The Interactions of Anticancer Agents with Tea Catechins: Current Evidence from Preclinical Studies

Author(s):

Weihu Shang, Weidong Lu, Mei Han and Jinping Qiao   Pages 1343 - 1350 ( 8 )

Abstract:

Tea catechins exhibit a broad range of pharmacological activities that impart beneficial effects on human health. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of the major tea catechins, has been widely associated with cancer prevention and treatment. In addition, tea catechins in combination with anticancer drugs are being evaluated as a new cancer treatment strategy. However, the interactions of anticancer drugs with tea catechins are largely unknown. Accumulated data indicate significant interactions between anticancer drugs and tea catechins, such as synergistic tumor inhibition or antagonist activity. Therefore, it is critical to understand comprehensively the effects of tea catechins on anticancer drugs. Focusing on evidence from preclinical studies, this paper will review the interactions between anticancer drugs and tea catechins, including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics effects. We hope that by detailing the interactions between anticancer drugs and tea catechins, more attention will be directed to this important therapeutic combination in the future.

Keywords:

Drug interactions, EGCG, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, tea catechins.

Affiliation:

, , , Key Lab of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, No.19 Xin Jie Kou Wai Avenue, HaiDian District, Beijing 100875, P.R.China.

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