An update on disease preventing potential of green tea in comparison with some tisanes

•This review provides an overview of antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial and anticancer properties of green tea in comparison with herbal teas.•Green tea is a popular beverage known for its health promoting effects.•Herbal teas or tisanes possess disease preventing abilities but are underutilized.•Mate tea and balm tea illustrated better antioxidant and antidiabetic potential than green tea.•Need to conduct more studies regarding biological activities of herbal tea and green tea combinations to realize their untapped potential.