Therapeutic Potential of Epigallocatechin Gallate Nanodelivery Systems

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.

EGCG Mediated Targeting of Deregulated Signaling Pathways and Non-Coding RNAs in Different Cancers: Focus on JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-Catenin, TGF/SMAD, NOTCH, SHH/GLI, and TRAIL Mediated Signaling Pathways

“…Due to their small scale, NPs are excellent drug carriers, and since they can be modified in various factors such as size, chemical composition, outer layer, and others they are very versatile [77]. Furthermore, NPs can modify the pharmacokinetics and the stability of the carrier compound, being, for that reason, a promising strategy to improve EGCG bioavailability profile [78]. Another interesting characteristic of NPs is the possibility to enhance the cellular uptake or even the cellular targeting by modifying the outer layer with different ligands expressed in the target cells to assign particular characteristics in a strategy known by active targeting [79].…”

Cationic polymethacrylate-copolymer acts as an agonist for β-amyloid and antagonist for amylin fibrillation

“…But the poor solubility and bioavailability affect their therapeutic nature and recently have been shown to be overcome using nanocarriers. [13][14][15] Although, their mechanism of action remains unknown, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions and π-π stacking are thought to be the major driving forces for their inhibitory mechanism of action. 16,17 Despite substantial efforts, no significant new drugs have been discovered against these most tenacious and unnerving medical disorders.…”

The Effect of Nano-Epigallocatechin-Gallate on Oxidative Stress and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Experimental Diabetes Mellitus

“…EGCG can exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenetic, and antifibrotic effects [2]. The catechol or galloyl groups from catechins act as scavengers for metal ions, reducing further production of free radicals [23]. Another essential effect is represented by the scavenging activity for free radicals, through phenoxyl compounds [24].…”

“…Catechin nanoemulsions proved to be stable for long periods of time (120 days at 4 • C) [36]. Liposomes, assembled from phospholipid bilayers similar to cell membranes, are one of the nanoparticles frequently used for drug delivery [23]. Their biphasic character makes them suitable for being carriers for both hydrophilic (in the central aqueous compartment) and hydrophobic (in lipid bilayers) compounds [37,38].…”