Bioactive compounds in green tea leaves attenuate the injury of retinal ganglion RGC-5 cells induced by H2O2 and ultraviolet radiation
Jin, J.; Ying, H.; Huang, M.; Du, Q.
Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 28(6 Suppl): 2267-2272
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 1011-601X PMID: 26687755 Document Number: 681504
The Chinese commonly believe that tea helps maintain clear vision. This viewpoint has been recorded in Chinese medical books also. The key bioactive compounds in green tea leaves, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), L-theanine (theanine) and caffeine, were investigated for their abilities to attenuate the injury of retinal ganglion cells (RGC-5) induced by H2O2 and ultraviolet radiation. Theanine and caffeine promoted cell growth while concentrations of EGCG greater than 10μg/ml inhibited cell growth. The nine and caffeine both protected RGC-5 cells from injury as well as enhanced their recovery, while EGCG only protected the cells from injury and did not help them to recover. Tea is a unique drink, which is simultaneously enriched with EGCG, theanine and caffeine. The role of these compounds in optic nerve protection may partially explain why some tea drinkers feel enhanced vision.