Epigallocatechin-3-gallate as an activator of Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway:a review / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

ABSTRACT

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is not only the most active component of green tea, but the main object in green tea research. Numerous studies have shown that EGCG has cellular protec-tion functions, such as antioxidization, scavenging free radical , anti-cancer and antiapoptotic proper-ties. It has also been proved that EGCG could activate several signaling pathways. Nuclear factor erythroid-2p45 related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE) pathway is a key way to main-tain the redox homeostasis by regulating phase Ⅱ detoxification enzymes, and anti-inflammatory proteins. Recent studies have shown that EGCG plays an inportant role in the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway in urinary, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive systems. This review summarizes the research progress in EGCG as an activator of Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, and provides reference for further research and exploitation of EGCG as potential medicine.