Abstract: (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a catechin monomer extracted from green tea, and is the main component of tea polyphenols. Because its structure contains a number of phenolic hydroxyl groups, EGCG has strong antioxidant activity and plays an important role in the fight against tumor and cardiovascular disease prevention. However, EGCG is susceptible to oxidation due to external factors such as light, high temperature and pH. Constructing nanocarriers (such as protein-polysaccharides based nanoparticles, hydrogels, and liposomes) can effectively solve the problem of poor stability and low bioavailability of EGCG. This paper mainly summarizes the factors affecting EGCG stability and the effects of different delivery systems on the stability and functional characteristics of EGCG, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the application of EGCG in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Key words: (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, properties, stability, bioavailability, delivery systems