Cardioprotective Effects of the Natural Antioxidant Epigallocatechin Gallate and Its Application to Drug Discovery

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the principal constituent of catechins, has garnered considerable attention owing to its diverse health benefits. As a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, EGCG has been shown in numerous studies to exert pronounced cardioprotective effects. Cardiovascular health is essential for human survival, yet it remains threatened by injuries associated with metabolic disorders, myocardial infarction, ischemia–reperfusion, and even general anesthesia. The development of a safe and effective cardioprotective agent would be of considerable value in diverse clinical settings. EGCG not only protects the coronary arteries but also attenuates adverse cardiac remodeling, prevents cardiomyocyte death, and enhances cardiac function, effects that have been consistently demonstrated in multiple animal models. Although clinical studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of EGCG on metabolic disorders, endothelial dysfunction, and cardiac hypertrophy, the sample sizes of these investigations remain relatively small. Moreover, numerous potential cardioprotective effects of EGCG under diverse clinical conditions remain to be systematically investigated. Further studies evaluating diverse dosing regimens of EGCG across various clinical contexts are required to establish its safety and efficacy and to facilitate its translation into clinical practice.