Mechanisms Underlying the Effects of the Green Tea Polyphenol EGCG in Sarcopenia Prevention and Management

Sarcopenia is prevalent among the older population andseverelyaffects human health. Tea catechins may benefit for skeletal muscleperformance and protect against secondary sarcopenia. However, themechanisms underlying their antisarcopenic effect are still not fullyunderstood. Despite initial successes in animal and early clinicaltrials regarding the safety and efficacy of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG), a major catechin of green tea, many challenges, problems,and unanswered questions remain. In this comprehensive review, wediscuss the potential role and underlying mechanisms of EGCG in sarcopeniaprevention and management. We thoroughly review the general biologicalactivities and general effects of EGCG on skeletal muscle performance,EGCG's antisarcopenic mechanisms, and recent clinical evidenceof the aforesaid effects and mechanisms. We also address safety issuesand provide directions for future studies. The possible concertedactions of EGCG indicate the need for further studies on sarcopeniaprevention and management in humans.

Automated summary

Sarcopenia is a common and detrimental condition in older populations. Tea catechins, particularly (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in green tea, have shown potential benefits for skeletal muscle performance and prevention of sarcopenia. However, the underlying mechanisms of these protective effects are still not fully understood.