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Catechin and Epicatechin

Posted by on October 6, 2010 · 4 Comments 

Catechin

We’ve all heard of these two phytochemicals as beneficial components of our favorite foods: tea, wine and chocolate! These molecules are part of a large family called flavonoids. Notice the 3 ring structures in the diagram; this is what makes these two molecules a flavonoid. More specifically, they are flavanols. The -ol just refers to OH group that you see on the lower right portion of the molecule. Anything that has an OH group is considered an alcohol and the name of the molecule typically ends with –ol as does flavanol. The most common alcohol, ethanol, also ends with –ol and catechin can more correctly be called catechol.

Catechin and epicatechin are isomers which mean they have the same molecular formula (count the number of carbons, hydrogens and oxygens!) but have a different structure or arrangement of those atoms. With catechin and epicatechin the difference lies in the OH group we just spoke of. It is below the plane in epicatechin and above the plane in catechin which is indicated by either the dashed or solid line.

The more correct name for catechin is: 3,3’,4’,5,7-pentahydroxyflavan. Another example of why the phrase ‘if you can’t pronounce something it isn’t good for you’ just isn’t true! Oftentimes catechins will be attached to a sugar molecule and are referred to as O-glycosides.

Epicatechin

Products that are high in catechins and epicatechins have been found to have protective effects toward heart disease. Newer research has shown that these compounds are protective for the skin, providing photoprotection and improving the appearance and hydration of skin. Tea, both green and black, may also protect against skin cancer. Apparently, flavonoids have the ability to absorb UV light which may make them a useful ingredient in sun screens and other skin care products. These chemicals are a great addition to a skin care product to protect skin.

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More about the author:  Cindy Jones is a formulator and microbiologist. After receiving a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Cincinnati she worked in cancer research, later as a health/medical writer and now in cosmetic science. Read more from this author

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  • http://twitter.com/organicguru June

    All the more reason to drink organic tea! Love the explanation! It is always great to learn or just even get a simple refresher lesson in the benefits of consuming certain foods!

    • Dene Godfrey

      @June – sorry, but I don’t understand your logic in interpreting this as a reason to drink specifically organic tea. There is no mention of organic tea in this piece – only tea – and the catechins and epicatechins are present equally in “non-organic” tea, so the health benefits (with respect to these compounds) are the same.

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  • http://twitter.com/essentialU Kayla Fioravanti

    I love Cindy’s posts — great information. Thank you!