ABSTRACT
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), as one of the main components of green tea, has a variety of biological activities. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments widely demonstrate that EGCG has anticancer activities. The molecular mechanism of EGCG against cancer was much complicated, and EGCG suppressed tumor cell proliferation and/or induced cell apoptosis through multi-pathways. This paper reviewed the anticancer molecular mechanism of EGCG, including EGCG anti-oxidantion, prooxidation, retardant of tumor cell cycle, inhibition of tumor cell angiogenesis, inducement of cancer cell apoptosis, and regulation of microRNA, summarized the research progress of three strategies for improving bioavailability of EGCG: nano-packaging technology, synergistic application and molecular modification, and looked into research and development on anticancer activity of EGCG.