Epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) : mechanisms and the combined applications.

EGCG is the most important pharmacological component in tea. Researches have confirmed its effects, including anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, anti-aging, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, cardiovascular disease prevention and protection, immunoregulation and neuroprotection. Paradoxically, the clinical application of EGCG is very rare. One of the most important reasons is its poor stability and low bioavailability. Excepting for altering the dosage form or synthesizing the analogues to overcome the loss during absorption, an increasing number of studies indicate that EGCG can exert certain auxiliary effect and enhance chemosensitivity in combined medication. The pharmacological action, the pharmacology network including mutation of signaling receptor and modulation of intracellular signaling pathway, and the combination treatment strategy of EGCG are clarified and sorted out, both the possible targets and combinatorial applications based on the characteristics of EGCG are systematically summarized.