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Omnia Sana · Plant Monograph

Tea

Camellia sinensis

Family TheaceaeParts used Leaf, Young sproutsAlso known as green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong

This monograph compiles 6 pharmacological actions, 10 traditional / indicated uses, supported by 17 cited sources, drawn directly from the Omnia Sana plant database.

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[15]
Anticancer (preclinical)[4, 5, 9, 15]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[15]
Antimicrobial[8, 11, 12, 15]
Antioxidant[4, 6, 10, 15]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[6, 15]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →
Blood sugar / diabetes support[15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

more plants for blood sugar / diabetes support →detailed sources →
Cardiovascular / heart health[15, 16]Traditional · 1/10
more plants for cardiovascular / heart health →detailed sources →
Cognitive function[15, 17]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

more plants for cognitive function →detailed sources →
Infection (general)[15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

more plants for infection (general) →detailed sources →
Inflammation (general)[15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for inflammation (general) →detailed sources →
Memory[15, 17]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

more plants for memory →detailed sources →
Metabolic support[15, 16]Traditional · 1/10
more plants for metabolic support →detailed sources →
Skin irritation[15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →
Wounds[15]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

more plants for wounds →detailed sources →

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[15, 16, 17]Serious

Generally safe in moderate consumption. High caffeine intake may cause insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, or dependence. Large amounts of green tea extract supplements may be hepatotoxic (rare). May reduce iron absorption if consumed with meals. Avoid very high supplement doses during pregnancy.

Safety note[15, 16, 17]Caution

Duke (2002) rates tea (Camellia sinensis) as ++ and notes anti-aggregant, antioxidant, anticariogenic, and antibacterial activities at the experimental level (score 1). The catechins (EGCG, ECG) and polyphenols are responsible for the antioxidant and anticancer properties under research investigation. Duke notes that green tea preserves more polyphenols than black tea due to less oxidation. Regular tea consumption is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. Excess consumption (>10 cups daily) may cause fluoride-related bone changes. Caffeine content is relevant for sleep disturbance, anxiety, and interactions with cardiovascular medications (Duke, 2002).

References

REF-0755, REF-0756, REF-0757, REF-1960, REF-1961, REF-1962, REF-1963, REF-1964, REF-1965, REF-1966, REF-1967, REF-1968, REF-1969, REF-1970

References & Sources

  1. Mancini, E., Beglinger, C., Drewe, J., Zanchi, D. et al (2017) 'Green tea effects on cognition, mood and human brain function: A systematic review', Phytomedicine, 34, pp. 26-37. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2017.07.008 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2017.07.008
  2. Musial, C., Kuban-Jankowska, A. and Gorska-Ponikowska, M (2020) 'Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(5), pp. 1744. doi:10.3390/ijms21051744 Traditional / reference
    https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21051744
  3. Ohishi, T., Goto, S., Monira, P., Isemura, M. and Nakamura, Y (2016) 'Anti-inflammatory Action of Green Tea', Anti-inflammatory & Anti-allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 15(2), pp. 74-90. doi:10.2174/1871523015666160915154443 Traditional / reference
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1871523015666160915154443
  4. Zhao, T., Li, C., Wang, S. and Song, X (2022) 'Green Tea (Camellia sinensis): A Review of Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology', Molecules, 27(12), pp. 3909. doi:10.3390/molecules27123909 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123909
  5. Filippini, T., Malavolti, M., Borrelli, F., Izzo, A.A., Fairweather-Tait, S.J., Horneber, M. and Vinceti, M (2020) 'Green tea (Camellia sinensis) for the prevention of cancer', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3(3), pp. CD005004. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005004.pub3 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005004.pub3
  6. Prasanth, M.I., Sivamaruthi, B.S., Chaiyasut, C. and Tencomnao, T (2019) 'A Review of the Role of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) in Antiphotoaging, Stress Resistance, Neuroprotection, and Autophagy', Nutrients, 11(2), pp. 474. doi:10.3390/nu11020474 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11020474
  7. Bedrood, Z., Rameshrad, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2018) 'Toxicological effects of Camellia sinensis (green tea): A review', Phytotherapy Research, 32(7), pp. 1163-1180. doi:10.1002/ptr.6063 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6063
  8. Hamilton-Miller, J.M.T (2001) 'Anti-cariogenic properties of tea (Camellia sinensis)', Journal of Medical Microbiology, 50(4), pp. 299-302. doi:10.1099/0022-1317-50-4-299 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1099/0022-1317-50-4-299
  9. Conde, V.R., Alves, M.G., Oliveira, P.F. and Silva, B.M (2015) 'Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.)): a putative anticancer agent in bladder carcinoma?', Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 15(1), pp. 26-36. doi:10.2174/1566524014666141203143143 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1566524014666141203143143
  10. Moore, R.J., Jackson, K.G. and Minihane, A.M (2009) 'Green tea (Camellia sinensis) catechins and vascular function', British Journal of Nutrition, 102(12), pp. 1790-1802. doi:10.1017/S0007114509991218 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114509991218
  11. Gaur, R. and Bao, G.H (2021) 'Chemistry and Pharmacology of Natural Catechins from Camellia sinensis as Anti-MRSA Agents', Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 21(17), pp. 1519-1537. doi:10.2174/1568026621666210524100632 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026621666210524100632
  12. Tafazoli, A. and Tafazoli Moghadam, E (2020) 'Camellia Sinensis Mouthwashes in Oral Care: a Systematic Review', Journal of Dentistry (Shiraz), 21(4), pp. 249-262. doi:10.30476/DENTJODS.2020.83204.1045 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.30476/DENTJODS.2020.83204.1045
  13. Albassam, A.A. and Markowitz, J.S (2017) 'An Appraisal of Drug-Drug Interactions with Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)', Planta Medica, 83(6), pp. 496-508. doi:10.1055/s-0043-100934 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-100934
  14. Gramza-Michalowska, A (2014) 'Caffeine in tea Camellia sinensis - content, absorption, benefits and risks of consumption', Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 18(2), pp. 143-149. doi:10.1007/s12603-013-0404-1 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-013-0404-1
  15. Chacko, S.M. et al (2010) 'Beneficial effects of green tea: a literature review'. Traditional / reference
    Find this source
  16. Drake, V.J (2015) 'Tea catechins and cardiovascular disease risk', 74(1), pp. 39--46. Traditional / reference
    Find this source
  17. Nobre, A.C., Rao, A. and Owen, G.N (2008) 'L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state', pp. 167--168. Traditional / reference
    Find this source

Record last updated 2026-06-20 · Provenance: book+pubmed · Status: verified

This fact sheet is generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and reflects its latest synced data. It is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.

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