Nuclear factor erythroid 2 [NF-E2]-related factor 2 (Nrf2), the redox-sensitive transcription factor, plays a key role in stress-defense and detoxification. Nrf2 is tightly controlled by its negative regulator cum sensor Kelch-[ECH]-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Nrf2 is well known for its dual nature owing to its cancer preventive and cancer promoting abilities. Modulation of this biphasic nature of Nrf2 signaling by phytochemicals may be a potential cancer preventive and anticancer therapeutic strategy. Phytocompounds may either act as Nrf2-activator or Nrf2-inhibitor depending on their differential concentration and varied cellular environment. Tea is not just the most popular global beverage with innumerable health-benefits but has well-established chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects. Various types of tea infusions contain a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenolic catechins and flavonols, which are endowed with potent antioxidant properties. Despite of their rapid biotransformation and poor bioavailability, regular tea consumption is risk-reductive for several cancer forms. Tea catechins show their dual Nrf2-modulatory effect by directly acting on Nrf2-Keap1 or their upstream regulators and downstream effectors in a highly case-specific manner. In this review, we have tried to present a comprehensive evaluation of the Nrf2-mediated chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic applications of tea in various preclinical cancer models, the Nrf2-modulatory mechanisms, and the limitations which need to be addressed in future research.
Keywords: Chemoprevention; Chemotherapy; EGCG; Nrf2-Keap1 signaling; Tea polyphenols; Theaflavin.
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