EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE (EGCG)
EGCG is the abbreviation for epigallocatechin gallate, one of the most important polyphenolic compounds found in green tea (Camellia sinensis). This molecule, which belongs to the catechin class, is known for its wide range of health benefits. These benefits stem from its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The antioxidant defense system protects our skin from reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are generated by UV radiation, cigarette smoke, or oxidative stress. ROS promote the progression of skin aging, wrinkle formation, and pigmentation. Excessive production of ROS triggers intracellular programmed cell death (apoptosis).For this reason, EGCG is also believed to have antimutagenic and antitumor effects.(1–3) A 2018 in vitro study concluded that EGCG is suitable as a cosmetic ingredient not only because of its free radical-scavenging activity but also due to its positive effect on skin hydration and reduced wrinkle formation.This powerful antioxidant is capable of rejuvenating skin cells, effectively protecting them from ionizing radiation, and improving overall skin condition. EGCG is used in cosmetic products to effectively prevent premature skin aging and serves as a protective shield for our skin.(4–5)
(1) Kim, E., Hwang, K., Lee, J., Han, S., Kim, E., Park, J., & Cho, J. (2018). Skin Protective Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19.
(2) Nagle, D., Ferreira, D., & Zhou, Y. (2006). Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG): chemical and biomedical perspectives. Phytochemistry, 67, 17, 1849–55.
(3) Proniuk, S., Liederer, B., & Blanchard, J. (2002). Preformulation study of epigallocatechin gallate, a promising antioxidant for topical skin cancer prevention. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 91(1), 111–6.
(4) Chen, J., Li, Y., Zhu, Q., Li, T., Lu, H., Wei, N., Huang, Y., Shi, R., Ma, X., Wang, X., & Sheng, J. (2017). Anti-skin-aging effect of epigallocatechin gallate through regulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway in a mouse model of aging induced by D-galactose. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 164, 1–7.
(5) Zhu, W., Xu, J., Ge, Y., Cao, H., Ge, X., Luo, J., Xue, J., Yang, H., Zhang, S., & Cao, J. (2014). Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) protects skin cells from ionizing radiation via heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) overexpression. Journal of Radiation Research, 55, 1056-1065.
