Therapeutic potential of epigallocatechin gallate in gynecologic cancer, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome: a mechanistic and translational perspective
Abstract
Tea, among the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, is rich in polyphenolic compounds known as catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This review aims to synthesize recent findings and ongoing controversies concerning the role of tea-derived catechins in gynecologic diseases while also outlining key priorities for future research to address existing knowledge gaps. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the following electronic databases: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Epigallocatechin gallate molecules exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and epigenetic effects, primarily through the modulation of key cellular pathways such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB. Growing evidence from in vitro, in vivo , and limited clinical studies suggests that catechins may be of therapeutic value in the treatment of gynecological conditions, including endometrial, ovarian, cervical, and vulvar cancers, as well as non-neoplastic disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. EGCG, as both an antioxidant and a pro-oxidant, has been shown to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy, regulate hormonal imbalances, and suppress inflammatory responses. However, discrepancies in findings between studies, largely due to heterogeneity in dosage, bioavailability, and study design, limit definitive conclusions. While…
Read the paper
Related studies
- Increased expression of circulating miRNA-93 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome may represent a novel, non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis
- Identification of key genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cancer using an integrated bioinformatics analysis
- Identification of key pathways and genes in polycystic ovary syndrome via integrated bioinformatics analysis and prediction of small therapeutic molecules
- Regulation of Androgen Receptor Expression Alters AMPK Phosphorylation in the Endometrium: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Effect of oral administration of low-dose follicle stimulating hormone on hyperandrogenized mice as a model of polycystic ovary syndrome
- Systems pharmacology to investigate the interaction of berberine and other drugs in treating polycystic ovary syndrome
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.