Abstract: Excessive ultraviolet radiation can put cells under stress, resulting in excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage, and consequently disturbing the intracellular homeostasis. Tea is known to have a preventive effect against ultraviolet radiation-induced damage and related diseases. As a major class of function ingredients in tea, tea polyphenols are able to directly absorb ultraviolet radiation and assist metabolic regulation by binding to the specific targets in the body. In this paper, we review recent studies on how tea can prevent ultraviolet radiation-induced damage by maintaining the intracellular homeostasis. The mechanisms of action of tea in repairing ultraviolet radiation-induced damage are also described, including enhancing the repairing of DNA damage, inhibiting the activation of inflammasomes, maintaining the dynamic balance of inflammatory factors, and regulating the repairing mechanism of stress-induced sleep damage. Moreover, future directions for research on the preventive effect of tea on ultraviolet radiation-induced damage are discussed.

Key words: tea; intracellular homeostasis; ultraviolet radiation; DNA damage; inflammasome