Bioactive compounds in green tea leaves attenuate the injury of retinal ganglion RGC-5 cells induced by H2O2 and ultraviolet radiation.

The Chinese commonly believe that tea helps maintain clear vision. This viewpoint has been recorded in Chinese medical books also. The key bioactive compounds in green tea leaves, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), L-theanine (theanine) and caffeine, were investigated for their abilities to attenuate the injury of retinal ganglion cells (RGC-5) induced by H2O2 and ultraviolet radiation. Theanine and caffeine promoted cell growth while concentrations of EGCG greater than 10μg/ml inhibited cell growth. The nine and caffeine both protected RGC-5 cells from injury as well as enhanced their recovery, while EGCG only protected the cells from injury and did not help them to recover. Tea is a unique drink, which is simultaneously enriched with EGCG, theanine and caffeine. The role of these compounds in optic nerve protection may partially explain why some tea drinkers feel enhanced vision.