Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG): Chemical and biomedical perspectives

Abstract

The compound (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the major catechin found in green tea [Camellia sinensis L. Ktze. (Theaceae)]. This polyphenolic compound and several related catechins are believed to be responsible for the health benefits associated with the consumption of green tea. The potential health benefits ascribed to green tea and EGCG include antioxidant effects, cancer chemoprevention, improving cardiovascular health, enhancing weight loss, protecting the skin from the damage caused by ionizing radiation, and others. The compound EGCG has been shown to regulate dozens of disease-specific molecular targets. Many of these molecular targets are only affected by concentrations of EGCG that are far above the levels achieved by either drinking green tea or consuming moderate doses of green tea extract-based dietary supplements. In spite of this, well-designed double-blinded controlled clinical studies have recently demonstrated the efficacy of green tea extracts and purified EGCG products in patients. Therefore, this review highlights results from what the authors believe to be some of the most clinically significant recent studies and describes current developments in the stereoselective total synthesis of EGCG.

Chá verde brasileiro (Camellia sinensis var assamica): efeitos do tempo de infusão, acondicionamento da erva e forma de preparo sobre a eficiência de extração dos bioativos e sobre a estabilidade da bebida

“…As principais catequinas do chá são (-) epigalocatequina galato (EGCG), (-) epigalocatequina (EGC), (-) epicatequina galato (ECG), epicatequina (EC) e catequina (C). A catequina mais abundante e ativa do chá verde é a EGCG (NAGLE; FERREIRA; ZHOU, 2006;PROVAN;. Além das catequinas, quantidades apreciáveis de flavonoides como quercetina e miricetina e seus glicosídeos estão presentes no chá verde (SAITO; MIYATA, 2000.…”

Green tea catechins for treatment of external genital warts

“…The main substances found in green tea are caffeine (2-4%), amino acids (4%), lignin (6.5%), organic acids (1.5%), protein (15%), chlorophyll (0.5%), and the polyphenols (25-35%). 4 The beneficial effects of green tea are attributed to the polyphenolic compounds present that are essentially colorless. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epigallocatechin (EGC) are the most important polyphenols (Figure 2), and a cup of green tea contains about 300-400 mg of polyphenols or 10-30 mg of EGCG.…”

“…Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epigallocatechin (EGC) are the most important polyphenols (Figure 2), and a cup of green tea contains about 300-400 mg of polyphenols or 10-30 mg of EGCG. 4 Because of the differences in the processing of tea leaves after harvest, catechins are present in higher quantities in green tea than in black or oolong tea.…”

Health benefits of Green and Black Tea: A Review

“…Epidemiological evidence and several randomized controlled intervention trials have shown an inverse relationship between habitual tea consumption (predominately green tea) and levels of body fat and waist circumference [64], [65]. While green tea contains an array of compounds, the putative antiobesity effects have been most commonly attributed to the polyphenolic fraction of green tea, specifically the catechins [66].Green tea catechins induces antiobesity effects by thermogenesis and substrate oxidation which are mediated by sympathetic nervous system activity, modifications in appetite control, down-regulation of enzymes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism, and decreased nutrient absorption [63]. But according to Pan etal., [67]black tea polyphenols are more effective than green tea polyphenols in body weight reduction.…”