Complex effects of different green tea catechins on human platelets.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea, has been previously shown to inhibit platelet aggregation. The effects of other green tea catechins on platelet function are not known. Pre-incubation with EGCG concentration-dependently inhibited thrombin-induced aggregation and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinases-1/2. In contrast EGCG stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of platelet proteins, including Syk and SLP-76 but inhibited phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase. Other catechins did not inhibit platelet aggregation. Interestingly, when EGCG was added to stirred platelets, a tyrosine kinase-dependent stimulation of platelet aggregation was observed. The two other catechins containing a galloyl group in the 3' position (catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate) also stimulated platelet aggregation, while catechins without a galloyl group (catechin, epicatechin) or the catechin with a galloyl group in the 2' position (epigallocatechin) did not.