Development and Evaluation of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG ) Phosphatidylcholine Phytosomes for Enhanced Bioavailability and Anticancer Efficacy in Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Prostate cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies in men and continues to pose therapeutic challenges despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and hormonal interventions. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the principal catechin of green tea, has shown significant promise in chemoprevention and treatment of prostate cancer owing to its ability to modulate multiple oncogenic pathways, including androgen receptor signaling, NF-κB activation, and PI3K/Akt pathways. However, its clinical application is limited by poor oral bioavailability, instability, and rapid metabolism. Phytosome-based nanotechnology, which involves complexing EGCG with phospholipids, offers an innovative approach to enhance solubility, stability, and cellular uptake. This research explores the development, characterization, and evaluation of EGCG–phosphatidylcholine phytosomes as a nanoformulation for prostate cancer management. A quality-by-design (QbD) strategy is proposed to optimize formulation parameters such as drug-to-phospholipid ratio, particle size, entrapment efficiency, and zeta potential. Characterization techniques including FTIR, DSC, XRD, and dynamic light scattering confirm the formation of stable nanophytosomal complexes. In vitro studies using LNCaP, PC-3, and C4-2 prostate cancer cell lines demonstrate enhanced cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and modulation of AR and NF-κB pathways compared with free EGCG. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rodent xenograft models reveal improved bioavailability and tumor suppression with acceptable safety profiles. Collectively, the phytosomal nanoformulation of EGCG represents a promising strategy for prostate cancer chemoprevention and therapy, warranting further clinical evaluation