Antagonistic effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on neurotoxicity induced by formaldehyde.

•Evaluated the protective effects on the nervous system when EGCG was administered simultaneously with formaldehyde.•3 mg/m3 formaldehyde caused learning and memory disorders in mice.•EGCG activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway to relieve formaldehyde-induced neurotoxicity.•The antagonistic effect of EGCG on formaldehyde gradually became evident in the range of 20–500 mg/kg.