Chemopreventive potential of the tannase-mediated biotransformation of green tea

► Chemopreventive potential of green tea after tannase-mediated hydrolysis was tested. ► Biotransformation of EGCG decreased toxicity without affecting antiproliferative effects. ► Native and biotransformed green tea up regulated the expression of APAF1, CASP8, CDKN1A and FAS. ► Samples down regulated CDK2 and 4, bcl2, bcl2L1, E2F1, and c-myc. ► Biotechnological modification of natural food molecules improved nutraceutical potential.