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.

Green tea is manufactured from the leaves of Camellia sinensis and has been shown to possess, among other properties, anticancer, antiobesity, antiatherosclerotic, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. The beneficial effects of green tea are related to the activities of (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This catechin is very unstable, undergoing degradation and epimerization, which is responsible for the loss of its health benefits. Encapsulation in nanoparticles (NPs) is an effective method to protect EGCG from adverse environmental conditions. In this work, solid lipid NPs (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were successfully developed to be used as biocompatible nanocarriers, enhancing the stability of EGCG. The mean diameter of the NPs was found to be around 300–400 nm, which is suitable for oral administration. Moreover, EGCG was effectively encapsulated with a remarkable efficiency of encapsulation of 80% and 90% for SLN and NLC, respectively. In addition, high storage stability of the formulations is expected as they maintain the initial characteristics for 3 months. Limited release of EGCG from the NPs was observed in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays demonstrated that NPs possess low toxicity, and so have potential to be used for preventive and therapeutic EGCG supplementation.

Reception of Ilex aquifolium, two Betula pubescens, two Cupressus sempervirens and seeds of Borago officinalis, Hypericum perforatum and Papaver officinalis

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