Green Tea Catechins-Based Herbal Churna: A Novel Approach for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders Worldwide. Its incidence is gradually increasing because of an aging demographic. Therefore, AD prevention and modification is important to improve the health status of older adults. Over 100 years ago, the first case of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was reported by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, In a German woman, Auguste Deter. It was subsequently named “Alzheimer’s disease” by Dr. Emil Kraepelin and colleagues [1,4]. The number of individuals with AD is gradually increasing due to worldwide Aging. Catechins, which are bioactive components of tea, have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, other potential properties related to AD prevention and modification have been reported in in vitro and in vivo studies. Green tea catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have emerged as promising Natural compounds with neuroprotective properties. Catechins are polyphenolic antioxidants found in Camellia sinensis that exhibit anti-amyloidogenic, anti-inflammatory, and synaptic protective Effects. Studies suggest that EGCG can reduce Aβ aggregation, inhibit tau hyperphosphorylation, modulate oxidative stress, and enhance cognitive function.

• Green Tea Catechins

? Plant Description:

1. Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree
2. Height: Typically pruned to 3-5 feet for harvesting, but can grow up to 15-20 feet in the wild
3. Leaves: Glossy, dark green, serrated edges; young leaves and buds are harvested for tea
4. Flowers: Small, white, fragrant flowers with yellow stamens; bloom in autumn
5. Fruit: Small, round capsules with one to three seeds
6. Class and Category:

Class: Flavonoids (subcategory: flavan-3-ols or catechins)

Category: Polyphenolic Compounds (Antioxidants)

7. Chemical Composition: Green tea is particularly rich in catechins, the most abundant being epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), along with other flavonoids and caffeine[12,14].
8. Sources and Variants: Green tea is minimally processed compared to black or oolong tea, preserving higher concentrations of catechins Major regions producing green tea include China, Japan, India, and Sri Lanka .

?Green Tea Catechins In The Treatment Of Alzheimer’s Disease

1.Antioxidant Effects

2.Anti-amyloid Properties

3.Anti-inflammatory Effects

4.Chelation of Metal Ions

5.Signaling

6.Improvement in Cognitive Function

Fig No 1. Green Tea

Fig No. 2 Several Uses of Green Tea Catechins

Herbal Churna (or Churnas) are finely powdered formulations of medicinal herbs used in traditional systems like Ayurveda. Prepared by cleaning, drying, pulverizing, and sieving herbs, churnas are effective due to their small particle size, which enhances absorption and bioavailability. They are natural, safe, customizable, cost-effective, and easy to use. An example is Green Tea Catechins Herbal Churna, which combines green tea polyphenols with other herbs to provide potent antioxidant effects, support weight management, improve cardiovascular and brain health, and boost immunity. These formulations are increasingly being made into tablets for precise dosing and modern convenience.

Fig No 3. Preparation of Herbal Churna

• Alzheimer’s Disease

Over 100 years ago, the first case of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was reported by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, in a German woman, Auguste Deter. It was subsequently named “Alzheimer’s Disease” By Dr. Emil Kraepelin and colleagues .The number of individuals with AD is gradually increasing due to worldwide aging. [1,2,3,4]. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

Fig No 4. Difference of Healthy Brain and Alzheimer’s Brain

1. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

1. Memory Loss
2. Difficulty in Problem-Solving and Planning
3. Confusion with Time and Place
4. Difficulty in Completing Familiar Tasks
5. Difficulty in Understanding Visual and Spatial Relationships
6. Language Problems
7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
8. Decreased or Poor Judgment
9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities

• Pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s Disease

Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions between genetic, molecular, and environmental factors, leading to the characteristic features of amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and widespread neuronal loss [1].

Fig No 5. Pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s Disease

Plant Profile:

1.Green Tea:

Fig No 6. Green Tea Catechins Powder

• Green tea catechins, especially EGCG, are powerful antioxidants with multiple health
• Benefits They support weight loss, heart health, and brain function, and may help
• Prevent cancer. Catechins also have anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and blood sugar-
• Regulating properties, making them popular in both health supplements and skincare.

Fig No 7. Chem. Str. Of Green Tea Catechins

Bramhi:

Fig No 8. Bramhi Powder

Brahmi is a traditional Ayurvedic herb known for boosting brain function. It enhances memory, focus, and mental clarity, and helps reduce stress and anxiety. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supports skin and hair health, and may aid in managing neurological conditions [27, 28].

Fig No 9. Chem. Str. of Bramhi

3. Ashwagandha:

Fig No 10. Ashwagandha Powder

Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen with wide-ranging benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, boosting energy, improving sleep, enhancing cognitive function, and supporting the immune system. It also helps in hormonal balance and muscle recovery [34,35].

Fig No 11. Chem. Str. of Ashwagandha

4. Shankhpushpi:

Fig No 12. Shankhpushpi Powder

Shankhpushpi is a brain and nervous system tonic that helps with memory, focus, and reducing stress. It also aids in improving sleep, supports immunity, and has anti-inflammatory benefits [9,10].

Fig No 13. Chem. Str. of Shankhpushpi

5. Turmeric:

Fig No 14. Turmeric Powder

Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb with numerous health benefits, including supporting joint, heart, and brain health, improving digestion, and promoting healthy skin. Its active compound, curcumin, is central to its therapeutic properties[5,7].

Fig No 15. Chem. Str. of Turmeric

6. Gotu Kola:

Fig No 16. Gotu Kola Powder

Gotu Kola is a versatile herb known for its benefits in improving cognitive function, supporting skin health, reducing anxiety, and promoting circulation. It also aids in wound healing and has antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties [12,16,24].

Fig No 17. Chem. Str. of Gotu Kola

7.Black pepper:

Fig No 18. Black Pepper Powder

Black pepper is more than just a spice; it’s a powerful medicinal herb with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive benefits. It helps enhance nutrient absorption, promotes digestion, supports the immune system, and has potential weight-loss benefits [29].

Fig No 19. Chem. Str. Of Black Pepper

• MATERIAL AND METHOD

Materials:

Collection of green tea leaves and other herbs required for formulation of herbal churn. Herbs are as follows; Green tea extract, Bramhi, Ashwagandha , Shankhpushpi, turmeric, Gotu kola , Black pepper[14,15].

Table No 1. Materials Used

Method:

?Extraction of Catechins from Green Tea Leaves by Maceration

To extract catechins, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), from green tea leaves using the maceration method. A method for preparing green tea catechins using the maceration process, which is a simple and widely used extraction technique [30,32].

Fig. No 20. Maceration Process

• Method of preparation of herbal churna

• Method of Preparation of Herbal Churna
• Green tea extract preparation
• Dry and grind them into a fine powder
• Obtain dried powder of bramhi ashwagandha, turmeric, gotu kola.
• Mix in a specific ratio to optimize neuroprotection
• Add black pepper extract to boost absorption
• Ensure uniform mixing for consistent therapeutic effect
• The desired herbal churn is obtained by grinding and mixing method
• To evaluate prepared herbal churn in various methods

• Formulation of Herbal Churna

Table No 2. Formulation Table

• Evaluation Parameters

1.Organoleptic Characteristics

1.Color:

Churna was taken into watch glass and placed against white background in white tube light .

It was observed for their color by naked eye.

2.Odor:

gram churna was smelled and odour was noted.

3.Taste:

A Pinch of churna was taken and examined for its taste buds of the tongue. [4,5].

2.Physicochemical Parameters

1.Determination of PH: