Efficacy of a Polyphenolic, Standardized Green Tea Extract for the Treatment of COVID-19 Syndrome: A Proof-of-Principle Study

The lack of therapies for moderate COVID-19 syndrome prompted us to use a standardized polyphenolic green tea extract rich in catechins during the lockdown due pandemic Italy (Autumn 2020). Catechins are powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral agents that safe human use. While awaiting hospitalization, 10 swab-positive patients, symptomatic SARS-COV-2, were treated 15 days at home with two sessions inhalation plus three capsules per day (total catechins: 840 mg; total EGCG: 595 mg). All patients recovered fully had no symptoms median 9 days, range 7–15 days. Seven switched negative SARS-COV-2 nasopharyngeal swab test 6–13 Among 3 still swab-positive, one strong decrease infection down “very low” nucleic acid load 5 exited quarantine end therapy because they free symptoms. Inflammation markers ?-1 anti-trypsin, C-reactive protein eosinophils significantly decreased. IL-6 erythrocyte sedimentation rate decreased 7 out patients. To best our knowledge, this is first report efficacy catechin against syndrome. These results may open new perspectives fight disease.