Advances in the Antagonism of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the Treatment of Digestive Tract Tumors

Abstract

Due to changes in the dietary structure of individuals, the incidence of digestive tract tumors has increased significantly in recent years, causing a serious threat to the life and health of patients. This has in turn led to an increase in cancer prevention research. Many studies have shown that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an active ingredient in green tea, is in direct contact with the digestive tract upon ingestion, which allows it to elicit a significant antagonizing effect on digestive tract tumors. The main results of EGCG treatment include the prevention of tumor development in the digestive tract and the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. EGCG can be orally administered, is safe, and combats other resistances. The synergistic use of cancer drugs can promote the efficacy and reduce the anti-allergic properties of drugs, and is thus, favored in medical research. EGCG, however, currently possesses several shortcomings such as poor stability and low bioavailability, and its clinical application prospects need further development. In this paper, we have systematically summarized the research progress on the ability of EGCG to antagonize the activity and mechanism of action of digestive tract tumors, to achieve prevention, alleviation, delay, and even treat human gastrointestinal tract tumors via exogenous dietary EGCG supplementation or the development of new drugs containing EGCG.

Apoptotic-Induced Effects of Acacia Catechu Willd. Extract in Human Colon Cancer Cells

“…Among catechins, EGCG from green tea is one of the most studied, and it has been reported to be active against many types of cancer, including colorectal [31], lung [32], breast [33] and liver [34]. These effects basically arise from its abilities to promote pro-apoptotic effects, inhibit angiogenesis, regulate cellular metabolic pathways, and reduce inflammatory factors [28,35]. EGCG can increase the activities of traditional anticancer treatments [36][37][38] and reverse drug cell resistance, and this has encouraged its use in clinical trials for treatments of various types of cancer and other diseases [39].…”

Epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate ameliorates LPS‑induced inflammation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK signaling molecules in rat H9c2 cells

“…However, a series of toxic side effects are induced by high doses of EGCG ( 30 ). Previous clinical studies have identified that the side effects of EGCG include nausea, insomnia and hepatotoxicity ( 31 , 32 ). When the present study was conducted, to the best of the authors' knowledge there were no previous studies in the literature to check the optimal EGCG concentration.…”

Epigallocatechin Gallate Protects against MNNG-Induced Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Carcinoma in Rats via PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway

“…Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a major polyphenolic constituent derived from green tea and has significant anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties [ 6 ]. Extensive research on EGCG has brought into light their potential to prevent cancer by inducing apoptosis and suppressing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion [ 7 , 8 ]. In addition, it has been reported that EGCG can protect vascular endothelial cells from oxidative stress-induced damage [ 9 ].…”