Differential inhibition of HIV-reverse transcriptase and various DNA and RNA polymerases by some catechin derivatives.

The two components of Camellia sinensis (green tea) (i.e., (-)-epigallocatechin gallate and (-)-epicatechin gallate were found to differentially inhibit the activities of reverse transcriptase and cellular DNA and RNA polymerases. The strongest inhibition by these compounds was observed with reverse transcriptase. DNA polymerases alpha and beta were also strongly inhibited. The mode of the inhibition of reverse transcriptase and other DNA polymerases was competitive with respect to the template.primer, whereas the mode the inhibition of RNA polymerase was competitive with respect to the nucleotide substrate.