Menu
sorate
0
  • SHOP
    • MATCHA
    • TEA
    • KITS & SETS
    • ACCESSORIES
    • GIFTS
  • READ
    • MAGAZINE
      • BREWING
      • HEALTH BENEFITS
      • MINDFULNESS
      • THE PLANT
      • RECIPES
    • ABOUT
      • OUR STORY
      • THE FARM
  • Sign in
  • Your Cart is Empty
sorate
  • SHOP
    • MATCHA
    • TEA
    • KITS & SETS
    • ACCESSORIES
    • GIFTS
  • READ
    • MAGAZINE
    • BREWING
    • HEALTH BENEFITS
    • MINDFULNESS
    • THE PLANT
    • RECIPES
    • ABOUT
    • OUR STORY
    • THE FARM
  • 0 0

Prevent Influenza

+Categories

  • Health Benefits
  • Mindfulness
  • my morning ritual
  • The Plant
  • Tips & Recipes
  • Travel Guide

Prevent Influenza

Home   MAGAZINE   Prevent Influenza
The Plant

September 27, 2022

After studying green tea at a biochemical level, a particular compound from Camelia Sinensis was discovered to be capable of suppressing the influenza virus and its associated symptoms.

Known as a catechin, the compound was found to exhibit characteristics that demonstrated antiviral activity.

Catechins are also active against other pathogens in the respiratory tract, which is a common infection site for influenza. They directly prevent infection by binding to glycoprotein spikes on the surface of viruses. This action renders the virus incapable of adsorption or binding to the receptors of host cells in the respiratory tract by destroying the protective mucus coating that lines it, therefore, deterring infection.

The most prominent catechin compound is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which was the main focus of Mikio Nakayama’s research against influenza viruses. Nakayama found that EGCG could inhibit agglutination (clumping effects) in two types of viruses, including Influenza A (the main cause of flu epidemics).

This prevents them from successfully attaching to host cells. Other catechins, such as Epigallocatechin (EGC) and Epicatechin-3-O-gallate (ECG), were used in similar experiments and displayed some capacity for anti-viral activity, but EGCG was found to be the most effective.

Alongside understanding the biochemistry behind green tea, a few studies provide insight into the use of green tea as a protective measure against influenza within communities.

Some studies examined the effects of gargling green tea in the elderly population, while others concentrated on its health benefits in children and high school students. In one study, gargling green tea or its ingredients was associated with a lower likelihood of infection than gargling water or placebo alternatives. In another study, 124 elderly volunteers who gargled catechin extract exhibited similar therapeutic effects, while 200 healthcare workers in a separate investigation demonstrated the same outcome and were protected against the Influenza A virus.

Thus, it is evident that EGCG and other tea catechins have been associated with protection against the influenza virus in humans.

Despite the potential application of tea catechins in antiviral protection, existing evidence does not verify green tea as an alternative to medical treatments. Annual vaccinations remain a viable defence option against the flu bug considering the high viral mutation rates that lead to re-emerging outbreaks of influenza and related pandemics, such as the 2009 Swine Flu outbreak.

BUY TEA AND MATCHA

  • Share:


Also in MAGAZINE

MATCHA ICE POPS RECIPE
Tips & Recipes
MATCHA ICE POPS

August 06, 2024

Read More

Cultivar Matcha
The Plant
MATCHA CULTIVARS

July 24, 2024

Matcha, like champagne, is crafted from specific cultivars, each contributing unique flavors. Sorate offers four cultivars: Yabukita (balanced, vibrant green), Samidori (deep green, mild), Asahi (rare, rich, creamy), and Okumidori (umami, bright green).

Single Cultivar matcha showcases one cultivar's traits, preferred by enthusiasts. Blended Cultivar matcha combines multiple cultivars for a balanced flavor, appealing to a broader audience. At Sorate, our diverse matchas highlight these unique flavors and qualities for a distinctive matcha experience.

Read More

SPARKLING MATCHA YUZU SUMMER DRINK
Tips & Recipes
SPARKLING MATCHA YUZU RECIPE

July 16, 2024

Sparkling Matcha Yuzu Recipe
Elevate your matcha experience with this fresh and delicious recipe. Follow these simple steps to create a delightful Sparkling Matcha Yuzu drink:
 

Read More

Follow
  • Shop
  • Reservations
  • Wholesale
  • Contact
  • Shipping Policy
  • Refund Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy

Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more…

© 2025 sorate.
Powered by Shopify

★ Reviews

Let customers speak for us

85 reviews
Write a review
91%
(77)
4%
(3)
1%
(1)
5%
(4)
1%
(1)
43
S
SōKŪ 蒼空 - MATCHA SUPERIOR - 40gr
Sally Huang

SōKŪ 蒼空 - MATCHA SUPERIOR - 40gr

l
HEKISHO 碧霄 - HOUSE MATCHA - 40gr
lilly
disappointed

disappointed after trying this matcha directly after finishing my rockys osada tin. i was excited since this is supposed to be “the spot” to get matcha in nyc so i was expecting it to be good. its not bad its just average and honestly pretty chalky/grainy textured even afer fine sifting and whisking well. and theres an unpleasant bitter taste especially towards the bottom of my drink even after mixing and shaking it around to keep it from separating. i would definitely stick to ippodo and rockys in the future.

L
HEKISHO 碧霄 - HOUSE MATCHA - 40gr
Lynn
So nutty

Delicious matcha powder, nutty and pairs well with whole milk for an iced latte

123