Epigallocatechin gallate: Phytochemistry, bioavailability, utilization challenges, and strategies

Area of Science:

• Nutraceuticals and Food Science
• Pharmacology and Drug Delivery
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major green tea catechin, exhibits significant health-promoting properties, including anti-obesity, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities.
• Its application in functional foods and therapeutics is hindered by poor stability, low bioavailability, and reduced absorption rates under various physiological and processing conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review factors affecting EGCG bioavailability and explore strategies to enhance its therapeutic efficacy.
• To summarize advancements in structural modifications and nanoparticle-based delivery systems for improved EGCG utilization.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on factors influencing EGCG stability and absorption.
• Analysis of various strategies including prodrug synthesis, esterification, and nano-formulations (nano-emulsions, encapsulations, silica-based nanoparticles).
• Examination of targeted delivery approaches to enhance EGCG bioavailability and stability.

Main Results:

• Structural modifications (e.g., prodrugs, esterification) can overcome premature degradation and improve absorption.
• Nanoparticle-based approaches like nano-emulsions, encapsulations, and silica-based nanoparticles effectively enhance EGCG delivery and stability.
• Targeted delivery systems show promise for increasing EGCG bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Modified EGCG formulations, including prodrugs and nanoparticle systems, offer superior concentrations with reduced toxicity.
• These strategies improve EGCG penetration and absorption, leading to enhanced bioactivities at lower doses.
• Enhanced EGCG stability and bioavailability will expand its clinical applications and use in the food and cosmetic industries.