The use of sinecatechins (polyphenon E) ointment for treatment of external genital warts

Introduction: Sinecatechins is a standardized extract of green tea leaves, containing a mixture of catechin compounds. The 15% ointment has been approved for the topical treatment of condylomata acuminata (CA), caused by particular human papillomaviruses (HPV), mainly HPV types 6 and 11. Objective: To update the use of sinecatechins for treatment of CA and to describe possible mechanisms involved in the mode of action. Areas covered: The clearance rate of wart lesions after treatment with sinecatechins is similar to other topically applied drugs, like imiquimod and podophyllotoxin, but recurrences are seen less frequently after treatment with sinecatechins. The molecular mode of action underlying the clinical efficacy has yet not been characterized, but the following properties are likely to be involved in the regression of genital warts: activation of cellular immune reactions, induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, inhibition of HPV gene expression. Expert opinion: Sinecatechins is a safe and effective treatment option for CA. Due to the variety of molecular activities of catechins the product has great potential for application to other viral and tumor lesions in the future.