Green tea, phytomedicine against influenza A: Role of catechins Té verde, Fitomedicamento contra la Influenza A: Rol de las Catequinas

Abstract

The highly variable Influenza A is constantly changed in new forms, like avian influenza or actual pandemic swine flu, has forced to massive use of antiviral drugs. Neuraminidase inhibitors are those with acceptable risk - efficacy profile. However, high variability of neuraminidase among different Influenza A viruses has resulted in viral resistance. Searching for new therapeutic resources, green tea (Camelia sinensis) has been reported to inhibit Influenza A virus replication, due to its catechines that bind to the active pocket endonuclease domain of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. This enzyme is highly conserved among influenza A virus variants. So, a Camelia sinensis catechine standardized extract could become an anti endonuclease herbal drug.