Definition

A mouthwash containing green tea, derived from the dried leaves of Camelia sinensis, with potential antioxidant, protective and chemopreventive activities. Green tea contains polyphenols that are believed to be responsible for most of the green tea’s effects. The polyphenol fraction contains mainly epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and other catechins, such as epicatechin (EC), gallocatechin gallate (GCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epicatechin gallate (ECG). Upon rinsing with the green tea mouthwash, the green tea polyphenols act as antioxidants and free radical scavengers, thereby protecting cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevent further cellular damage to the mucosa. This may decrease chemotherapy- and/or radiation-induced oral mucositis.