Tea Polyphenols as Natural Products for Potential Future Management of HIV Infection - an overview

Abstract

Belonging to the <em>Lentivirus</em> genus of animal retroviruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the etiological agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) which attacks cells of the immune system including CD4<sup>+</sup> T lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. A rapid progression to immunodeficiency and the higher transmissibility of HIV-1 compared to HIV-2 are hallmarks of the worldwide spread of AIDS. Conventional HIV treatments are limited by drug toxicity and by multi-drug resistance, caused by the high genetic variability of HIV. This has led researchers into new areas of drug discovery in search of novel therapeutic molecules. Accumulating evidence indicates that tea polyphenols possess a range of beneficial properties including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, neuro-protective, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral effects. The anti-HIV infection potential of tea polyphenols has been confirmed by several preclinical studies. This suggests that polyphenol-rich extracts of tea could be used as dietary supplements as part of a combined therapeutic regimen with conventional anti-HIV drugs. Phenolic structures may also be considered as backbones for the discovery of a new generation of anti-HIV remedies. This review provides a perspective on the anti-HIV activity of tea polyphenols and their development as a possible source of future drugs for the therapy of HIV/AIDS.

Antiviral activity of green tea and black tea polyphenols in prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19: A review

“…EGCG has also been found effective against HIV-1 and inhibits viral replication by acting at various stages. It blocks interaction of gp120 with CD4 by interfering with reverse transcriptase ( Sodagari et al., 2016 ). A report suggested that EGCG inhibits the production of p24 antigen on isolated CD4 receptor cells, macrophages and CD4 ± T cells depending on its dose ( Nance et al., 2009 ).…”

Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review

“…Documented potential properties and probable mechanism of action of green tea compounds are presented in Table 1. 3C-like protease, binding to viral surface proteins [78], [80], [77], [81], [79], [82], [83], [84] Catechins Inhibiting adherention and cell penetration, disruption of the viral replication cycle, inhibiting HCV replication, anti-inflammatory, inhibiting SARS-Cov-2 main protease [85], [76], [86], [87] Quercetin Inhibiting SARS-Cov replication by inhibition of SARS-Cov-3C-like protease [88] Catechins, quercetin Inhibiting COVID-19 main protease and structural proteins [73]…”

A comprehensive review on modulation of SIRT1 signaling pathways in the immune system of COVID ‐19 patients by phytotherapeutic melatonin and epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate

“…The absorption of EGCG is relatively high, with a maximal plasma concentration of more than 1 g/ml (Zaveri, 2006 ). At micromolar concentrations, EGCG has been demonstrated to suppress infections caused by various viruses such as porcine reproductive and respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), Dengue virus, HIV‐1, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) (Calland et al, 2012 ; Ge et al, 2018 ; Raekiansyah et al, 2018 ; Sodagari et al, 2016 ). When taken orally, EGCG, on the other hand, is unstable and has a low bioavailability.…”

“…Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenolic catechin found in Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntz (tea plant), and its anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidative properties are well documented (Hu et al, 2018 ; Khan et al, 2006 ; Zaveri, 2006 ). According to some reports, EGCG has antiviral activity at micromolar concentrations sufficient to inhibit the infection of viruses like herpes simplex virus, influenza A virus, and dengue virus (Calland et al, 2012 ; Ge et al, 2018 ; Sodagari et al, 2016 ), suggesting that this phytochemical could be used along with antiviral drugs to treat COVID‐19 disease.…”