Epigallocatechin gallate as a modulator of human mesenchymal stem cells differentiation: a mini review

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent progenitor cells that can differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. Existing methods for modifying mesenchymal stem cells differentiation rely heavily on chemical inducers and synthetic growth factors; however, these strategies are often associated with high costs, poor stability, and potential adverse effects. Therefore, growing interest has been devoted to natural bioactive compounds as safer, more readily available alternatives. Epigallocatechin gallate, the most abundant catechin in green tea, has been identified as a promising regulatory agent of mesenchymal stem cells fate in multiple original studies. This mini-review summarizes and provides a critical analysis of current in vitro evidence regarding the impact of unmodified epigallocatechin gallate on human mesenchymal stem cells differentiation, specifically highlighting osteogenic stimulation and adipogenic suppression-thereby elucidating its potential utility in bone regeneration.