Catechin

Catechin is a flavan-3-ol and a type of polyphenolic compound belonging to the flavonoid class. It is found abundantly in woody plants and is a major component of green tea and other dietary sources. Catechins exist as several stereoisomers, including (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin. They are known for their potent antioxidant properties, acting both directly by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and chelating metal ions, as well as indirectly by inducing antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting pro-oxidant enzymes[6][4]. Catechins modulate key cellular pathways such as NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells), Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2), TLR4/NF-κB, COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase), MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases), and receptor tyrosine kinases[3][6]. These actions contribute to their anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, bactericidal, memory-enhancing, anti-arthritic, hepato-protective effects[3]. Catechins are also known to influence drug pharmacokinetics by affecting drug transporters such as OATP (organic anion transporting polypeptides) which can decrease intestinal absorption of certain medications[2].

Other names

(+)-catechin(-)-epicatechinepicatechincianidanol