2026Journal articleFree to read
Dominika Joanna Duczmal-Zowczak, Tomasz Zowczak, Jakub Tomasz Duczmal, Maciej Kalita, Natalia Krajewska
Quality in Sport
Background: Matcha is a powdered form of Camellia sinensis produced using shaded cultivation and consumed as whole powdered tea leaves, resulting in exposure to bioactive compounds including catechins, caffeine, L-theanine and chlorophylls. Aim: To review current evidence on the chemical composition and potential health-promoting effects of matcha, emphasizing metabolic health, cognitive function, psychological stress, physical performance, gut microbiota and periodontal health, distinguishing human studies from experimental models. Materials and methods: PubMed-indexed peer-reviewed studies, randomized controlled trials, experimental investigations, animal studies and reviews addressing matcha were analyzed. Twenty-seven sources were included. Results: Matcha contains high amounts of epigallocatechin gallate, L-theanine, caffeine and chlorophylls, varying by processing. Preclinical studies indicate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects, including modulation of lipid metabolism, gut microbiota and the gut-liver axis. Human studies suggest matcha may increase fat oxidation during walking, moderate resistance training fatigue, and maintain attention after stress. Cognitive findings are mixed, without clear long-term global improvements. Matcha shows antimicrobial activity against pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis, with preliminary periodontal benefits. Conclusions: Matcha is a bioactive-rich dietary source with strong experimental activity. Clinical evidence for metabolic, cognitive and periodontal benefits remains limited by heterogeneous study designs. Further long-term trials are required.
Abstract text comes from PubMed, OpenAlex or Europe PMC and belongs to the authors and publisher.
Study type
Randomized controlled trial
People were randomly assigned to matcha or a comparison.
Assigned automatically from the title, abstract and subject terms.
Topics
Matcha is a main subject here (named in the title).
Dominika Joanna Duczmal-Zowczak, Tomasz Zowczak, Jakub Tomasz Duczmal, Maciej Kalita, Natalia Krajewska. (2026). Matcha as a source of bioactive compounds - current evidence on biological properties and potential clinical relevance. Quality in Sport. https://doi.org/10.12775/qs.2026.73.75323
DOI: 10.12775/qs.2026.73.75323
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