What is the antioxidant mechanism of matcha?

Antioxidant Mechanisms of Matcha

As a powdered green tea, matcha is rich in potent antioxidants, primarily catechins—especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Its antioxidant mechanisms operate at multiple levels, primarily through neutralizing free radicals and enhancing the body’s defense systems:

• Neutralizing Free Radicals:
  Catechins (particularly EGCG) possess polyphenolic structures that donate electrons to free radicals (e.g., reactive oxygen species, ROS), stabilizing and deactivating them. This prevents oxidative damage to cell membranes, DNA, and proteins, thereby reducing oxidative stress.

• Chelating Metal Ions:
  Catechins bind to transition metal ions (e.g., iron, copper), forming stable complexes. This reduces the ability of these ions to catalyze the Fenton reaction, suppressing free radical generation.

• Activating Endogenous Antioxidant Systems:
  Components like EGCG activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, promoting the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT). These enzymes synergistically scavenge free radicals, enhancing overall antioxidant defense.

• Inhibiting Pro-Oxidant Enzymes:
  Catechins suppress the activity of enzymes like xanthine oxidase and cyclooxygenase, reducing sources of free radical production and further lowering the risk of oxidative damage.

Collectively, these mechanisms effectively reduce oxidative stress, delivering health benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects, cancer prevention, cardiovascular protection, and anti-aging properties.