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Catechins: Occurrence, Chemical Nature and Medicinal Benefits

  • Catechins is Predominantly found in green tea, catechins are powerful antioxidants.

  • They help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, assist in weight management by boosting metabolism, and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Occurrence:

  • Catechins are primarily found in tea (green, white, and black), with green tea being especially rich in these compounds.

  • They are also present in smaller amounts in fruits such as apples, pears, and berries, as well as in chocolate, wine, and some legumes.

Chemical Nature:

  • Catechins belong to the flavanol subclass of flavonoids.

  • These compounds are characterized by the presence of a dihydroxy B-ring.

  • The structure allows them to act as powerful antioxidants.

  • The major catechins include epicatechin (EC), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), with EGCG being the most studied and potent.

Medicinal Benefits:

1. Antioxidant Activity:

  • Catechins can scavenge free radicals, reducing oxidative damage to cells and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

2. Cardiovascular Health:

  • They contribute to heart health by improving blood vessel function, lowering cholesterol levels, and reducing blood pressure.

3. Weight Management:

  • Some studies suggest that catechins, particularly EGCG, can help in weight loss and fat metabolism.

4. Cancer Prevention:

  • There is evidence that catechins may inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis in various types of cancer cells.

5. Brain Health:

  • Catechins have neuroprotective properties, potentially improving brain health and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.


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