Green tea inhibits cycolooxygenase-2 in non-small cell lung cancer cells through the induction of Annexin-1

► Annexin-1 is involved in a wide range biological function and is an important anti-inflammatory mediator. ► Green tea induces Annexin-1 and inhibits COX-2 expression and PGE2 production in NSCLC. ► Data from siRNA experiment indicates that the anti-inflammatory activity is mediated by the up-regulation of Annexin-1. ► However, differential pattern of inhibitory effects of Annexin-1 on cPLA2 expression was observed among various cell types. ► Our study may provide a new mechanism of green tea on the prevention of lung cancer.