Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has attracted scientific interest for its potential hepatoprotective effects, largely due to its high content of catechins, particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Several animal studies have shown that green tea extract and its polyphenols can reduce liver fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which are key contributors to cirrhosis development. For example, in rodent models of liver injury, green tea catechins have been demonstrated to suppress stellate cell activation (a driver of fibrosis), reduce lipid peroxidation, and lower markers of inflammation.

Human evidence, however, is limited and mostly observational or based on surrogate endpoints. Some epidemiological studies suggest that regular green tea consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis, but the data are not robust enough to establish causality. Small clinical trials have explored green tea extract supplementation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis, showing improvements in certain liver enzymes and markers of oxidative stress, but not specifically in cirrhosis reversal or progression.

Importantly, very high doses of green tea extracts have been linked to liver toxicity in rare cases. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and preliminary evidence supporting a beneficial effect of green tea on liver health, its use specifically for the treatment or reversal of cirrhosis is not strongly validated. Further large-scale, controlled clinical trials are needed to clarify its role.