Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, specifically a catechin, most abundantly found in green tea leaves. It is widely studied for its potential health benefits and biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antitumor properties. EGCG interacts with various molecular targets involved in cancer progression, inflammation, and other disease processes. Oral bioavailability is low, and high dosages may cause gastrointestinal side effects.

Other names

epigallocatechin-3-gallate(-)-epigallocatechin gallate

EGCG exhibits pleiotropic mechanisms of action, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It interacts with several molecular targets, such as the 67-kDa Laminin Receptor (67LR), Pin1, TGFβ Receptor II, MMPs (MMP2/MMP9), and DNA methyltransferases/HDACs. These interactions modulate cellular signaling pathways involved in cancer cell viability, progression, metastasis, and invasion. EGCG also acts as an inhibitor of Hsp90 and induces apoptosis.