Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin 3-gallate in arthritis: Progress and promise

Abstract

Green tea's active ingredient, epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), has gained significant attention among scientists and has been one of the leading plant-derived molecules studied for its potential health benefits. In the present review I summarize the findings from some of the most significant preclinical studies with EGCG in arthritic diseases. The review also addresses the limitations of the dose, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability of EGCG in experimental animals and findings related to the EGCG-drug interaction. Although these findings provide scientific evidence of the anti-rheumatic activity of EGCG, further preclinical studies are warranted before phase clinical trials could be initiated with confidence for patients with joint diseases. © 2010 BioMed Central Ltd.