Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University

Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo

Okayama University

Summary

Catechins in green tea are expected to have beneficial effects on the human body, such as antioxidant and antibacterial effects, but they may also have the potential to influence stress reduction and physiological responses in plants.

A research group led by Professor Nobuyuki Uozumi of Graduate School of Engineering at Tohoku University, in collaboration with The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science, Okayama University, and the University of Milan, has found two natural compounds in green tea that inhibit ion transporters, which are responsible for regulating the opening and closing of plant pores. These compounds are also expected to be candidates for natural herbicides and biostimulants. This research was published in the May issue of Advanced Science.

Figure: Schematic of the research results
Two catechins (CG and GCG) in green tea inhibit (alleviate) stomatal closure induced by ABA during drying.

Dr. Masaru Kono, Project Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, participated in the research results.

For more information, please visit the Tohoku University website.