Chitosan nanoparticles enhance the intestinal absorption of the green tea catechins (+)-catechin and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate

Catechins found in green tea have received considerable attention due to their favourable biological properties which include cardioprotective, neuroprotective and anti-cancer effects. However, their therapeutic potential is limited by their low oral bioavailability, attributed to poor stability and intestinal absorption. We encapsulated (+)-catechin (C) and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) in chitosan nanoparticles (CS NP) as a means of enhancing their intestinal absorption. Using excised mouse jejunum in Ussing chambers, encapsulation significantly enhanced (p