Table 4.

Biological activities of matcha active constituents.

Active constituent	Biological activity	References
Chlorophyll	Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant	(314, 315)
Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG)	Decreases the ROS Increases enzymes for detoxification Anti-carcinogenic Anti-bacterial Antiviral Immunomodulatory	(300, 316–319)
Quercetin	Antioxidant Neuroprotective Decreases glucose absorption Increases insulin secretion and sensitivity Antiviral Immunomodulatory Anti-bacterial Anti-carcinogenic	(320–331)
Vitamin C	Strong exogenous antioxidant Enforces the immune system	(332)
Caffeine	Decreases the ROS Increases the antioxidant enzymes activity Increases glutathione levels Decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines	(333, 334)
Theanine	Gives distinctive and non-bitter taste	(335–337)
Phenolic Acids	Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory Hypoglycemic Neuroprotective Regulates carbohydrates/lipid metabolism	(333, 338–341)
Rutin	Antioxidant Anti-diabetic Anti-inflammatory	(332, 342, 343)