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Review
. 2017:2017:5813793.
doi: 10.1155/2017/5813793. Epub 2017 Jul 16.

Therapeutic Potential of Epigallocatechin Gallate Nanodelivery Systems

Andreia Granja  1 , Iúri Frias  1 , Ana Rute Neves  1 , Marina Pinheiro  1 , Salette Reis  1
Affiliations
Free PMC article
Review

Therapeutic Potential of Epigallocatechin Gallate Nanodelivery Systems

Andreia Granja et al. Biomed Res Int. 2017.
Free PMC article

Abstract

Nowadays, the society is facing a large health problem with the rising of new diseases, including cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and obesity. Thus, it is important to invest in substances that enhance the health of the population. In this context, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a flavonoid found in many plants, especially in tea. Several studies support the notion that EGCG has several benefits in fighting cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, and obesity, among others. Nevertheless, the poor intestinal absorbance and instability of EGCG constitute the main drawback to use this molecule in prevention and therapy. The encapsulation of EGCG in nanocarriers leads to its enhanced stability and higher therapeutic effects. A comprehensive review of studies currently available on the encapsulation of EGCG by means of nanocarriers will be addressed.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chemical structure of the four major catechins present in tea. (a) (−)-Epicatechin (EC), (b) (−)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (c) (−)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), and (d) (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
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