A new study in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology reveals a complex, bidirectional relationship between green tea polyphenols and human gut bacteria. Researchers found that specific gut microbes, including Adlercreutzia, Eggerthella, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, chemically break down green tea catechins through reactions like C-ring opening and galloyl ester hydrolysis, producing derivatives with enhanced antioxidant activity.
In turn, these polyphenols and their byproducts inhibit the growth of most bacteria in the phyla Actinobacteria, Bacteroides, and Firmicutes, while sparing Lactobacillus species. This bio-transformation process likely influences the bioavailability and therapeutic effects of green tea compounds in the human body. The findings shed light on how gut microbiota metabolize dietary polyphenols, potentially impacting health benefits ranging from cancer prevention to metabolic regulation. And green tea isn’t the only tea directly influencing your microbiome and improving your metabolism and organ function.
Read Full Article: https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-05-29-the-polyphenols-in-these-common-teas-improve-your-microbiome-and-metabolism.html
