authorized the emergency use of Remdesivir looking at the increasing number of cases of COVID-19, however there is still no drug approved to treat COVID-19. An alternative way of treatment could be the use of naturally derived molecules with known antiviral properties.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We reviewed the antiviral activities of two polyphenols derived from tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) from green tea and theaflavins from black tea. Both green tea and black tea polyphenols have been reported to exhibit antiviral activities against various viruses, especially positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Recent studies have revealed the possible binding sites present on SARS-CoV-2 and studied their interactions with tea polyphenols. EGCG and theaflavins, especially theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF3) have shown a significant interaction with the receptors under consideration in this review. Some docking studies further emphasize on the activity of these polyphenols against COVID-19.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>This review summarizes the available reports and evidences which support the use of tea polyphenols as potential candidates in prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19.