Read this article to learn about Catechins. After reading this article you will learn about: 1. Source of Catechins 2. Uses of Catechins.
Source of Catechins:
Various teas derived from the tea-plant Camellia sinensis including white tea, green tea, black tea and Oolonga tea, chocolate, fruits, vegetables and wine.
Catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, and the gallates
i. Catechin and epicatechin are epimers, with (-)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin being the most common optical isomers found in nature. Catechin was first isolated from the plant extract catechu, from which it derives its name. Heating catechin past its point of decomposition-releases pyro-catechol, which explains the common origin of the names of these compounds.
ii. Epigallocatechin and gallocatechin contain an additional phenolic hydroxyl group when compared to epicatechin and catechin, respectively, similar to the difference in pyrogallol compared to pyro-catechol.
iii. Catechin gallates are gallic acid esters of the catechins; such as EGCG (epigallocatechin gal late), which is commonly the most abundant catechin in tea.
Uses of Catechins:
i. Reduction in atherosclerotic plaques was seen in animal models.
ii. Reduction in carcinogenesis was seen in vitro.
iii. Epicatechin can reduce the risk of four of the major health problems: stroke, heart failure, cancer and diabetes.
iv. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from UV radiation- induced damage and tumor formation.
v. Green tea catechins have also been shown to possess antibiotic properties due to their role in disrupting a specific stage of the bacterial DNA replication process.
vi. The simultaneous induction of CYP1A2 and UGT activities.
vii. Inhibited the activity of histidine decarboxylase.
viii. Inhibit NO synthase isomer enzymes activity.