Potential protective mechanisms of green tea polyphenol EGCG against COVID-19. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Zhichao; Zhang, Xiangchun; Bi, Keyi; He, Yufeng; Yan, Wangjun; Yang, Chung S.; Zhang, Jinsong
• Is Part Of: Trends in food science & technology. Volume 114(2021)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: EGCG -- COVID-19 -- SARS-CoV-2 -- Prevention -- Treatment -- Tea; Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; Food -- Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 664.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.05.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-2244

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The world is in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the potential protective effects of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major constituent of green tea, against COVID-19. Scope and approach: Information from literature of clinical symptoms and molecular pathology of COVID-19 as well as relevant publications in which EGCG shows potential protective activities against COVID-19 is integrated and evaluated. Key findings and conclusions: EGCG, via activating Nrf2, can suppress ACE2 (a cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2) and TMPRSS2, which mediate cell entry of the virus. Through inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 main protease, EGCG may inhibit viral reproduction. EGCG via its broad antioxidant activity may protect against SARS-CoV-2 evoked mitochondrial ROS (which promote SARS-CoV-2 replication) and against ROS burst inflicted by neutrophil extracellular traps. By suppressing ER-resident GRP78 activity and expression, EGCG can potentially inhibit SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. EGCG also shows protective effects against 1) cytokine storm-associated acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, 2) thrombosis via suppressing tissue factors and activating platelets, 3) sepsis by inactivating redox-sensitive HMGB1, and 4) lung fibrosis through augmenting Nrf2 and suppressing NF-κB. These activities remain to be further substantiated in animals and humans. The possible concerted actions of EGCG suggest the importance of further studies on the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in humans. These results also call for epidemiological studies on potential preventive effects of green tea drinking on COVID-19. Highlights: EGCG may impede SARS-CoV-2 infection by activating Nrf2 which downregulates ACE2 and TMPRSS2. EGCG may suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication via inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 main protease, mitochondrial ROS and ER-resident GRP78. EGCG may protect against ROS burst inflicted by SARS-CoV-2 induced neutrophil extracellular traps. EGCG may decrease SARS-CoV-2 triggered cytokine storm, sepsis, thrombosis and lung fibrosis. EGCG may prevent diabetes comorbidity risk in COVID-19 patients.