Research progress on neuroprotective mechanism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischemia-reperfusion injury / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is one of the major components in green tea. It has been studied that EGCG possesses anti-oxidative, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. In recent years, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases have been exerting the most significant impact on human health, however, only a few neuroprotective drugs can be used in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Many studies reveal that EGCG has unique therapeutic effect on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischemia-reperfusion injury. EGCG mainly exerts its protective effects by regulating oxidative stress, anti-apopsis, anti-inflammation, activation of adenosine receptors, lowering blood-brain barrier permeability, and reducing matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression. This review focuses on the mechanism of action of EGCG in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischemia-reperfusion injury, in order to provide rationale or the development of effective drugs for ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.