Protective effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) against kidney diseases: a narrative review.

Kidney diseases are a global health concern, and their prevalence continues to rise. Current treatments offer limited protection for the kidneys. The protective effects of the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in various diseases have been widely studied. Experimental and clinical evidence indicates that the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties of EGCG demonstrate therapeutic potential for the treatment and prevention of kidney diseases. This narrative review explores the available evidence on the effects and potential protective mechanisms of EGCG across a broad range of kidney conditions, including acute kidney injury, drug-induced nephrotoxicity, kidney stones, diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, and kidney fibrosis.