Epigallocatechin Gallate from Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Increases Lifespan and Stress Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a major green tea polyphenol with pronounced antioxidative activity. The effects of EGCG on lifespan and stress resistance in wild-type N2 and transgenic strains of Caenorhabditis elegans [hsp-16.2/GFP, mev-1(kn1), fem-1 (hc17)] were investigated. The expression of hsp-16.2 (induced by the pro-oxidant juglone) and the intracellular levels of H2O2 were inhibited by EGCG treatment. Daily administration of 220 mu M EGCG increased the mean lifespan by 10.14% and 14.27% in N2 and fem-1(hc17) strains, respectively, and 55 mu M EGCG increased the mean lifespan in mev-1(kn1) by 16.11%. The survival rate was also increased under lethal oxidative stress by 65.05%. These findings suggest that the increased mean lifespan and stress resistance in C. elegans apparently depend, among other factors, on the antioxidant properties of EGCG.