Biological potential and mechanisms of Tea’s bioactive compounds: An Updated review

BACKGROUND: Tea (Camellia sinensis) has a rich history and is widely consumed across many countries, and is categorized into green tea, white tea, oolong tea, yellow tea, black tea, and dark tea based on the level of fermentation. Based on a review of previous literature, the commonly recognized bioactive substances in tea include tea polyphenols, amino acids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, terpenoids, macro minerals, trace elements, and vitamins, which have been known to have various potential health benefits, such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, and anti-obesity properties, cardiovascular protection, immune regulation, and control of the intestinal microbiota. Most studies have only pointed out the characteristics of tea's bioactivities, so a comprehensive summary of the pharmacological characteristics and mechanisms of tea's bioactivities and their use risks are vital. AIM OF REVIEW: This paper aims to summarize tea's bioactive substances of tea and their pharmacological characteristics and mechanisms, providing a scientific basis for the application of bioactive substances in tea and outlining future research directions for the study of bioactive substances in tea. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW: This review summarizes the main biologically active substances, pharmacological effects, and mechanisms and discusses the potential risks. It may help researchers grasp more comprehensive progress in the study of tea bioactive substances to further promote the application of tea as a natural bioactive substance in the medical field.