Search Results (992)

Black tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, second only to water. Its properties are primarily due to the presence of polyphenols, which are associated with various effects, including antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. These compounds include, among others, theaflavins (TFs) and thearubigins (TRs). The available literature provides numerous reports confirming the positive properties of these compounds. However, it is important to highlight their potential protective effects against oxidative stress induced by heavy metals. This is an important topic, given the ongoing exposure to such pollutants—resulting mainly from industrial development, among other factors. This manuscript provides a summary of the current knowledge on the properties of TFs and TRs and their effect against oxidative stress caused by heavy metals in in vitro studies. The limited amount of research in this area shows that this is still a poorly researched topic. Comparing the results obtained for epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea, which has a similar structure to TFs and TRs suggests that they may exhibit similar or even enhanced antioxidant properties. Considering that black tea is consumed much more frequently than green tea worldwide, it is understandable that the antioxidant potential of these two compounds on cells needs to be investigated. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the BCR–ABL fusion gene, whose constitutive tyrosine kinase activity drives leukemogenesis. Although tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized treatment, drug resistance and leukemic stem cell persistence remain major challenges. Natural compounds such as polyphenols have shown potential in modulating key oncogenic pathways in CML. Results: Polyphenols such as resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) demonstrated significant antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in CML cell lines, including imatinib-resistant models. These effects were mediated through the modulation of signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, STAT5, and MAPK; inhibition of BCR–ABL expression; induction of oxidative stress; and the enhancement of apoptosis via mitochondrial and caspase-dependent mechanisms. Some polyphenols also showed synergistic activity with TKIs, potentiating their efficacy and overcoming resistance. Conclusions: Preclinical evidence supports the role of polyphenols as potential adjuvants in CML therapy, particularly in drug-resistant contexts. Their pleiotropic molecular actions and low toxicity profile make them promising candidates for integrative oncology. Nonetheless, clinical translation requires further investigation through well-designed trials assessing efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics. Full article

Background/Objectives: The synergistic effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and taurine in modulating lipid metabolism abnormalities in rats were investigated, and along with their potential mechanisms. Methods/Result: Compared to intervention with EGCG/taurine alone, EGCG combined with taurine (1:3) not only reduced triglyceride (TG) generation in HepG2 cells (46.2%, 75.2%, respectively), but also significantly decreased the total cholesterol (TC) (33.3%, 41.8%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (32.3%, 29.2%) in rats, while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased by 12.7% and 33.5%. In addition, the combination of EGCG and taurine not only inhibited lipogenic enzyme activity, but also enhanced the levels of lipid catabolic enzymes and antioxidant enzymes, and alleviated hepatic injury. Furthermore, it significantly modulated gut microbiota composition by altering the abundances of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, improving intestinal flora balance. Metabolomic profiling showed that reducing N-linoleoyl proline, cortisol, and 3-isocholanolic acid, and increasing phospholipid metabolites are the main ways methods for normalizing lipid metabolism in rats. The combination also elevated short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) synthesis, preserving intestinal barrier integrity; it also promoted lipid catabolism and energy expenditure via activating Peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and suppressing hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS)- mediated lipogenesis. Conclusion: These findings indicated that EGCG and taurine can synergistically regulate lipid metabolism abnormalities, which may offer a strategy for regulating lipid metabolism anomalies. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic, non-communicable spectrum of diseases characterized by lipid accumulation. It is often asymptomatic, and its prevalence varies by region, age, gender, and economic status. It is estimated that 25% of the world’s population currently suffer from MAFLD, and 20 million patients will die from MAFLD-related diseases. In the last 20 years, tea and anti-obesity research have indicated that regularly consuming tea decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MeS). In this review, we aimed to present studies concerning the influence of matcha extracts and epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG) supplements on metabolic functions in the context of MAFLD in human and animal studies. The published data show promise. In both human and animal studies, the beneficial effects on body weight, cholesterol levels, and liver metabolism and function were noted, even in short-period experiments. The safety levels for EGCG and green tea extract consumption are marked. More experiments are needed to confirm the results observed in animal studies and to show the mechanisms by which green tea exerts its effects. The preliminary data from research concerning microbiota or epigenetic changes observed after polyphenols and green tea consumption need to be expanded. To improve the efficiency and availability of green tea or supplement consumption as a treatment for MAFLD patients, more research with larger groups and longer study durations is needed. Full article

Knowing the superior biochemical defense mechanisms of sessile organisms, it is not hard to believe the cure for any human sickness might be hidden in nature—we “just” have to identify it and make it safely available in the right dose to our organs and cells that are in need. For decades, green tea catechins (GTCs) have been a case in point. Because of their low redox potential and favorable positioning of hydroxyl groups, these flavonoid representatives (namely, catechin—C, epicatechin—EC, epicatechin gallate—ECG, epigallocatechin—EGC, epigallocatechin gallate—EGCG) are among the most potent plant-derived (and not only) antioxidants. The proven anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic properties of these phytochemicals further contribute to their favorable pharmacological profile. Doubtlessly, GTCs hold the potential to “cope” with the majority of today‘s socially significant diseases, yet their mass use in clinical practice is still limited. Several factors related to the compounds’ membrane penetrability, chemical stability, and solubility overall determine their low bioavailability. Moreover, the antioxidant-to-pro-oxidant transitioning behavior of GTCs is highly conditional and, to a certain degree, unpredictable. The nanoparticulate delivery systems represent a logical approach to overcoming one or more of these therapeutic challenges. This review particularly focuses on the lipid-based nanotechnologies known to be a leading choice when it comes to drug permeation enhancement and not drug release modification nor drug stabilization solely. It is our goal to present the privileges of encapsulating green tea catechins in either vesicular or particulate lipid carriers with respect to the increasingly popular trends of advanced phytotherapy and functional nutrition. Full article

Although Zn (II)-(−)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) complex (Zn-EGCg) is known for its promising bioactivities, little attention has been paid to its incorporation into daily green tea consumption. In this study, we aimed to incorporate Zn (II) into green tea extract to promote the formation of Zn-EGCg complex within the tea matrix. We then investigated how the formation of Zn-complexed green tea extract (Zn-GTE) influences the gut microbiota in a Western diet (WD)-fed mouse model. Structural analyses using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) suggested that Zn (II) interacted with hydroxyl groups of polyphenols within the extract, consistent with Zn-EGCg formation, although the complex could not be unequivocally identified. Under intake levels equivalent to daily consumption, Zn-GTE administration restored WD-induced reductions in alpha-diversity and resulted in a distinct microbial composition compared to treatment with green tea extract (GTE) or Zn alone, as shown by beta-diversity analysis. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis revealed increased abundances of bacterial taxa belonging to o_Clostridiales, o_Bacteroidales, and f_Rikenellaceae, and decreased abundances of g_Akkermansia in the Zn-GTE group compared to the GTE group. These findings highlight that Zn-GTE, prepared via Zn (II) supplementation to green tea, may exert distinct microbiota-modulating effects compared to its individual components. This study provides new insights into the role of dietary metal–polyphenol complexes, offering a food-based platform for studying metal–polyphenol interactions under physiologically relevant conditions. Full article

Tetranectin (TN) is a plasminogen-binding protein found in human serum. Although it has been suggested to be closely related to various stem cell differentiation, including myogenesis, the role of TN in muscle development remains unclear. In this study, we identified TN as an anti-myogenic factor during the differentiation of C2C12 satellite cells. The exogenous supplementation of TN inhibited myogenic differentiation, whereas differentiation was significantly enhanced in the TN-depleted medium. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a catechin abundant in green tea, significantly enhanced myogenic differentiation by reducing TN levels in the medium and downregulating TN gene expression during the differentiation process. These results demonstrate that EGCG promotes myogenesis by inhibiting TN at both the transcriptional and functional levels, highlighting TN as a promising therapeutic target for muscle regeneration disorders. Full article

Green tea, derived from the unoxidized leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, is one of the least processed types of tea and is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Among these, catechins—particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—play a key role in regulating cell signaling pathways associated with various chronic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, and cancer. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent clinical studies focused on the therapeutic benefits and potential risks of interventions involving green tea extracts or EGCG. A systematic literature survey identified 17 relevant studies, classified into five key areas related to catechin interventions: toxicity and detoxification, drug pharmacokinetics, cognitive functions, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and obesity and metabolism. Findings from these clinical studies suggest that the health benefits of green tea catechins outweigh the potential risks. The review highlights the importance of subject genotyping for enzymes involved in catechin metabolism to aid in interpreting liver injury biomarkers, the necessity of assessing drug–catechin interactions in clinical contexts, and the promising effects of topical EGCG in reducing inflammation. This analysis underscores the need for further research to refine therapeutic applications while ensuring the safe and effective use of green tea catechins. Full article

Tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, belonging to the category of compounds known as tannins and flavonoids. One of the polyphenols found in large amounts in green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) is epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG). Though EGCG has shown some pharmacological effects, to date, it has not been utilised as a therapeutic agent. This is attributed to the fact that EGCG lacks adequate stability, and it is known to degrade through epimerization or auto-oxidation processes, especially when it is exposed to light, temperature fluctuations, some pH values, or the presence of oxygen. Consuming green tea with EGCG can alleviate the effects of bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, and support faster bone regeneration in the case of fractures. Therefore, this review focuses on the current state of research, highlighting the effects of EGCG on bone biology, such as enhancing osteoblast differentiation, promoting bone mineralisation, improving bone microarchitecture, and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis through the modulation of the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway. Additionally, EGCG exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and dose-dependent effects on bone cells. It also downregulates inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2) and reduces oxidative stress via the inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation and the activation of protective signalling pathways (e.g., MAPK and NF-κB). Studies in animal models confirm that EGCG supplementation leads to increased bone mass and strength. These findings collectively support the further exploration of EGCG as an adjunct in the treatment and prevention of metabolic bone diseases. The authors aim to present the relationship between EGCG and bone health, highlighting issues for future research and clinical applications. Full article

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the leading cause of bacterial diarrhea in humans from shellfish consumption. In Thailand, blood clam is a popular shellfish, but homemade cooking often results in insufficient heating. Therefore, consumers may suffer from food poisoning due to Vibrio infection. This study aimed to determine the effect of chitooligosaccharide conjugated with epigallocatechin gallate (COS-EGCG) at different concentrations (200 and 400 ppm) combined with high-voltage atmospheric cold plasma (HVACP) on inhibiting V. parahaemolyticus in vitro and in challenged blood clam meat. Firstly, HVACP conditions were optimized for gas composition and treatment time (20 and 60 s); a 70% Ar and 30% O₂ gas mixture resulted in the highest ozone formation and a treatment time of 60 s was used for further study. COS-EGCG conjugate at 400 ppm with HVACP (ACP-CE400) completely killed V. parahaemolyticus after incubation at 37 °C for 6 h. Furthermore, an antibacterial ability of ACP-CE400 treatment against bacterial cells was advocated due to the increased cell membrane damage, permeability, and leakage of proteins and nucleic acids. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed cell elongation and pore formation, while confocal microscopy revealed disrupted biofilm formation. Additionally, the shelf life of challenged blood clam meat treated with ACP-CE400 was extended to nine days. SEM analysis revealed damaged bacterial cells on the meat surface after ACP-CE400 treatment, indicating the antibacterial activity of the combined treatment. Thus, HVACP combined with COS-EGCG conjugate, especially at a highest concentration (400 ppm), effectively inhibited microbial growth and extended the shelf life of contaminated blood clam meat. Full article

Background and Objective: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a leading cause of lower back pain with limited regenerative treatments. Among emerging regenerative approaches, growth factor-based therapies, such as recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta (Rh-TGF-β), have shown potential for disc regeneration but are hindered by rapid degradation and uncontrolled release by direct administration. Additionally, mechanical stress elevates heat shock protein 90 (HSP-90), impairing cell function and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. This study aimed to investigate a dual self-cross-linked alginate di-aldehyde (ADA) hydrogel system for the sustained delivery of Rh-TGF-β and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to enhance protein stability, regulate release, and promote disc regeneration by targeting both regenerative and stress-response pathways. Methods: ELISA and UV-Vis spectrophotometry assessed Rh-TGF-β and EGCG release profiles. A rat tail IVDD model was established with an Ilizarov-type external fixator for loading, followed by hydrogel treatment with or without bioactive agents. Disc height, tissue structure, and protein expression were evaluated via radiography, histological staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Results: The hydrogel demonstrated a biphasic release profile with 100% Rh-TGF-β released over 60 days and complete EGCG release achieved within 15 days. Treated groups showed improved disc height, structural integrity, and proteoglycan retention revealed by histological analysis and elevated HSP-90 expression by immunohistochemistry. In contrast, Western blot analysis confirmed that EGCG effectively downregulated HSP-90 expression, suggesting a reduction in mechanical stress-induced degeneration. Conclusions: ADA hydrogel effectively delivers therapeutic agents, offering a promising strategy for IVDD treatment. Full article

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have multiple roles in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which maintain a balance between autoimmunity and immunosuppression. This research aimed to investigate the interaction between cancer stemness and Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the breast cancer tumor immune microenvironment. Breast cancer stemness was calculated using one-class logistic regression. Twelve main cell clusters were identified, and the subsequent three subsets of Regulatory T cells with different differentiation states were identified as being closely related to immune regulation and metabolic pathways. A prognostic risk model including MEA1, MTFP1, PASK, PSENEN, PSME2, RCC2, and SH2D2A was generated through the intersection between Regulatory T cell differentiation-related genes and stemness-related genes using LASSO and univariate Cox regression. The patient’s total survival times were predicted and validated with AUC of 0.96 and 0.831 in both training and validation sets, respectively; the immunotherapeutic predication efficacy of prognostic signature was confirmed in four ICI RNA-Seq cohorts. Seven drugs, including Ethinyl Estradiol, Epigallocatechin gallate, Cyclosporine, Gentamicin, Doxorubicin, Ivermectin, and Dronabinol for prognostic signature, were screened through molecular docking and found a synergistic effect among drugs with deep learning. Our prognostic signature potentially paves the way for overcoming immune resistance, and blocking the interaction between cancer stemness and Tregs may be a new approach in the treatment of breast cancer. Full article

Secondary iron overload exacerbates osteoporosis by elevating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which suppress osteoblast function and enhance osteoclast activity, disrupting bone remodeling. Reducing iron overload and oxidative stress may improve bone health. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main bioactive compound in green tea extract (GTE), is recognized for its antioxidant and iron-chelating properties. This study examined the effect of GTE on bone formation and mineralization in iron-overloaded human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. An iron-overloaded model was established using ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), followed by treatment with GTE, deferiprone (DFP), or their combination. GTE significantly reduced intracellular iron, ROS levels, and lipid peroxidation while upregulating the osteogenic marker BGLAP, the anti-resorptive marker OPG, and osteogenic mineralization, indicating restored bone health. These results suggest that EGCG-containing GTE mitigates iron-induced oxidative stress and promotes osteogenesis, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic supplement for managing iron-overload-associated osteoporosis. Full article

Propolis is a bee-derived resin rich in phenolic compounds known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties; however, its limited solubility and stability hinder its incorporation into food matrices. This study aimed to optimize the microencapsulation of ethanolic propolis extract through complex coacervation using chia mucilage and gelatin as wall materials, followed by spray drying. A 3² factorial design was applied to evaluate the effects of coacervate concentration and inlet temperature on various microcapsule properties. The optimal formulation (3.13% coacervate and 120 °C) exhibited high phenolic retention (15.36 mg GAE/g), notable antioxidant capacity (60.10 µmol TE/g), good solubility, thermal stability, and sustained in vitro release. Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by UPLC-PDA-QDa, including gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, rutin, myricetin, resveratrol, quercetin, and kaempferol. Incorporating the microcapsules into functional gummy candies significantly enhanced their antioxidant activity without compromising sensory attributes. These findings support the use of complex coacervation as an effective strategy for stabilizing propolis bioactives, with promising applications in the development of functional foods that offer potential health benefits. Full article

The EGCG/PPN composite, prepared by combining pea protein nanofibrils (PPNs) with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), could be used as a multifunctional nanocarrier. Compared to pea protein isolate (PPI), EGCG/PPN composites exhibited remarkably higher turbidity and zeta potential, along with similar UV spectra. Intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy, ThT fluorescence spectroscopy, and surface hydrophobicity analysis suggested that the interactions between EGCG and PPN were primarily driven by hydrophobic forces. UV spectra indicated that the microenvironment of amino acid residues in the tertiary structure of the protein changes upon complexation, and circular dichroism (CD) revealed that the incorporation of EGCG increases the β-sheet content in the protein’s secondary structure. Analyses of DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, as well as reducing power, demonstrated that the synergistic effect between EGCG and PPN did not hinder the inherent antioxidant properties of EGCG but rather enhanced them significantly. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the addition of EGCG reconstructed the fibril morphology, thereby affecting the properties of PPNs. Overall, the composite fabricated through the interaction between PPN and EGCG shows great potential as a nanocarrier in the processing of functional foods. Full article