Enhanced activity of tyrosine kinase receptors (RTKs) has been implicated as a contributing factor in the development of malignant and nonmalignant proliferative diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis. Several growth factors traducing mitogenic signals through RTKs are implicated in the development of tumor and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, in recent years many efforts have been made to develop RTK small molecule inhibitors for the treatment of tumor and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, catechins, the main compounds of green tea leafs, have been identified as potent natural inhibitors of several RTKs. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that catechins possess antiangiogenic properties. In summary, several animal and cell culture studies suggest that catechins are potential candidates for the clinical therapy of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. (c) 2002 Prous Science. All rights reserved.