Phospholipids modulate Caco-2 transport of EGCG3”Me from Chinese oolong tea

Abstract

(-)-Epigallocatechin 3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate (EGCG3"Me) has exhibited significant biological activities, however, it is poorly absorbed after oral intake. Phospholipids (PL) have been reported to serve as enhancing agents in absorption, therefore, this study evaluated the role of PL in transepithelial transport within a Caco-2 cell monolayer-model system and impact on EGCG3"Me stability. First, EGCG3"Me was prepared from Chinese oolong tea by column chromatography, and EGCG3"Me-PL complex was prepared. The structure of EGCG3"Me-PL was characterized by X-ray diffractometry and differential scanning calorimetry, and it exhibited relatively higher stability than EGCG3"Me in mimic gastrointestinal digestion conditions. Meanwhile, the presence of PL increased the transepithelial transport of EGCG3"Me, apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) of EGCG3"Me-PL were significantly higher, while its efflux ratio was lower than EGCG3"Me, which indicated the promotion of bioavailability.

Practical applications: For the health effects of tea polyphenols, this crucial issue encompasses dissolution, absorption, distribution and disposition in target tissues. In our study, EGCG3" Me-PL complex may effectively improve the overall absorption and bioavailability of EGCG3"Me. It could provide information about the potential of PL in the promotion of intestinal transport of EGCG3"Me, and the investigation may be fascinated in manufacturing functional foods, containing high content of tea polyphenols with increased absorption properties.

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