Abstract

The aim of this literature review was to provide essential information about a plant which is known to everyone as a beverage. In this study we collected particular information about the tea, such as its history, botanical classification, types, extraction methodologies, plant morphology, its active constituents and uses as medicine. Every aspect was elaborated briefly with essence of easy understanding. Special consideration was given to antioxidant potential of the tea and mechanisms by which it acts as antioxidant. At the end, some suggestions for further expanding of the research were defined.

Key words: Tea, flavonoids, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), antioxidant.