Evaluation of green tea extract as a safe personal hygiene against viral infections

Lee, Yun Ha; Jang, Yo Han; Kim, Young-Seok; Kim, Jinku; Seong, Baik Lin

The durability of antiviral effect of the GTE against human influenza virus (H1N1) was examined as a powder type and a solution type over extended periods at various temperature conditions. The data revealed that a potent antiviral activity of the GTE with about 4 log 10 reduction of viral titers was maintained with wide range of temperatures (4-37°C) for two months as solution type, and for prolonged period as power. These data suggest that catechin-based antiviral agents could be formulated as a safe and environmentally friendly personal hygiene against viral infections. When formulated with ascorbic acid, the potency of virucidal activity was temporarily compromised, while the exhaustion of antiviral activity was delayed, prolonging the duration of the virucidal function over extended period. In contrasts to most antiviral agents of synthetic chemicals, GTE does not pose any safety concern, but even considered beneficial for human health. Besides human use, it could also be used for protecting animals and livestock from viral infections and reducing zoonotic transmissions. The GTE could be supplemented with other components for an extended use as environmentally friendly virucidal agents.