ABSTRACT
Several challenges remained before catechins could be used widely for treatment of ocular diseases. Although there are more than 30 different types of catechins, one form, the epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) has been studied most extensively in medicinal chemistry and pharmacology. Pattern electroretinography increased in amplitude in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients taking EGCG, and this increase was inversely correlated with baseline amplitudes. Although this was a short-term study, this confirms the potential for catechins as therapeutic agents in POAG. Thus, the effect of catechins on the trabecular meshwork has to be deduced indirectly by measuring the consternation in the aqueous humor. Catechins can undergo various transformations during food processing: degradation, oxidation, epimerization, and polymerization, depending on different factors such as ambient temperature, presence of oxygen and pH. The anaerobic degradation of catechins proceeds through a different mechanism. Oxidation is another form of biotransformation experienced by catechins and has been studied extensively.
