Pharmacokinetic Study of Epigallocatechin Gallate in Rats

녹차의 주성분인 에피갈로카테킨 갈레이트의 흰쥐에서의 약물속도론적 연구

Phannacokinetics of epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG) was studied following i.v. bolus and oral administration in rats. The values of systemic clearance(CL) were $67.9{\pm}5.2$ and $26.5{\pm}1.4\;ml/min/kg$ following i.v. bolus administration of 1 mg and 5 mg EGCG, respectively. The values of volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) were $380{\pm}56$ and $835{\pm}84\;ml/kg$ after i.v. bolus administration of 1 mg and 5 mg EGCG, respectively. The decrease in the value of CL and the increase in the value of $V_{ss}$ as a function of EGCG dose (1 mg to 5 mg) suggest saturable mechanism(s) responsible for the distribution and elimination of EGCG. The fraction absorbed of EGCG after oral and intraduodenal administration of GTC were 13% and 22% of the dose, respectively. This result suggests a considerable degradation or elimination of EGCG in the gastrointestinal absorption after oral administration in rats.