Anti-Influenza with Green Tea Catechins: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#antiviral-agents #catechin #clinical-trials-as-topic #humans #influenza-human

Anti-Influenza with Green Tea Catechins: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Rawangkan et al., 2021 | Molecules | Meta Analysis

Citation

Rawangkan Anchalee, Kengkla Kirati, ... Saokaew Surasak. Anti-Influenza with Green Tea Catechins: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Molecules. 2021-Jun-30;26(13). doi:10.3390/molecules26134014

Abstract

Influenza is one of the most serious respiratory viral infections worldwide. Although several studies have reported that green tea catechins (GTCs) might prevent influenza virus infection, this remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies with 5,048 participants that examined the effect of GTC administration on influenza prevention. In a random-effects meta-analysis of five RCTs, 884 participants treated with GTCs showed statistically significant effects on the prevention of influenza infection compared to the control group (risk ratio (RR) 0.67, 95%CIs 0.51-0.89, P = 0.005) without evidence of heterogeneity (I2= 0%, P = 0.629). Similarly, in three cohort studies with 2,223 participants treated with GTCs, there were also statistically significant effects (RR 0.52, 95%CIs 0.35-0.77, P = 0.001) with very low evidence of heterogeneity (I2 = 3%, P = 0.358). Additionally, the overall effect in the subgroup analysis of gargling and orally ingested items (taking capsules and drinking) showed a pooled RR of 0.62 (95% CIs 0.49-0.77, P = 0.003) without heterogeneity (I2= 0%, P = 0.554). There were no obvious publication biases (Egger's test (P = 0.138) and Begg's test (P = 0.103)). Our analysis suggests that green tea consumption is effective in the prophylaxis of influenza infections. To confirm the findings before implementation, longitudinal clinical trials with specific doses of green tea consumption are warranted.

Key Findings

To confirm the findings before implementation, longitudinal clinical trials with specific doses of green tea consumption are warranted.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 5048
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Catechin
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Influenza, Human
  • Plant Extracts
  • Tea

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: green-tea

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09