The Neurological Impact of the Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Catechin EGCG on Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a slow-onset neurodegenerative disease, the second most prevalent, after Alzheimer’s disease. In all neurodegenerative diseases, neuronal degeneration is inevitable and results in the depletion of function in several regions of the brain, causing the symptoms of such diseases. Though it is prevalent, Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure. Due to this lack of a cure, for decades, researchers have been either trying to find a cure for the life-changing disease, or they have been trying to discover approaches to mitigate the symptoms and side effects of PD. One such approach that has been looked into, is the consumption of green tea by patients battling PD. Green tea, scientifically known as Camellia sinensis, contains several catechins, a type of polyphenol (naturally found compounds in many beverages), which demonstrate several beneficial properties, many being neuroprotective. The most prominent catechin found in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), known for its health benefits. This article aims to explore and analyze studies done regarding general green tea components and EGCG, including its neuroprotective implications on Parkinson’s disease. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have been done to examine the overall benefits of green tea on PD. Such benefits include a reduction in symptoms of PD, reduced risk of PD development, and overall protection against neuronal damage: factors that this study aims to explore.