This study investigated the inhibitory effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), and gallic acid (GA) on the formation of N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in vitro. Results show that the three polyphenols are capable to block NDEA formation when the molar ratio of phenols to nitrite is higher than 0.8, and a more acidic environment is prone to promote the inhibitory potential of phenols. It is also found that the inhibitory effect tends to decrease in the order: EGCG, EGC, GA, which is in accordance with the order of their DPPH scavenging activity, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of polyphenols on NDEA formation may work through a free radical way. Kinetic study further revealed the three polyphenols react with nitrite at a much faster rate than diethylamine does (P < 0.05). By scavenging nitrite at a faster rate than the nitrosation of diethylamine, polyphenols at high concentration can significantly block NDEA formation. These observations may promote a possible application of polyphenol compounds to inhibit the formation of nitrosamines in food processing. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The presence of N-nitrosamines in human diet should be an etiological risk factor for human cancers. This work may provide a useful guideline for phenolic compounds to inhibit the formation of nitrosamines in food processing, such as in the process of curing meats. Polyphenols have been proved to block NDEA formation under normal gastric juice condition, suggesting the intake of polyphenols is a potential way to prevent diseases caused by nitrite.
Keywords: N-nitrosodiethylamine; Polyphenols; antioxidant activity; inhibitory effect; kinetic study.
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