Targeting polyamines and biogenic amines by green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate

Amino Acids. 2010 Feb;38(2):519-23. doi: 10.1007/s00726-009-0411-z. Epub 2009 Dec 3.

Abstract

Biogenic amines and polyamines are organic polycations derived from aromatic or cationic amino acids. They exert pleiotropic effects, more related to intercellular communication in the case of biogenic amines, and to intracellular signaling in the case of polyamines. The bioactive compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea, has been shown to target key enzyme of biogenic amine and polyamine metabolic pathways. Herein, we review the specific effects of EGCG on concrete molecular targets of both biogenic amine and polyamine metabolic pathways, and discuss the relevance of these data to support the potential therapeutic interest of this compound.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biogenic Amines / biosynthesis*
  • Biogenic Polyamines / biosynthesis
  • Biosynthetic Pathways / drug effects
  • Camellia sinensis / chemistry*
  • Catechin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Catechin / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Tea / chemistry

Substances

  • Biogenic Amines
  • Biogenic Polyamines
  • Plant Extracts
  • Tea
  • Catechin
  • epigallocatechin gallate