5. Epigallocatechin Gallate EGCG

Epigallocatechin (EGCG)

• Cancers mentioned: Lung, breast, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and prostate cancer.

• Food Occurrences: The most abundant catechin in Green Tea (Camellia sinensis).

• Summary of the Topic: EGCG is a powerful antioxidant phenol that interferes with cancer at every stage: initiation, promotion, and progression. It is widely recognized for its ability to inhibit the enzymes and transporters that cancer cells use to resist drugs, such as P-glycoprotein and ABCG2. Beyond its direct cytotoxic effects, EGCG modulates the tumor microenvironment and immune checkpoints, potentially making “cold” tumors “hot” and more responsive to immunotherapy.

• Its regular consumption via green tea is linked to chemoprevention, though higher therapeutic doses are currently being investigated via advanced delivery systems to overcome its metabolic instability.

• Remainder of Report & Sources:

  • Mechanisms: HIF-1α inhibition, induction of p21/p53, and suppression of Cdk2 activity.

  • Combinations: Often paired with jujube extract for synergistic inhibition of HepG2 liver cancer cells.

  • Primary Source: Cui et al., Chinese Medicine, 2025

  • Additional Source: MDPI – Synergistic Anticancer Activities

• Primary Food Sources: Green Tea.

• Molecular Targets: A powerful DNMT1 (DNA methyltransferase 1) inhibitor, meaning it can “turn back on” tumor suppressor genes that cancer has silenced. It also binds to 67LR (67-kDa laminin receptor), which is overexpressed on many cancer surfaces.

• Bioavailability: Highly unstable in neutral or alkaline environments (like the small intestine).

• Cross-Links:

  • Ginsenosides: Synergistically inhibit Colorectal Cancer by co-targeting the VEGF and EGFR pathways.

  • Silibinin: Combination therapy targets both tumor cells and the endothelial cells that feed them (Anti-angiogenesis) in lung cancer models.

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