Hydrolysis of epigallocatechin gallate using a tannase from Paecilomyces variotii

Epigallocatechin (EGC) and gallic acid (GA) were prepared by the degalloylation of an epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) extract from green tea. EGCG was entirely hydrolyzed using a tannase (from Paecilomyces variotii) at pH 6.0, incubating at 40 °C for 30 min. The antiradical properties and the reducing power of these samples were assessed using the DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively. This work established a relationship between the antioxidant effects of epigallocatechin gallate and the enzymatic reaction products (epigalocatechin and gallic acid). The enzymatic reaction products showed higher scavenging activity and antioxidant capacity when compared to epigallocatechin gallate.     

Epimerisation of tea polyphenols in tea drinks

The present study was carried out to quantify green tea epicatechin (GTE) derivatives and to investigate the origin of epicatechin epimers present in 18 selected canned or bottled tea drinks. The major GTEs present in tea are (?)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (?)‐epigallocatechin (EGC), (?)‐epicatechin gallate (ECG) and (?)‐epicatechin (EC). HPLC analysis showed that the content of total GTEs was lower (16.4–268.3 mg l^?1) in the canned and bottled tea drinks than in tea traditionally prepared as a beverage in a cup or teapot (3–5 g l^?1). The major finding was that they contained higher levels of epicatechin epimers, namely (?)‐gallocatechin gallate (GCG), (?)‐gallocatechin (GC), catechin gallate (CG) and (?)‐catechin (C), than of GTEs, ranging from 7.6 to 331.8 mg l^?1. To investigate the origin of these epimers, GTEs were extracted from longjing green tea and autoclaved at various temperatures for 10–60 min. It was found that at least 50% of GTEs were epimerised to their corresponding epimers when autoclaved at 120 °C for 20 min. It is concluded that epicatechin epimers in tea drinks are not originally present in green tea leaf but are instead derived from thermal conversion of GTEs. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Quantitative and Qualitative Portrait of Green Tea Catechins (Gtc) Through Hplc

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is a prosperous source of polyphenols, especially catechins. In the current research, an effort was made to optimize the extraction conditions for maximum yield of catechins from the local green tea Qi-Men. For the purpose, three different solvents were used, i.e., aqueous ethanol (50%), aqueous methanol (50%), and water at different time intervals (20, 40, and 60 min). Green tea catechins were quantified through HPLC using a C18 column and UV detector. The antioxidant activity of green tea catechins was measured through in vitro tests including DPPH radical scavenging ability and antioxidant activity. Results showed that extraction through aqueous ethanol resulted in maximum yield of green tea catechins (17400 ± 0.19 mg/100 g green tea leaves. Moreover, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and epicatechin ranged from 4.26 ± 0.09 to 6.4 ± 0.2, 12.1 ± 0.123 to 17.7 ± 0.3, 1.32 ± 0.03 to 1.81 ± 0.02, 5.48 ± 0.099 to 8.6 ± 0.2 g/100 g of dry-extract, respectively. Furthermore, highest antiradical (80.65 ± 3.69%) and antioxidant activity (67.12 ± 3.08%) were observed in catechins extracted through aqueous ethanol.     

不同黑茶提取物功能性成分分析及活性评价

探究不同黑茶提取物(天尖茶、茯砖茶、百两茶、六堡茶及普洱茶)中主要功能性组分的差异,评价其功能性活性1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl,DPPH)自由基清除能力、氧自由基的吸收能力(oxygen radical absorbance capacity,ORAC)及对PC12神经细胞保护作用,并建立功能性组分与其活性的相关性。结果表明,湖南产的茯砖、天尖和百两茶,其提取物中的茶多酚、茶多糖及儿茶素总含量均显著高于普洱和六堡茶提取物,而咖啡碱、没食子酸及茶氨酸含量则以普洱茶提取物最高。茯砖、天尖和百两茶提取物对DPPH自由基的清除能力及对氧自由基的吸收能力均较强,而在PC12神经细胞损伤保护实验中,茯砖、普洱及六堡茶提取物效果明显。通过相关性分析,发现茶多酚(特别是酯型儿茶素表儿茶素没食子酸酯(epicatechin gallate,ECG)和表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯(epigallocatechin gallate,EGCG))是黑茶提取物DPPH自由基和ORAC活性的主要影响因素,而茶氨酸含量则与PC12细胞保护作用正相关。     

Antioxidative activities and the chemical constituents of two Chinese teas,Camellia kucha and C. ptilophylla

Two kinds of green tea were prepared with the young shoots of Camellia kucha and C. ptilophylla, and antioxidative activities of the chemical constituents were determined. Levels of alkaloids, catechins, total polyphenols, flavonoids and amino acids were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography and UV‐Vis spectrophotometer. Antioxidative activity was evaluated by applying 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Our results showed that theobromine was the only alkaloid in C. ptilophylla, while there was theacrine in C. kucha, which was coexisting with the caffeine. We confirmed the high content of (?)‐gallocatechin gallate in C. ptilophylla was not the epimerisation of (?)‐epigallocatechin gallate during the heating procedure. These wild teas had higher content of tea polyphenols, water extracts, amion acids and stronger antioxidative activity compared with the longjing tea. They could be used for the development of noncaffeine beverages and new types of tea.     

云南大叶种茶树花生化成分及体外抗氧化活性研究

本文对云南大叶种茶树花的生化成分和体外抗氧化活性进行了研究。实验对13个云南大叶种茶树花的主要生化指标与1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼（1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl,DPPH）自由基清除能力、2,2'-联氮-双-3-乙基苯并噻唑啉-6-磺酸（2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid),ABTS）自由基清除能力、总抗氧化能力（Total antioxidant capacity,TAC）、羟自由基（·OH）清除能力、超氧阴离子清除能力,5种体外抗氧化指标进行测定,主要生化成分和体外抗氧化指标进行了相关性分析。结果表明:茶树花水浸出物、茶多酚、氨基酸含量范围分别为41.22%~63.73%、7.74%~13.56%、1.61%~5.91%;咖啡碱、黄酮含量分别为4.98~8.46、4.21~8.63 mg/g,样品间生化含量及组成表现出一定的差异性。不同茶树花样品体外抗氧化能力存在显著性差异（P<0.05）。其中,地界古茶树花、布朗山古茶树花、冰岛古茶树花抗氧化活性表现良好,而秧塔大白茶古茶树花最弱。茶树花体外抗氧化活性与生化指标呈现相关性,茶多酚含量与总抗氧化能力极显著相关（P<0.01）,表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯（Epigallocatechin gallate,EGCG）、表儿茶素没食子酸酯（Epicatechin gallate,ECG）含量与总抗氧化能力显著相关（P<0.05）,结果可作为预测茶树花抗氧化活性的重要指标。     

Antioxidant,free radical scavenging and type II diabetes‐related enzyme inhibition properties of traditionally processed Jequirity bean (Abrus precatorius L.)

The methanolic extract of raw Abrus precatorius (Jequirity bean, red‐ and black‐coloured seed coat) seeds contains a total phenolic content of 14.2 ± 0.39 g catechin equivalent/100 g extract. An analysis of phenolic profile revealed the presence of syringic acid, caffeic acid and (?)‐epicatechin in the methanolic extract of A. precatorius seeds. Encouraging levels of ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP, 1247 mmol Fe[II]/mg extract), inhibition of β‐carotene bleaching (53.37%), 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH, 62.13%) and superoxide (64.47%) radical scavenging activities were exhibited by the extract of raw samples. Inhibition characteristics of 68.69%α‐amylase and 51.74%α‐glucosidase enzyme were also recorded under in vitro starch digestion bioassay. Sprouting + oil‐frying caused a significant increase in the total phenolic content and also substantially improved the antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacities, while soaking + cooking as well as open‐pan roasting treatments showed diminishing effects.     

槠叶种制成的不同茶类品质特性和抗氧化功能

摘 要: 目的 探究祁门槠叶种制作的不同茶类的感官品质和理化特性。方法 按生产性工艺制作不同种类茶样,感官审评法评定各茶类的基本品质特征,用氨基酸分析仪、液相色谱和气质联用方法分析关键品质成分,用体外模拟方法测定不同茶类的自由基清除力,SPSS用于统计分析。 结果 卷形红茶芳樟醇及其氧化物,香叶醇含量仍然较高,并产生6-甲基-5-庚烯-2-酮, 2,2,6-三甲基-6-乙烯基四氢-2H-呋喃-3-醇等烘干型红茶中很少的甜香成分,红茶干燥中烘炒制结合应成为一种普遍推行的技术。安茶滋味醇浓,但没有一般黑茶那种木腐味和陈香。3种茶叶中绿茶表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯（EGCG）含量最高,但黑茶中表没食子儿茶素（EGC）和没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯(GCG)含量高于红茶和绿茶。1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼（DPPH）自由基、超氧自由基和羟自由基试验表明,大多数情形下安茶（黑茶）自由基清除力最强,但3种茶叶差异不明显,总还原力试验显示绿茶>黑茶>红茶。醇提取物和水提取物对比,抗氧化力差异没有表现一致性的规律。     

体外模拟胃肠消化对古茶树叶酵素中活性成分和抗氧化活性的影响

为探究古茶树叶酵素经模拟胃、肠消化后活性成分和抗氧化活性的变化,该研究采用体外模拟胃、肠消化的方法,检测古茶树叶酵素模拟胃肠消化过程中总酚、黄酮、原花青素含量的释放规律,同时对模拟胃肠消化前后茶叶酵素中的5种儿茶素类物质含量变化进行了分析,并对其体外抗氧化活性的变化规律进行了进一步研究。结果表明:古茶树叶酵素在模拟胃消化中,总酚、总黄酮含量和ABTS阳离子自由基清除能力、还原力均显著提高（P<0.05）,原花青素含量、DPPH自由基清除能力无显著变化（P>0.05）;在模拟肠消化中,总酚含量、ABTS阳离子自由基清除能力显著提高（P<0.05）,总黄酮含量、DPPH自由基清除能力、还原力无显著变化（P>0.05）,原花青素含量显著降低（P<0.05）。5种儿茶素类物质中在胃消化过程中无显著性变化（P>0.05）,而在肠消化过程中均显著下降（P<0.05）,儿茶素、表没食子儿茶素、表儿茶素、表儿茶素没食子酸酯含量在模拟肠消化2 h后分别下降了74.58%、64.40%、86.95%、48.21%。这表明,古茶树叶酵素在模拟胃肠消化过程中,胃蛋白酶、胃酸可促进抗氧化活性物质释放,有较好的抗氧化活性,有望应用于抗氧化产品的开发。     

Characterisation of phenolic acids,flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and antioxidant activity of water extracts from seed coats of marama bean [Tylosema esculentum] – an underutilised food legume

Freeze‐dried aqueous phenolic extracts with possible application as natural antioxidant functional food ingredients were prepared from marama bean seed coats by extracting with water. Phenolic acids, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins in the extracts were characterised by HPLC/MS. The major flavonoids were the flavanols methyl (epi)afzelechin‐3‐O‐gallate (40%) and methyl (epi)catechin‐3‐O‐gallate (28%), and the major phenolic acid was gallic acid (10%). Proanthocyanidins in the extracts were predominantly prodelphinidins composed of epicatechin‐3‐O‐gallate and epigallocatechin present as major terminal and extension units and epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate and epicatechin present as minor extension unit constituents. The polymer structure was found to be unique compared with other legumes because of the high percentage of galloylated units. Extracts showed a high DPPH free radical scavenging activity (707 μmol TE g^?1), protective effect against AAPH‐induced human red blood cell haemolysis and copper‐catalysed human LDL oxidation suggesting that the extracts may have potential health benefits.     

Comparison of catechins and volatile compounds among different types of tea using high performance liquid chromatograph and gas chromatograph mass spectrometer

As tea is one of the most popular beverages consumed worldwide, it is important for customers and business investigators to develop an easy and reliable method to discriminate between different types of teas from each other. A total of eighty‐seven types of various white, green, oolong, black and Puer teas were collected from the major tea estates in China, and their catechin contents and volatile compounds were compared by high performance liquid chromatograph and gas chromatograph mass spectrometer. It was found green tea contained the highest concentrations of total catechins, (?)‐epicatechin gallate (ECG) and (?)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), while oolong teas contained the highest concentrations of (?)‐epigallocatechin (EGC) among these five types of teas. The aroma composition and their quantities in different types of teas varied quite widely. The concentration of ECG, EGCG, pentanal, hexanal, methyl jasmonate, indole, (E,E)‐2,4‐hexadienal and 1,2,3‐trimethoxybenzene was shown to be different and could be used to discriminate white, green, oolong, black and Puer teas. The result showed that different types of teas could be partially classified by cluster analysis using index of individual catechins and volatile components.     

Presence of two forms of methylated (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate in green tea

Crude catechins extract from Chinese green tea were fractionated using Sephadex LH‐20 column chromatography. The fraction containing (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) was then subjected to a semipreparative high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Using a mobile phase of water : dimethyl formamide : methanol : acetic acid (157 : 49 : 2 : 1 v/v/v/v( the mixture of two methylated catechins was separated and isolated. According to mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H‐NMR) date, these compounds were identified as (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐(3‐O‐methylgallate) and (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐(4‐O‐methylgallate).     

Bioactive components and antioxidant properties of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) tea leaves

Various ethanolic concentrations (0–95%, v/v) and temperatures (25–95 °C) were used to extract γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) tea leaves. Extraction yields, and contents of total phenols, various catechins, GABA, theanine, and antioxidant properties of extracts were determined. The 50% (v/v) ethanol at 50–95 °C gave higher yields (32.05–32.56 g dried extract/100 g dried tea leaves). The bioactive components and antioxidant properties of extracts were affected by the ethanolic concentrations and temperatures. Among catechins, epigallocatechin gallate was the main catechin in all extracts, followed by epigallocatechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin and gallocatechin gallate. The 50–75% (v/v) ethanol at 75–95 °C gave higher contents of ester type (102.92–104.54 mg/g extract) and non-ester type (61.75–63.55 mg/g extract) catechins. Water at 50–75 °C gave higher GABA and theanine contents and higher chelating ability of extracts. The 75% (v/v) ethanol at 25–75 °C gave higher scavenging ability and reducing power of extracts. Based on dried tea extracts or leaves results obtained, the optimal extraction conditions to maintain the total contents of various catechins, GABA and theanine in the maximum level were 50% ethanol (v/v) and 75–95 °C.     

The development of a suitable manufacturing process for ‘Benifuuki’ green tea beverage with anti‐allergic effects

Epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐(3‐O‐methyl) gallate (EGCG3″Me) has been reported to inhibit type I allergy better than epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major catechin in tea leaves (Camellia sinensis L). We examined the effects of extraction and sterilization on the catechin content and histamine release from mast cells, as a representative reaction of early phase allergy, in the manufacture of ‘Benifuuki’ green tea beverage. Among various varieties of tea, the cultivar ‘Benifuuki’ contains approximately 2% of EGCG3″Me. Ester‐type catechins and their epimers increased with the increased extraction temperature of the tea. A tea infusion, extracted at 90 °C, strongly inhibited histamine release from mast cells. Furthermore, sterilization affected the catechin content in the manufactured green tea beverage. Sterilization at high temperature promoted the isomerization of catechins and the sterilized green tea beverage had a strong inhibitory effect. When EGCG3″Me, EGCG, epicatechin‐3‐O‐gallate (ECG) and their epimers, GCG3″Me (gallocatechin‐3‐O‐(3‐O‐methyl) gallate), GCG (gallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate) and CG (catechin‐3‐O‐gallate) were compared, the anti‐allergic effect of GCG3″Me was strongest, and the order of activity was GCG3″Me > EGCG3″Me > GCG > EGCG. We consequently suggest that it was necessary to extract components from tea at the highest temperature possible, and to pasteurize under retort conditions (118.1 °C, 20 min), to manufacture functional green tea beverage with an anti‐allergic action. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Use of tea extracts for inhibition of polyphenoloxidase and retardation of quality loss of Pacific white shrimp during iced storage

Green tea and mulberry tea powder with and without prior chlorophyll removal were extracted with water and ethanol (800 mL L⁻¹). Extraction yield and total phenolic content of green tea extract were higher than those of mulberry tea extract, regardless of extraction media (P < 0.05). Extracts from green tea with and without prior chlorophyll removal showed the higher polyphenoloxidase (PPO) inhibitory activity, compared with mulberry tea extract, at the concentration used (0.1, 0.5 or 1 g L⁻¹). Additionally, green tea extracts had the higher reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities and copper chelating activity, compared with mulberry tea extract (P < 0.05). Ethanolic green tea extract with prior chlorophyll removal contained (+)-catechin (C), (−)-epicatechin (EC), (−)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) and (−)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) at the levels of 242, 33.4, 125.6, 140.6 and 25.2 g kg⁻¹ dry extract, respectively. Whole white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) treated with ethanolic green tea extract with prior chlorophyll removal at concentrations of 5 and 10 g L⁻¹ and stored in ice for up to 12 days had the lower psychrophilic bacterial count and lipid oxidation, compared with the control and shrimp treated with 12.5 g L⁻¹ sodium metabisulfite (SMS) (P < 0.05). Shrimp treated with 5 g L⁻¹ ethanolic green tea extract with prior chlorophyll removal possessed the lower melanosis, compared with the control, and showed similar score to those treated with SMS (P > 0.05). Furthermore, ethanolic green tea extract with prior chlorophyll removal had no adverse impact on sensory attributes of treated shrimp.     

Taste characterisation of green tea catechins

There has been interest in biological activities of green tea catechins. However, little is known about the taste characteristics of catechins. To assess the taste characteristics of catechins ((?)–epicatechin (EC), (?)–epicatechin gallate (ECg), (?)–epigallocatechin (EGC) and (?)–epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg)), sensory evaluations were performed. The taste intensity increased with increased catechins concentration. Among them, ECg showed the strongest taste. Catechins had tastes that consisted primarily of astringency and bitterness. Therefore, taste palatability decreased with increasing catechin concentrations. In line with taste intensity, taste palatability of ECg was the lowest. Taste sensor analysis and mouse behavioural assays showed same results. EC and ECg were more stable in Ringer’s solution than EGC and EGCg. Furthermore, taste cell responses to ECg that had the strong taste and better stability among catechins used were recorded. Some taste cells responded to ECg. This result suggests that ECg might be recognised by taste cells.     

EFFECT OF FAR-INFRARED HEATER ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GREEN TEA DURING PROCESSING

ABSTRACT

The green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis) were irradiated by a far‐infrared (FIR) heater during the roasting and drying step, resulting in three different treatments produced. Green tea was extracted by soaking the leaves in water, and the components were analyzed. FIR irradiation, combined with fryer heating during the roasting step and additionally applied after the drying step, increased total phenolic contents of green tea from 116.30 to 171.77 mg/g, and total flavanol contents from 17.54 to 24.76 mg/g, compared with the non‐irradiated control. Ascorbic acid contents also increased from 3.07 to 4.20 mg/g. The amounts of epicatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate were significantly increased from 2.41 to 4.59 mg/mL and 20.61 to 28.54 mg/mL, respectively, compared with the non‐irradiated control. FIR irradiation increased Nitrite Scavenging Ability of green tea at pH 3.0 and pH 4.2, while there was no significant difference at pH 6.0. Sweetness, umami and aroma of green tea were enhanced by FIR irradiation, while bitterness and astringency were decreased compared with those of the control. These results show that FIR heating during the green tea process affected the chemical properties of green tea, and the FIR heater can be applied to increase the physicochemical qualities of green tea.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Green tea, a widely consumed drink, has received much attention because of the beneficial biological effects attributable to its excellent antioxidant activity. In this article, a far‐infrared (FIR)‐heater for industrial application was used during the processing of green tea leaves, and the chemical characteristics and quality of FIR‐treated green tea were determined. FIR irradiation, combined with fryer heating during the roasting step and additionally applied after the drying step, significantly increased phenolic, flavanol, ascorbic acid, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate contents and nitrite‐scavenging activity compared with non‐irradiated control. Sensory evaluation also showed a positive effect of FIR irradiation. The results indicated that FIR heater could be easily applied to increase the quality of green tea in the processing line.     

Interactions of digestive enzymes and milk proteins with tea catechins at gastric and intestinal pH

The interactions of digestive enzymes (pepsin, pancreatin) and milk proteins (β‐casein, β‐lactoglobulin (β‐Lg)) with (?)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), (?)‐epigallocatechin (EGC) and (?)‐epicatechin (EC) at gastric and intestinal pH were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The results indicated that in the gastric environment, all three tea catechins showed binding affinities in descending order of strength with β‐casein first, followed by β‐Lg and then pepsin. The highest affinity was observed for EGCG–β‐casein, with a binding constant (K_A) of 2.502(±0.201) × 10⁵ m ^?1. In the intestinal environment, the binding strengths of the proteins with EGCG and EGC were in the order β‐Lg > pancreatin > β‐casein; for binding with EC, the strength order was β‐casein > β‐Lg > pancreatin. The combination EGCG–β‐Lg had the strongest binding affinity, with a K_A of 14.300(±0.997) × 10⁵ m ^?1. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that tea catechins complexed with milk proteins and digestive enzymes via different hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions depending on the different digestion environments and types of catechins, proteins and enzymes.     

Effects of Catechins and Their Related Compounds on Cellular Accumulation and Efflux Transport of Mitoxantrone in Caco‐2 Cell Monolayers

The ability of catechins and their related compounds to inhibit breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) function in Caco‐2 cell monolayers was investigated with mitoxantrone as a BCRP substrate. The gallate or pyrogallol moiety on the catechin structure seemed to promote increased cellular accumulation and inhibit efflux transport of mitoxantrone. The ability of gallate catechins such as (?)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and (?)‐epicatechin gallate (ECG) to increase cellular accumulation and inhibit efflux transport of mitoxantrone was greater than that of nongallate catechins. Gallic acid octyl ester (GAO) also increased intracellular mitoxantrone accumulation. Experiments using GAO derivatives indicated that the gallate moiety required the presence of a long carbon chain for BCRP inhibition. Cellular accumulation and reduced efflux transport of mitoxantrone were greater with epigallocatechin 3‐(3″‐O‐butyl) gallate than with EGCG. EGCG inhibition of BCRP seemed to be restricted by hydrophobicity. The co‐administration of catechins, particularly EGCG and related compounds, with greater hydrophobicity may increase the therapeutic activities of BCRP substrates such as mitoxantrone.     

ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF POLYPHENOLS EXTRACTED FROM GREEN AND BLACK TEAS

The catechins, including epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and the theaflavins, including theaflavin (TF), theaflavin monogallate (TF-1), and theaflavin digallate (TF-2), were extracted from green tea and black tea, respectively. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging ability, superoxide-scavenging efficiency, and lipid oxidation-inhibition ability of the pure compounds listed above as well as epicatechin (EC), carnosol, carnosic acid, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were investigated.
The DPPH radical-scavenging ability of the catechins was EGCG > ECG > EGC > EC and of the theaflavins was TF-2 > TF-1 > TF. EGCG, ECG, EGC, TF-2, TF-1, and TF showed higher DPPH radical- and superoxide-scavenging abilities than carnosol, carnosic acid, and BHT. EGCG, ECG, EGC, carnosol, and carnosic acid showed higher lipid oxidation-inhibition activity, as measured by the Rancimat method, than BHT and theaflavins.