Biochemical and biological properties of polyphenolic catechins in green tea extract for health benefits
Author: Forouzanfar Ali and Orafai Hossein and Maroofian Ahmad and Golestani Shayan
Introduction: Recently great interest has been focused on the biological properties of green tea catechins because of their health benefits such as anti-inflamatory, anti-oxigenicity, anti-mutagenicity, anti-tumorgenicity and anti-carcinogenicity. These catechins are polyphenolic compounds belonging to the flavonoid family, which are present in relatively high concentration in green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) and, at lower levels, in grape seeds and Cistus species. The aim of this study is to introduce catechin molecules structure and their potential therapeutic properties on various diseases. Materials and methods: The catechins are composed of a family of four major substances, epicatechin (EC), epicatechin gallate (Ecg), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) and four minor catechins, catechin©, catechin gallate (Cg), galloca- techin (GC) and gallocatechin gallate (GCg) as epimers of the major catechins. Organic solvents such as methanol and acetonitrile or hot water have been used as solvents to extract catechins from tea leaves. Results: Green tea catechins consumption have been linked to a lower incidence of various pathologies, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and hypertension, diabetes, obesity, allergy, asthma, arthritis, immune system disorders, oral and periodontal diseases, osteoporo- sis, bacterial and viral infections and dermatological lesions. Recently we have shown that green tea catechins have improved periodontal status of patients with gingivitis suffering from gum inflammation and bleeding. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this review green tea catechins can be extracted by various methods and used in different pharmaceutical forms. Several studies have shown that green tea catechins can be applied for preventing and treating numerous diseases.
