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.