Green Tea and Its Photoprotective and Anticarcinogenic Effects on the Skin

Of the many environmental and genetic factors that contribute to skin carcinogenesis, chronic UV radiation (UVR) exposure is by far the most important. UV radiation can cause many detrimental effects on our skin including sunburn, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, cataracts, photoaging of the skin, and immune suppression. Primary prevention has reduced the incidence of skin cancers in populations at highest risk but further protection is necessary. Chemoprevention is defined as prevention of disease through dietary changes or pharmacologic intervention. Commonly used agents include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers, and green tea. The catechin derivatives from green tea have been shown to reduce UV-induced skin cancer, the most potent derivative being (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The review is intended to highlight the anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of green tea that show its potential as a chemopreventive and photoprotective agent against skin cancers and photoaging.