Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 102-111 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 102 Research Report Open Access Antioxidant Powerhouse: Tea Polyphenols in Chronic Disease Prevention Lian Chen, Jingqiang Wang Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: jingqiang.wang@jicat.org Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.2 doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0010 Received: 28 Jan., 2024 Accepted: 01 Mar., 2024 Published: 20 Mar., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen and Wang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen L., and Wang J.Q., 2024, Antioxidant powerhouse: tea polyphenols in chronic disease prevention, Journal of Tea Science Research, 14(2): 102-111 (doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0010) Abstract Tea polyphenols, a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds found in tea, have garnered significant attention for their potent antioxidant properties and their role in chronic disease prevention. This study explores the multifaceted health benefits of tea polyphenols, particularly their ability to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key contributors to various chronic diseases. This study synthesizes evidence from recent research, highlighting the mechanisms by which tea polyphenols exert their protective effects, including the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), modulation of signaling pathways, and regulation of gut microbiota. The findings underscore the potential of tea polyphenols in preventing and managing conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and respiratory diseases. This study provides a reference for understanding the therapeutic potential of tea polyphenols and encourages further research on their application in the prevention of chronic diseases. Keywords Tea polyphenols; Antioxidant; Chronic disease prevention; Oxidative stress; Inflammation 1 Introduction Antioxidants play a crucial role in the prevention of chronic diseases by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reducing oxidative stress, which is a key factor in the pathogenesis of various chronic conditions. Oxidative stress can lead to cellular damage, inflammation, and apoptosis, contributing to the development of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and cancer (Di Meo et al., 2020; Rudrapal et al., 2022a; 2022b). The consumption of antioxidants through diet, particularly polyphenols, has been shown to mitigate these effects and promote overall health (Yan et al., 2020; Rudrapal et al., 2022a). Tea, one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, is rich in polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants. The primary polyphenols in tea include catechins, flavonoids, and tannins, which have been extensively studied for their health benefits (Yan et al., 2020; Hong et al., 2022). These compounds exhibit strong antioxidant properties, helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and have been linked to the prevention of various chronic diseases. Tea polyphenols have been shown to regulate gut flora, protect the intestinal mucosa, and prevent neurodegenerative diseases, among other health benefits (Ru et al., 2019; Hong et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2022). This study summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms by which tea polyphenols exert their antioxidant effects. It emphasizes the specific chronic diseases that can be prevented or mitigated by the consumption of tea polyphenols and identifies gaps in existing research to propose future directions for studies on tea polyphenols and chronic disease prevention. By synthesizing findings from multiple studies, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the potential health benefits of tea polyphenols and their role as powerful antioxidants in chronic disease prevention. The study delves into the biochemical pathways through which tea polyphenols act, explores their interactions with cellular components, and examines their impact on various physiological processes. This study underscores the importance of tea polyphenols in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases, offering valuable insights for both scientific exploration and practical application.
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