Absorption, metabolism, bioactivity, and biotransformation of epigallocatechin gallate

Shuling Zhang; Bingyong Mao; Shumao Cui; Qiuxiang Zhang; Jianxin Zhao; Xin Tang; Wei Chen

doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2170972

Absorption, metabolism, bioactivity, and biotransformation of epigallocatechin gallate

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023 Feb 2:1-21. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2170972. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Shuling Zhang^{1

2}, Bingyong Mao^{1

2}, Shumao Cui^{1

2}, Qiuxiang Zhang^{1

2}, Jianxin Zhao^{1

2}, Xin Tang^{1

2}, Wei Chen^{1

2

3}

Affiliations

¹ State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
² School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
³ National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, P. R. China.

PMID: 36728926
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2170972

Abstract

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a typical flavone-3-ol polyphenol containing eight free hydroxyl groups, is associated with a variety of bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antibacterial activities. However, the poor bioavailability of EGCG restricts its use. In this review, we discuss the processes involved in the absorption and metabolism of EGCG, with a focus on its metabolic interactions with the gut microbiota. Next, we summarize the bioactivities of some key metabolites, describe the biotransformation of EGCG by different microorganisms, and discuss its catabolism by specific bacteria. A deeper understanding of the absorption, metabolism, and biotransformation of EGCG may enable its disease-preventive and therapeutic properties to be better utilized. This review provides a theoretical basis for further development and utilization of EGCG and its metabolites for improving the gut microbiota and physiological health.

Keywords: Epigallocatechin gallate; absorption; bioactivity; biotransformation; gut microbiota; metabolism.