Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Kardiologie und Angiologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize current knowledge of the protective effects of green tea and green tea constituents, particularly catechins, on the cardiovascular system. RECENT FINDINGS: Consumption of green tea has been inversely associated with the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular risk factors. Mechanisms that have been suggested as being involved in the antiatherosclerotic effects of green tea consumption primarily entail antioxidative, antiinflammatory, antiproliferative, and antithrombotic properties, as well as beneficial effects on endothelial function. Moreover, evidence exists for myocardial effects of tea constituents, including positive inotropic and antihypertrophic effects, and beneficial impact in myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury. SUMMARY: Green tea represents a promising tool for the prevention of cardiovascular disorders.