Tea polyphenols, such as catechins and theaflavins, have a great potential to prevent some virus infecting human. For example, herpes[308], Norovirus[309], and HIV[310,311]. Anti-virus effects of theaflavins against Norovirus has been reported recently by the Shizuoka Institute of Environment and Hygiene. In addition, it has also been reported in 2016 that tea polyphenols have antiviral activities against HIV. These researches suggest a possibility to apply teas and tea extracts for dietary supplements as part of a combined therapeutic regimen with conventional anti-virus drug.

Focusing on the antiviral mechanism of tea polyphenols, the mechanism might be derived from their adsorption onto virus, which can cause infection of virus to host cells.

Theaflavins can inhibit the entry of herpes simplex virus to the host by blocking the adsorption and penetration processes[de oliveila 2015]. The report also showed the dose-dependence of theaflavins’ antiviral effect on herpes. In my speculation, the dose-dependence would indicate the anti-virus effect is derived from adsorption of theaflavins onto herpes virus. And the difference in dose-dependence among types of theaflavins would imply the adsorption mechanism of theaflavins is different each other due to their molecular structure.

Lately Shizuoka prefectural government is going to make an ordinance to recommend tea for children in order to promote their health. It would be based on the medicinal effects and health benefits of tea such as antiviral activities of tea polyphenols.

Anyway cups of tea per everyday would promote our health!
Let’s enjoy teas for your healthy life!

 

[308] de Oliveira A. et al. (2015) : Antiviral Research 118:56-67
[309] Ohba M. et al. (2016) : The Journal of Antibiotics 128
[310] Taylor-Robinson A.W. (2016) : Journal of Traditional Medicine and Clinical Naturopathy 5:2-3.
[311] Sodagari H.R. et al. (2016) : Journal of Natural Remedies 16