Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)

What Is It?

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenol found in green tea that has been studied for its potential benefits in cancer prevention and treatment. EGCG is a natural phenol and antioxidant found in green tea that reduces the formation of free radicals that are damaging to cells $^1$ . It is one of the most active and abundant catechins in green tea, comprising up to 50-80% of the total catechins $^2$ .

What Are Its Other Names?

EGCG is also known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and 4-[2-(epigallocatechin-3-gallate)]-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione $^1$ .

What Foods Have It?

EGCG is found primarily in green tea, but smaller amounts can also be found in black tea, oolong tea, white tea, and some fruits and nuts, such as apples, strawberries, and pecans $^{3,4}$ .

Food / Drink	Amount of EGCG (mg / 100 g) $^{5,6}$
Green tea	7380
White tea	4245
Black tea	936
Apple (with skin)	6.26
Pecans	3.46
Plums	2.47
Hazelnuts	2.26
Onions (sweet, raw)	2.26

What Are Its Main Benefits?

EGCG has been studied for its potential to prevent and treat cancer by inhibiting tumor growth, promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, and reducing the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. It has shown promise in preventing and treating various types of cancers, including breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer $^4$ . In addition, EGCG has also been studied for its potential benefits in cardiovascular disease, weight loss, and neurodegenerative diseases $^4$ .

What Are Its Main Drawbacks?

While EGCG has shown promise in cancer prevention and treatment, the evidence is still preliminary, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects. It may also have some potential drawbacks, such as interacting with certain medications and supplements, and potentially causing liver toxicity at high doses $^{7,8}$ .

How Does It Work?

EGCG works by modulating various cellular signaling pathways involved in cancer cell growth and survival, including the regulation of cell cycle progression, oxidative stress, and inflammation $^{3,9}$ . It also has antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from damage and promote overall health $^2$ .

What Are Its Mechanisms of Action?

Research suggests that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of EGCG may be effective in reducing the risk of cancer by inhibiting tumor growth, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow $^{10}$ . Here's a more detailed look at EGCG and its relationship to cancer:

Inhibition of Tumor Growth: EGCG has been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in various types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer $^{10,11}$ . One study found that EGCG inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and preventing the formation of new blood vessels. Another study showed that EGCG suppressed the growth of prostate cancer cells by regulating certain signaling pathways involved in cancer cell growth. $^{10,12}$
Induction of Apoptosis: EGCG has been found to induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells $^{10,11}$ . Apoptosis is a natural process that occurs in healthy cells to eliminate damaged or abnormal cells. However, cancer cells are often resistant to apoptosis, which allows them to grow and multiply. By inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, EGCG can help to prevent their growth and spread $^{10,12}$ .
Suppression of Angiogenesis: Tumors require a network of blood vessels to supply them with oxygen and nutrients for growth $^{10,11}$ . EGCG has been found to suppress the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow, a process known as angiogenesis. This can help to slow or stop the growth of tumors $^{10,12}$ .

While the potential benefits of EGCG for cancer prevention and treatment are promising, it's important to note that the evidence is still preliminary, and more research is needed. In addition, the optimal dose and duration of EGCG supplementation is not yet clear. It's also important to consult with a healthcare provider before using EGCG supplements, as they may interact with certain medications and supplements, and potentially cause liver toxicity in high doses $^{13}$ .

Dose/Duration

Dosage:

Studies investigating the effects of EGCG on cancer prevention have used doses ranging from 300 mg to 1,500 mg per day $^5$ .
It's important to note that higher doses of EGCG may have potential side effects and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Length of time:

Most studies investigating the effects of EGCG on cancer prevention have lasted for several weeks to several months $^{14}$ .
Long-term studies on the safety and efficacy of EGCG for cancer prevention are limited.

It's important to note that while some studies have suggested that EGCG may have potential cancer-fighting properties, there is currently no conclusive evidence to support the use of EGCG supplements for cancer prevention. More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of EGCG supplementation for cancer prevention. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Summary of Data

Cancer Type	General Effect (% based on number of studies with positive or negative effects)	Number of studies and total participants
General	67% reported beneficial effects 33% reported that high doses of EGCG were well-tolerated	3; 90 healthy men and women
Breast	57% reported beneficial effects 43% reported that high doses of EGCG were well-tolerated	7; 3,286 women (of which 2,944 were postmenopausal)
Cervical	100% reported beneficial effects	1; 98 HR HPV positive women
Colorectal	75% reported beneficial effects 25% reported no significant effects	4; 2713 men and women (2,644 subjects with history of carcinoma + 69 men with prostate cancer)
Prostate	50% reported beneficial effects 50% reported no significant effects	8; 544 men with prostate cancer

📄 Detailed EGCG human clinical trial study notes analyzed by Anticancer.ca

About This Article

Last Updated	March 27, 2023
Author	Aria Panchal
Reviewer and Supervisor	Kenneth W. Yip

References

PubChem. (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate. Accessed February 23, 2023. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/65064
Higdon JV, Frei B. Tea catechins and polyphenols: health effects, metabolism, and antioxidant functions. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2003;43(1):89-143. doi:10.1080/10408690390826464
Khan N, Mukhtar H. Cancer and metastasis: prevention and treatment by green tea. Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2010;29(3):435-445. doi:10.1007/s10555-010-9236-1
Khan N, Mukhtar H. Tea and Health: Studies in Humans. Curr Pharm Des. 2013;19(34):6141-6147.
Chow HH, Cai Y, Hakim IA, et al. Pharmacokinetics and safety of green tea polyphenols after multiple-dose administration of epigallocatechin gallate and polyphenon E in healthy individuals. Clin Cancer Res Off J Am Assoc Cancer Res. 2003;9(9):3312-3319.
Bhagwat S, Haytowitz DB, Holden JM. USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods Release 3.
Wang D, DuBois RN. An inflammatory mediator, prostaglandin E2, in colorectal cancer. Cancer J Sudbury Mass. 2013;19(6):502-510. doi:10.1097/PPO.0000000000000003
Wang P, Heber D, Henning SM. Quercetin increased bioavailability and decreased methylation of green tea polyphenols in vitro and in vivo. Food Funct. 2012;3(6):635-642. doi:10.1039/c2fo10254d
Khan N, Adhami VM, Mukhtar H. Apoptosis by dietary agents for prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer. 2010;17(1):R39-R52. doi:10.1677/ERC-09-0262
Almatroodi SA, Almatroudi A, Khan AA, Alhumaydhi FA, Alsahli MA, Rahmani AH. Potential Therapeutic Targets of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), the Most Abundant Catechin in Green Tea, and Its Role in the Therapy of Various Types of Cancer. Mol Basel Switz. 2020;25(14):3146. doi:10.3390/molecules25143146
Chen BH, Hsieh CH, Tsai SY, Wang CY, Wang CC. Anticancer effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate nanoemulsion on lung cancer cells through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):5163. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-62136-2
MOKBEL K, MOKBEL K. Chemoprevention of Breast Cancer With Vitamins and Micronutrients: A Concise Review. In Vivo. 2019;33(4):983-997. doi:10.21873/invivo.11568
Chow HHS, Hakim IA, Vining DR, et al. Effects of dosing condition on the oral bioavailability of green tea catechins after single-dose administration of Polyphenon E in healthy individuals. Clin Cancer Res Off J Am Assoc Cancer Res. 2005;11(12):4627-4633. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-04-2549
Kuriyama S, Shimazu T, Ohmori K, et al. Green tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes in Japan: the Ohsaki study. JAMA. 2006;296(10):1255-1265. doi:10.1001/jama.296.10.1255

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Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)
What Is It?
What Are Its Other Names?
What Foods Have It?
What Are Its Main Benefits?
What Are Its Main Drawbacks?
How Does It Work?
What Are Its Mechanisms of Action?
Dose/Duration
Summary of Data
About This Article
References
Disclaimer