Antioxidants · 4 authors, 3 centres
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This narrative review summarizes preclinical evidence that green tea catechins, particularly EGCG, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in cellular and animal models of glaucoma, suggesting they could be potential therapeutic agents for protecting retinal ganglion cells. However, the review notes that robust clinical trials are lacking and that potential safety concerns, such as hepatotoxicity, require further study.
This narrative review examines the potential of green tea catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), as therapeutic antioxidants for glaucoma. The authors summarize that catechins have well-proven anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. They detail mechanisms including radical scavenging, metal chelation, and activation of endogenous antioxidant pathways like Nrf2/HO-1. Evidence from animal models shows green tea extract can suppress retinal inflammation and protect retinal ganglion cells from degeneration. The review also highlights the low bioavailability of EGCG as a limitation, suggesting nanotechnology as a potential solution. A key limitation emphasized is the scarcity of human clinical data; only one randomized trial for EGCG on eye disease is noted, and none for green tea extract alone for glaucoma. The authors conclude that while preclinical efficacy is demonstrated, clinical trials are needed to confirm therapeutic application and establish safety profiles for glaucoma management.
