Epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG): Mechanisms and the Combined Applications

Background: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is an important pharmacological component in tea, and various effects, including anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, anti-aging, antiobesity, anti-diabetes, cardiovascular disease prevention and protection, immunoregulation, and neuroprotection, of this component have been confirmed. However, EGCG has been rarely used in clinical applications because of its poor stability and low bioavailability. Objective: The work summarizes the characteristics about EGCG, describes its pharmacological mechanisms, explores the clinical availability of EGCG, and establishes a basis for EGCG preparations in clinical applications. Conclusion: In addition to altering dosage forms or synthesizing analogs to overcome losses during absorption, inducing gauxiliary effect and enhancing chemosensitivity can be achieved by EGCG in a combined medication. The pharmacological action, pharmacology network, including mutation of signaling receptor and modulation of intracellular signaling pathway, and combination treatment strategy of EGCG are clarified and distinguished. Possible targets and combined applications based on the characteristics of EGCG are also systematically summarized. EGCG may be a candidate compound that maintains balance of the patient's disease progression and becomes suitable for clinical use in combination treatment. Keywords: EGCG, auxiliary effect, enhancing chemosensitivity, combined medication, pharmacological action, pharmacology network.