In silico in vitro and in vivo approaches for evaluating certain anti tubercular and anti tumor activities of Epigallocatechin gallateand its derivative

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a dreaded infectious disease known to mankind since ancient times. Despite efforts to prevent as well as cure this disease, it persists asa major factor contributing to mortality and morbidity in human beings. Nearly 1.4 million deaths were reported in 2015 due to tuberculosis alone and another 0.4 million deaths due to the concurrent infection with human immunodeficiency virus,which makes it one of the top ten causes of death worldwide (World Health Organization, 2016:1-3). The principal treatment for TB is referred to asDirectly Observed Treatment, short-course (DOTs). Itconsists of two phases, the first being therapy with anti-TB drugs, viz. isoniazid, rifampicin,ethambutol and pyrazinamide, for two months which is continued with four months of treatment with isoniazid and rifampicin. Thisschedule of treatment is effective, but is very labor-intensive and requires a strong health infrastructure.Moreover, the long duration of treatment and the side effects due to the toxicity of various anti-TB drugs makes it difficult for patients to comply with such a treatment schedule (Griffith et al. 2005:250-253). Incomplete treatment and patient non-compliance are mainly responsible for the development ofstrains of Mycobacteria, which are resistant to many drugs(Prasad 2005:121-131).Extensively drug resistant TB (XDR-TB) occurs due to presence of TB bacteria resistant to many drugs(MDR-TB), including those used as second line therapy. the present investigation will attempt to evaluate the potential of EGCG and its derivatives for anti-tubercular and anti-cancer properties. newline