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.