Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) is valued in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine systems primarily as a stimulant, diuretic, astringent, for heart health, to treat flatulence, regulate body temperature and blood sugar, clear phlegm, neutralise poisons, and to improve digestion, mental function and eyesight. These actions have further been verified by modern scientific studies. Most of the research has been conducted on a polyphenol constituent of Green Tea; epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), however the other constituents remain important to the many varied applications of Green Tea. The constituents and whole leaf extract of Green Tea have demonstrated many significant therapeutic actions including; antiageing, antiatherosclerotic, antibacterial, anticancer, anticariogenic, antidepressant, antidiabetic, antifungal, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antimicrobial (selectively-acting), antimutagenic, antioxidant, antiviral, astringent, cardioprotective/cardiotonic, central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, neuroprotective and neurorescue, thermogenic, and exhibits wound healing properties.
