Abstract:

(–)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of the important catechins in tea, has been demonstrated to have
anticancer activity both in vitro and in vivo. The anticancer mechanism has been confirmed to be associated with cell
apoptosis, resistance to angiogenesis, regulation of cell cycles, retardation of cell transfer, and collaborative anticancer
effects. Unfortunately, EGCG has limited clinical applications due to its unstable characteristics in neutral or alkaline
environment, which stems from its “polyhydroxyl” structure. Previous studies have demonstrated that the anticancer activity
and stability of EGCG can be remarkably improved by molecular modification. The review summarizes the methods used for
molecular modification of EGCG and the anticancer effects and mechanisms of EGCG and its derivatives.

Key words: (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, molecular modification, derivatives, anticancer mechanism, nanometer materials