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111In and 109Cd radionuclides were produced by 31 MeV α ${\alpha }$ ‐particle irradiation of natAg target. To separate no‐carrier added (NCA) 111In and 109Cd from bulk Ag, Aqueous Biphasic System (ABS) was constructed using twelve salts and two polyethylene glycol (PEG) combinations. Out of all these combinations, only three salts e. g., Na2SO3, Na‐ malonate and Na‐Tartrate and PEG combinations showed significant separation between bulk Ag and NCA radioisotopes. Addition of catechins extracted from green tea to the above ABS systems increased the separation factors many folds. Highest separation factor (SIn/Ag=5.6×104) for 111In was obtained in Na2SO3‐PEG 4000 and 50 mg catechins system. 109Cd retained in NCA state in the Na‐malonate phase after the extraction of 111In and bulk Ag in the catechin‐PEG phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea plant calli (Camellia sinensis L.) are characterized by the accumulation of various phenolic compounds (PC)—substances with high antioxidant activity. However, there is still no clarity on the response of tea cells to light exposure of varying intensity. The purpose of the research was to study tea callus cultures grown under the influence of primary exposure to different light intensities (50, 75, and 100 µmol·m−2·s−1). The cultures' growth, morphology, content of malondialdehyde and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b), accumulation of various PC, including phenylpropanoids and flavanols, and the composition of catechins were analyzed. Primary exposure to different light intensities led to the formation of chloroplasts in tea calli, which was more pronounced at 100 µmol·m−2·s−1. Significant similarity in the growth dynamics of cultures, accumulation of pigments, and content of malondialdehyde and various phenolics in tea calli grown at light intensities of 50 and 75 µmol·m−2·s−1 has been established, which is not typical for calli grown at 100 µmol·m−2·s−1. According to data collected using high-performance liquid chromatography, (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate were the main components of the tea callus culture's phenolic complex. Its content changed under the influence of primary exposure to light, reaching the greatest accumulation in the final stages of growth, and depended on the light intensity. The data obtained indicate changes in the morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of tea callus cultures, including the accumulation of PC and their individual representatives under primary exposure to light exposure of varying intensity, which is most pronounced at its highest values (100 µmol·m−2·s−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catechins, a class of polyphenolic compounds found in tea, have attracted significant attention due to their numerous health benefits, particularly for the treatment and protection of hypertension. However, the potential targets and mechanisms of action of catechins in combating hypertension remain unclear. This study systematically investigates the anti-hypertensive mechanisms of tea catechins using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation techniques. The results indicate that 23 potential anti-hypertensive targets for eight catechin components were predicted through public databases. The analysis of protein–protein interaction (PPI) identified three key targets (MMP9, BCL2, and HIF1A). KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analyses revealed that these key targets play significant roles in regulating vascular smooth muscle contraction, promoting angiogenesis, and mediating vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling. The molecular docking results demonstrate that the key targets (MMP9, BCL2, and HIF1A) effectively bind with catechin components (CG, GCG, ECG, and EGCG) through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the stability of the binding between catechins and the targets. This study systematically elucidates the potential mechanisms by which tea catechins treat anti-hypertension and provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of tea catechins as functional additives for the prevention of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camellia oleifera Abel, one of the most valuable woody oil plants, has been widely cultivated for extracting edible oil. The shell of C. oleifera is a by-product generated in the processing of edible oil extraction. However, there is still limited research on the maturity and high-value resource utilization of shell by-products. We found that the C. oleifera 'Huashuo' (HS) fruit shells contained a high content of catechins. Abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) enhanced the accumulation of catechins in C. oleifera fruit shells, providing a basis for production and application of the catechins in fruit shells of C. oleifera. We further found that 500 μM ABA and 900 μM MeJA significantly promoted the accumulation of catechin (C) and epicatechin (EC) in fruit shells. Following treatment with 900 μM MeJA, the expressions of CoPAL1, CoC4H1, CoC4H2, CoC4H3, Co4CL1, Co4CL2, CoF3′H1, CoLAR1, CoLAR2, CoLAR3, CoANR2, and CoANRL2 were significantly upregulated, while after 500 μM ABA treatment the expressions of CoPAL3, CoCHS1, CoCHS4, CoF3′H1, CoDFR, CoLAR1, CoLAR2, CoLAR3, CoANS1, CoANR1, and CoANR2 increased dramatically. These results indicate that appropriate concentrations of ABA and MeJA activate C and EC biosynthesis and promote their accumulation in fruit shells. Our results provide new ideas and guidance for promoting the resource utilization of C. oleifera fruit shells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The galloyl group in catechins was confirmed to be crucial for their health benefits. However, whether the catechins' galloyl group had a contribution to their anti-inflammation remains unclear. This study investigated the anti-inflammation properties and mechanisms of catechins in RAW264.7 cells by using ELISA, fluorometry, flow cytometer, Western blot, and molecular docking. Results showed that the galloyl group enhanced the inhibitory abilities of catechins on inflammatory cytokines (NO, PGE2, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and ROS release in LPS-induced cells. This suppression was likely mediated by delaying cells from the G0/G1 to the S phase, blocking COX-2 and iNOS via the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB pathway with PU.1 as an upstream target. The research proved that the existence of galloyl groups in catechins was indispensable for their anti-inflammatory capacities and offered a theoretical basis for the anti-inflammatory mechanism of galloylated catechins. Future research is needed to verify the anti-inflammatory effects of catechins in various sources of macrophages or the Caco-2/RAW264.7 cell co-culture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the last century, it has been shown that dedifferentiated cells of Camellia sinensis can produce catechins and other secondary metabolites under in vitro conditions, with potential applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. In this work, cell suspension cultures of a C. sinensis cell line (LSC-5Y) were established in a liquid medium in order to optimize the biomass productivity, catechin monomer (GC, EGC, C, EC, CG, and ECG) and alkaloid (TB and CAF) productivity. The following factors were evaluated: concentration of growth regulators (BA and IBA), inoculum size, age of the cell line, light exposure, and effect of biotic elicitors (MeJA and extracts of Ciborinia camelliae). GC, EGC, and ECG increased approximately 1.80-fold when the auxin IBA concentration was increased from 0.1 to 2.0 mg/L. In addition, better productivity of EGC, C, EC, and CAF was achieved by using inoculum densities between 50 and 100 g/L. Although lower inoculum densities (25 g/L) showed a higher growth rate (0.20 d−1), the use of inoculum densities higher than 25 g/L favors a 2–4-fold increase in total catechin (TC) productivity, with maximum productivity being reached after 21 days of culture. However, the cell line showed instability in TC productivity: in the short term (in three successive subcultures), the coefficient of variation was 32.80%, and catechin production capacity was 2.5 years with maximum productivity at 0.5 years. Finally, it was observed that ethanol, used as an elicitor solvent, has a strong elicitor effect capable of increasing the accumulation of catechins up to 5.24 times compared to the treatment without an elicitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the predominant catechin in green tea, has shown the potential to combat various types of cancer cells through its ability to modulate multiple signaling pathways. However, its low bioavailability and rapid degradation hinder its clinical application.Objective This review explores the potential of nanoencapsulation to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of EGCG in cancer treatment.Methods We searched the PubMed database from 2019 to the present, using ‘epigallocatechin gallate’, ‘EGCG’, and ‘nanoparticles’ as search terms to identify pertinent literature. This review examines recent nano-engineering technology advancements that encapsulate EGCG within various nanocarriers. The focus was on evaluating the types of nanoparticles used, their synthesis methods, and the technologies applied to optimize drug delivery, diagnostic capabilities, and therapeutic outcomes.Results Nanoparticles improve the physicochemical stability and pharmacokinetics of EGCG, leading to enhanced therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment. Nanoencapsulation allows for targeted drug delivery, controlled release, enhanced cellular uptake, and reduced premature degradation of EGCG. The studies highlighted include those where EGCG-loaded nanoparticles significantly inhibited tumor growth in various models, demonstrating enhanced penetration and efficacy through active targeting mechanisms.Conclusions Nanoencapsulation of EGCG represents a promising approach in oncology, offering multiple therapeutic benefits over its unencapsulated form. Although the results so far are promising, further research is necessary to fully optimize the design of these nanosystems to ensure their safety, efficacy, and clinical viability.

Oxidative stress and inflammation caused by cisplatin, which is frequently used in the treatment of many cancers, damage healthy tissues as well as cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and infliximab (INF) administration on pancreatic endocrine cells in rats treated with systemic cisplatin (CDDP). The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: group 1 (control group), group 2 (EGCG group), group 3 (CDDP group), group 4 (EGCG + CDDP group), group 5 (CDDP + INF group), and group 6 (EGCG + CDDP + INF group). The study's findings demonstrated that EGCG and INF effectively reduced the cellular damage induced by CDDP in histopathologic investigations of the pancreas. EGCG and INF, whether used individually or in combination, demonstrated a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and an increase in glutathione (GSH) levels in the rat pancreas compared to the CDDP group. Immunohistochemically, the enhanced presence of insulin and glucagon positivity in the EGCG and INF groups, along with the absence of TUNEL immunopositivity, indicate that both treatments reduced CDDP-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the observed lack of immunopositivity in TNF-α and 8-OHdG in the groups treated with EGCG and INF, compared to those treated with CDDP, indicates that these substances can inhibit inflammation. EGCG and INF, whether provided alone or together, can potentially reduce the damage caused to pancreatic islet cells by cisplatin. This effect is achieved through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties during the early stages of the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromatographic analysis of phenolic phytochemicals in foods has significantly advanced over the past decade (2014–2024), meeting increasing demands for precision and efficiency. This review covers both conventional and advanced chromatographic techniques used for detecting phenolic phytochemicals in foods. Conventional methods like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Thin-Layer Chromatography, and Gas Chromatography are discussed, along with their benefits and limitations. Advanced techniques, including Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography, Nano-LC, Multidimensional Liquid Chromatography, and Capillary Electrophoresis, are highlighted for their innovations and improved capabilities. The review addresses challenges in current chromatographic methods, emphasizing the need for standardized and validated procedures according to the Food and Drug Administration, European Cooperation for Accreditation of Laboratories, and The International Organization for Standardization guidelines to ensure reliable and reproducible results. It also considers novel strategies for reducing the environmental impact of chromatographic methods, advocating for sustainable practices in analytical chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection diseases is a worldwide important problem for medicine and pharmacy. The purpose of this work was to study and compare phytochemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant potential of pomegranate fruit thick and green tea leaf liquid extracts. The quantification of biologically active substances (BAS) was performed using spectrophotometric, titrimetric, and HPLC analysis methods. Antioxidant activity was measured through a potentiometric method, while antimicrobial and antifungal effects were assessed using the well method and determining the minimum inhibition concentration. The total content of phenolic compounds was 0.40 and 10.10%, organic acids - 5.80 and 1.60% for pomegranate fruit thick and green tea leaf extract. The total content of catechins in the green tea leaf extract was 10500.0 mg/100 g, where epicatechin-3-O-gallate was dominated (3730.0±2.00 mg/100 g). The total content of anthocyanins in the pomegranate fruit thick extract was 107.10 mg/100 g, where cyanidin-3-O-glucoside was dominated (41.74 ± 0.10 mg/100 g), whereas delphinidin-3-O-glucoside had a lowest content (4.99 ± 0.10 mg/100 g). Both extracts possessed a high antioxidant potential, and effective antimicrobial effects. The antioxidant, antimicrobial activity of pomegranate fruit extract was higher than green tea leaf extract. In addition, we assumed that anthocyanins had higher antioxidant, antimicrobial properties than catechins. These findings would promote application of pomegranate fruits extract as pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catechins, as powerful flavonoids with antioxidant properties, are crucial for the preservation of the human body against free radicals and for promoting overall health. Research has shown that the presence of catechins in urine is linked to a reduced risk of gastric and esophageal cancer. This study introduces an innovative approach using a novel nano‐composite material, composed of magnetic graphene oxide coated with a biocompatible O‐carboxymethyl chitosan/acrylic acid copolymer, for extracting catechins from human urine. The extracted catechins were then analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry‐selected ion monitoring analysis. Under the optimum conditions, the analytical figures of merit for catechin and epicatechin were linear dynamic range: 0.5–1000 ng/mL, R2 of 0.9991; limit of detection equal to 0.1 ng/mL; relative standard deviation: 4.1 and 3.1 (C = 50 ng/mL, n = 3); and relative recovery was 94%, respectively. The application of this method holds significant promise for advancing clinical and toxicological studies, as well as establishing potential associations between tea consumption and disease prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexification of in vitro models requires the compatibility of cells with the same medium. Since immune cells are the most sensitive to growth conditions, growing intestinal epithelial cells in their usual medium seems to be necessary. This work was aimed at comparing the sensitivity of these epithelial cells to pro-inflammatory stimuli but also to dietary polyphenols in both DMEM and RPMI-1640 media. Co-cultures of Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cells were grown for 21 days in the two media before their stimulation with a cocktail of TNF-α (20 ng/mL), IL-1β (1 ng/mL), and IFN-γ (10 ng/mL) or with LPS (10 ng/mL) from E. coli (O111:B4). The role of catechins (15 µM), a dietary polyphenol, was evaluated after its incubation with the cells before their stimulation for 6 h. The RPMI-1640 medium did not alter the intensity of the inflammatory response observed with the cytokines. By contrast, LPS failed to stimulate the co-culture in inserts regardless of the medium used. Lastly, catechins were unable to prevent the pro-inflammatory response observed with the cytokines in the two media. The preservation of the response of this model of intestinal epithelium in RPMI-1640 medium is promising when considering its complexification to evaluate the complex cellular crosstalk leading to intestinal homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop an efficient method for the extraction of bioactive compounds from green tea waste (GTW) toward its potential application in the food industry. GTW, which is generated during the harvesting and processing of green tea products, accounts for a global annual loss of nearly 1 million tonnes. Notably, this waste is rich in polyphenolic compounds, particularly catechins, which are renowned for their significant health benefits. We assessed the optimization of catechin extraction from GTW employing hot water extraction (HWE), ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE), and ethanol extraction (EthE) techniques at different sample‐to‐solvent ratios (1:100, 1:50, and 1:20 w/v). The extraction temperature was set at 80°C for both HWE and UAE; however, for EthE, the temperature was slightly lower at 70°C, adhering to the boiling point of ethanol. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the extraction efficiency by quantifying various catechins (i.e., catechin, epicatechin [EC], epicatechin gallate [ECG], epigallocatechin [EGC], and epigallocatechin gallate [EGCG]). In terms of the concentration for individual catechins, EC was found to be the highest concentration detected, ranging from 30.58 ± 1.17 to 37.95 ± 0.84 mg/L in all extraction techniques and ratios of solvents, followed by EGCG (9.71 ± 1.40–20.99 ± 1.11 mg/L), EGC + C (7.95 ± 0.66–12.58 ± 0.56 mg/L), and ECG (1.85 ± 0.71–6.05 ± 0.06 mg/L). The findings of DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl) free radical assay illustrated that HWE demonstrated the highest extraction efficiency at all ratios, ranging from 61.41 ± 1.00 to 70.36 ± 1.47 mg/L. The 1:50 ratio exhibited the highest extraction yield (25.98% ± 0.75%) compared to UAE (24.16% ± 0.95%) and EthE (22.59% ± 0.26%). Moreover, this method of extraction (i.e., HWE) produced the highest total catechins and %DPPH reduction. Consequently, HWE was the most efficient method for extracting catechins from GTW, underscoring its potential for valorizing waste within the food manufacturing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology is the property of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology Periodical Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A Study of Black Tea's Anticancer Properties Using an In Vivo Model. Black tea contains compounds such as polyphenols, theaflavins, caffeine, L-theanine, and EGCG, which have been linked to potential anticancer properties. These compounds have been shown to prevent the growing of cancer cell and encourage involuntary cell death in laboratory studies. However, more study is required to conclude the exact anticancer properties of black tea in humans. Black tea's anti-carcinogenic qualities stem from its ability to regulate oxidative damage to endogenous antioxidants, mutagens, and biomolecules' antioxidant gene transcription pathways, among other things. Nonetheless, adding black tea to a healthy diet may have overall health benefits. Regular use of black tea, which is high in phytochemicals and may help prevent and treat cancer, has been connected regulation of several molecular targets, including 5-Lipoxygenase, Cyclooxygenase-2, c-Jun N-terminal Kinase, Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription, Activator Protein 1, and MAPK. Black tea's anti-cancer action is supported in vivo; nevertheless, its impact on human trials is unknown, even if further clinical investigations at the molecular level are required to comprehend this feature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of catechins on oxidative damage, inflammation and apoptosis of rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as the regulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, H9C2 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into the control group which is without intervention, LPS group with 10 μg/mL LPS treatment, catechin with different concentrations (20, 40, 80, 160 nmol/L catechin treatment based on LPS group) and SB203580 group (10 μg/mL LPS+1 μmol/L SB203580 treatment), inhibitor group (10 μg/mL LPS+160 nmol/L catechin +1 μmol/L p38 MAPK pathway inhibitor SB203580 treatment) and activator group (10 μg/mL LPS+160 nmol/L catechin +10 μmol/L p38 MAPK pathway activator C16-PAF). Cell viability was measured with cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) after 24 h treatment. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) kits were used to detect the expression levels of oxidative stress factors MDA and SOD in cell supernatant. The apoptosis rate was determined by Hoechst 33258 staining. The expression levels of Caspase-3 and p38 MAPK pathway-related proteins were determined by Western blot. Compared with the control group, the cell viability of LPS group significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with LPS group, the cell viability significantly increased after 160 nmol/L catechin supplementation (P<0.05). Finally, 160 nmol/L catechin group was selected as catechin group for follow-up experiment. In the follow-up experiment, compared with the control group, SOD and IL-10 contents in LPS group significantly decreased (P<0.05), MDA and IL-6 contents, apoptosis number, Caspase-3 and P-P38 MAPK protein expression significantly increased (P<0.05); compared with LPS group, catechin group and SB203580 group significantly reversed the changes of the above indexes (P<0.05); compared with the catechin group, SB203580 in the inhibitor group enhanced the changes in the above indicators, while C16-PAF in the activator group attenuated the effect of catechin on LPS-induced H9C2 cells (P<0.05). In this study, catechins can significantly inhibit the apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress injury of H9C2 cells induced by LPS, and the mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway signal transduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review study explores the complex methods involved in the extraction and purification of polyphenols, specifically catechins, prominent compounds that are bioactive and found in plant-based extracts and foods like tea. This study also addresses the challenges that may arise from the complex chemical structure of catechins and their inherent variability across botanical sources. Despite these shortcomings and obstacles, catechins and catechin derivatives present significant potential, particularly in healthcare but also in the food industry. Their enhanced antioxidant properties have been exhaustively investigated and associated with countless health benefits, making them promising agents with numerous applications, most notably in healthcare against chronic diseases. Furthermore, catechins have numerous applications across various industries, including food and beverage, cosmetics, agriculture, and materials science. This review is a compilation of the most notable and recent research found in the literature and emphasizes the importance of continued research and innovation in catechin separation, extraction, and utilization, which hold promise for advancing human health and technological progress across multiple domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of storage temperatures (−20 °C, room temperature, and 40 °C) on the sensory evaluation, metabolites, and volatile compounds of green tea stored for 12 months. The sensory evaluation revealed that tea samples stored at −20 °C retained their emerald green colour, tender aroma, and refreshing taste. Green tea biochemical constituents, including water extracts and total free amino acids, were measured by Chinese National Standard Methods (GB/T 8305-2013 and GB/T 8314-2013). Tea polyphenols and flavonoids were determined using spectrophotometric methods, while phytochemicals were detected using validated HPLC, and volatile compounds were detected using validated gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The analysis showed that tea polyphenols were highest at −20 °C, and flavonoids were significantly reduced at higher temperatures. A similar trend was observed for amino acids, soluble sugar content, and water extracts. Tea catechins, including (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and (-)-gallocatechin gallate (GCG), were highest at −20 °C, showing their susceptibility to temperature. A volatile compound analysis revealed distinct profiles with variations in the abundance of compounds, such as di-methyl sulfide, phenyl ethyl alcohol, indole, and benzaldehyde. This study identifies temperature-sensitive compounds, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying tea quality deterioration during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Advanced Textile Technology is the property of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Magazines and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Processing plays a decisive role in the flavor of steamed green tea (SGT), especially spreading, which is the basis of its taste formation. However, the effect of spreading time on the taste quality of 'Qiancha 1' (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis) steamed green tea (QSGT) has not been reported. In this study, fresh leaves from 'Qiancha 1' were made into SGTs after spreading at different times and evaluated using a chromatographic method combined with an electronic tongue (E-tongue) and sensory evaluation, using 'Huacha 1' (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis) steamed green tea (HSGT) as the control. Galloylated catechins were transformed to non-galloylated catechins more drastically in 'Huacha 1' than in 'Qiancha 1' during spreading. QSGT made from fresh leaves after 6 h of spreading was among the best with umami and mellow tastes in the sensory evaluation, and QSGT had higher bitter, astringent, umami, and sweet taste values than HSGT in the E-tongue evaluation. In QSGT, l-theanine, l-glutamate (Glu), (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), l-histidine (His), and l-methionine (Met) were the predominant compounds for umami, bitter, and astringent tastes, while in HSGT, l-theanine, Glu, EGCG, His, Met, and l-arginine (Arg) were predominant. The principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analyzes further revealed that differences in the metabolism of polyphenols contributing to the formation of bitter and astringency tastes were essential indicators for distinguishing SGTs made from different spreading times and cultivars. Overall, this study provides an approach for the enhancement of taste in SGT using the personalized processing method for different tea cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection diseases is a worldwide important problem for medicine and pharmacy. The purpose of this work was to study and compare phytochemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant potential of pomegranate fruit thick and green tea leaf liquid extracts. The quantification of biologically active substances (BAS) was performed using spectrophotometric, titrimetric, and HPLC analysis methods. Antioxidant activity was measured through a potentiometric method, while antimicrobial and antifungal effects were assessed using the well method and determining the minimum inhibition concentration. The total content of phenolic compounds was 0.40 and 10.10%, organic acids – 5.80 and 1.60% for pomegranate fruit thick and green tea leaf extract. The total content of catechins in the green tea leaf extract was 10500.0 mg/100 g, where epicatechin-3-O-gallate was dominated (3730.0±2.00 mg/100 g). The total content of anthocyanins in the pomegranate fruit thick extract was 107.10 mg/100 g, where cyanidin-3-O-glucoside was dominated (41.74 ± 0.10 mg/100 g), whereas delphinidin-3-O-glucoside had a lowest content (4.99 ± 0.10 mg/100 g). Both extracts possessed a high antioxidant potential, and effective antimicrobial effects. The antioxidant, antimicrobial activity of pomegranate fruit extract was higher than green tea leaf extract. In addition, we assumed that anthocyanins had higher antioxidant, antimicrobial properties than catechins. These findings would promote application of pomegranate fruits extract as pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

Catechins, a class of phytochemicals found in various fruits and tea leaves, have garnered attention for their diverse health-promoting properties, including their potential in combating neurodegenerative diseases. Among these catechins, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenol in green tea, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are key pathological mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). EGCG has neuroprotective efficacy due to scavenging free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and attenuating neuroinflammatory processes. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms of EGCG’s anti-oxidative stress and chronic neuroinflammation, emphasizing its effects on autoimmune responses, neuroimmune system interactions, and focusing on the related effects on AD and PD. By elucidating EGCG’s mechanisms of action and its impact on neurodegenerative processes, this review underscores the potential of EGCG as a therapeutic intervention for AD, PD, and possibly other neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, EGCG emerges as a promising natural compound for combating chronic neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, offering novel avenues for neuroprotective strategies in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Objective: To explore the relationship between the structure of tea catechins and their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities and to preliminarily elucidate the underlining mechanism behind the structure-function relationship. Methods: The lipopolysaccharide-induced murine macrophage cells RAW 264.7 and human colorectal cancer cells HCT116 were used as in vitro models for inflammation and cancer. The in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of catechins were analyzed by Griess reagent colorimetric method and tetramethyl azothiazole blue colorimetric method. The key targets and pathways of the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer of each catechin monomer were predicted by network pharmacology. The interactions between catechins and key target proteins were simulated by molecular docking technique, and the binding ability of each component to key targets was compared. Results: The significant in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potentials of eight catechins were confirmed. Additionally, the galloyl group in gallated catechins, the pyrogallol moiety of B-ring in pyrogallol-type catechins, and the trans-type structure of C2-C3 in trans catechins were found to be beneficial for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities, however, an antagonistic effect was also observed between the pyrogallol moiety in B-ring and the galloyl group of pyrogallol-type gallated catechins. Furthermore, multiple targets and pathways were predicted to be involved in the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects of eight catechin monomers. The galloyl group in catechins was found to be beneficial for their regulatory effects on multiple targets and their interaction with key target proteins including IL6, TNF, and AKT1 through hydrogen bonding. The present study preliminarily reveals the structure-function relationship behind the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer functions of catechins. It provides theoretical and technical instruction for further elucidation of the relationship between the functional effects and the molecular structures of catechins.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which accounts for approximately 50%-60% of catechins, is the most abundant active component in tea polyphenols. EGCG exhibits a variety of biological functions and has significant potential for development. This article summarizes the functions and mechanisms of EGCG in antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities. In addition, it discusses the application of EGCG in animal production, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the precise application of EGCG in livestock and poultry feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropospheric ozone (O3) pollution can affect plant nutritional quality and secondary metabolites by altering plant biochemistry and physiology, which may lead to unpredictable effects on crop quality and resistance to pests and diseases. Here, we investigated the effects of O3 (ambient air, Am; ambient air +80 ppb of O3, EO3) on the quality compounds and chemical defenses of a widely cultivated tea variety in China (Camellia sinensis cv. 'Baiye 1 Hao') using open-top chamber (OTC). We found that elevated O3 increased the ratio of total polyphenols to free amino acids while decreasing the value of the catechin quality index, indicating a reduction in leaf quality for green tea. Specifically, elevated O3 reduced concentrations of amino acids and caffeine but shows no impact on the concentrations of total polyphenols in tea leaves. Within individual catechins, elevated O3 increased the concentrations of ester catechins but not non-ester catechins, resulting in a slight increase in total catechins. Moreover, elevated O3 increased the emission of biogenic volatile organic compounds involved in plant defense against herbivores and parasites, including green leaf volatiles, aromatics, and terpenes. Additionally, concentrations of main chemical defenses, represented as condensed tannins and lignin, in tea leaves also increased in response to elevated O3. In conclusion, our results suggest that elevated ground-level O3 may reduce the quality of tea leaves but could potentially enhance the resistance of tea plants to biotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of considering the documented health benefits of Viburnum opulus L. (V. opulus), including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, the present study was designed to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the biochemical profile and antimicrobial potency of four commercially available V. opulus extracts. These extracts were obtained from its flowers, bark, berries, and a mixture thereof by cold ultrasound-assisted extraction. An examination of the V. opulus extracts indicated a relative abundance of group compounds, such as phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins, which are responsible for antioxidant activity (AOA). The widest range in all of the four group compounds was detected in the V. opulus extract sourced from berries, whereas the narrowest range was found in those obtained from flowers. The HPLC-ESI-TQ-MS/MS technique displayed relative fluctuations in the concentrations of individual amino acids (AAs) over the four V. opulus extracts. The prevalence of proline was marked in the flower-derived extract, which made up 63.3% of the total AAs, while aspartic and glutamic acids dominated in the berry-derived extract by contributing up to 29.2 and 24.4% to the total AA content, respectively. Profiling of the individual phenolic compounds disclosed the superiority of chlorogenic acid (up to 90.3%) in the berry and mixed extracts, as well as catechin (up to 57.7%) and neochlorogenic acid (11.1%) in the bark extract, which conveyed a remarkable contribution toward antimicrobial activity. The lowest content of individual phenolics was found in the flower extract. Owing to its substantially denser bioactive composition, the V. opulus berries and bark extracts exhibited markedly better AOA, which was pinpointed by three independent methods, i.e., DPPH•, FRAP, and ABTS•+, than those obtained from flowers or a mixture of V. opulus morphological parts. As part of the antimicrobial activity testing, the V. opulus extracts exhibited outstanding inhibitory activity and a homeopathic mode of action. The V. opulus extracts obtained from a mixture, bark, and berries were more active against 8 out of 19 selected test microorganisms at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values that ranged from 0.24 to 0.49 µL mL−1. Overall, the extracts of V. opulus were found to be effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. However, their conceivable exploitation as functional or pharmaceutical ingredients must be further clarified within in vivo models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative Tangyang Congou black tea, also known as Minkehong black tea (MKH), is of high quality and hence has gained a reputation on the market. In this study, standard samples of MKH were used as the research material, and the results of sensory evaluation showed that the overall quality of MKH decreased along with the downgrading. The radar chart showed a strong association between higher grades and specific aroma and taste character. Based on the detection of ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS) and related analysis, the content of both the ester-type catechins and non-ester catechins decreased along with the downgrading, and the details of their change trends were revealed. The content and dynamic changes in caffeine were also investigated. A total of 19 kinds of amino acids (AAs) were clustered; among them, 4 kinds of AAs, namely, Thr, Leu, Asp, and Ile, significantly contributed to the taste of the tea. Notably, the content of Thr had the highest correlation with the grade of MKH, and the correlation coefficient was 0.991 (p < 0.01). According to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) detection and analysis, a total of 861 kinds of volatile compounds were detected, the aroma-active compounds in different grades were selected, and an aroma wheel of MKH was constructed. Our results found that non-volatile and volatile compounds not only contribute to defining the level of MKH standard samples but also provide a chemical basis for the measurement of flavour and quality of MKH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catechins in their free form are bitter in taste, and undergo deterioration and oxidation during processing and storage that limit their use as nutraceuticals in foods. Therefore, catechins were electrospun using zein as encapsulating polymer into nanofibres at 15, 18 and 21% w/w concentrations, 16, 20 and 24 kV applied voltage and 0.5 and 1.0 mL/h feed rate. The electrospinning conditions were optimized using Taguchi L18 (21 × 32) design. Encapsulation efficiency as high as 92.8% and mean fibre diameter as low as 95.2 nm were obtained at 18% concentration of zein, 0.5 mL/h feed rate and 20 kV applied voltage. Scanning electron and atomic force micrographs revealed that the nanofibres produced at zein concentration of 18% and above were clean and beadfree, with cylindrical morphology and non-porous topography. The hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential and polydispersity index of catechins-loaded nanofibres at optimized conditions were 172.3 nm, −26.3 mV and 0.15. FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry confirmed that catechins were encapsulated within the nanofibres. The catechins got released from loaded nanofibres in a controlled and sustained manner, while their antioxidant property was retained. The physico-chemical and sensory qualities of milk were not affected after fortification with catechins-loaded nanofibres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The astringency of persimmon fruits is a significant factor for consumers and the nutritional industry. To date, astringents, such as polyphenols, specifically persimmon condensed tannins, have been assessed using polyphenol quantification assays, such as the Folin-Ciocalteu method, based on their reducing power. However, these methods are influenced by the presence of other reducing substances. In this study, we developed a cost-effective liposome turbidity analysis using a portable visible spectrophotometer based on the interaction between liposomes and astringents. Authentic astringents, such as catechins and theaflavin-3-O-gallate, were analyzed, and their half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50) were calculated. These results indicated that the affinity to the membrane was similar to that of astringency, as determined by sensory analysis. Additionally, the EC50 values of partially purified tannins from non-astringent and astringent persimmons were calculated. In conclusion, we determined the application methods to assess astringent persimmon fruits with and without the removal of astringency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green tea extract (GTE) contains antioxidants that are present in green tea. The active constituents of green tea extract are catechins. This study demonstrates a spectrofluorimetric method for measuring GTE's catechin concentration based on its native fluorescence. To design a quick, sensitive, and ecological spectrofluorimetric approach, all features were investigated and adjusted. This method relies on determining the GTE ethanolic solution's native fluorescence at 312 nm after excitation at 227 nm. The calibration graph displayed a linear regression for values between 0.05 and 1.0 μg mL−1. The detection and quantification limits of the proposed technique were 0.008 and 0.026 μg mL−1, respectively. Two pure catechins present in GTE, (−)‐epicatechin and (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate, were examined by the proposed method. The analytical estimation of GTE in the pharmaceutical tablet was achieved effectively using this approach. An adequate degree of agreement was found when the findings were compared to those obtained by the comparative technique. Therefore, the novel strategy may be used in the GTE quality control study with minimal risks to people or the environment. The quantum yields of catechins were estimated. The validated technique was accepted by the International Council of Harmonization criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in patients. Despite considerable recent advances in the treatment of ischemic stroke, only a limited number of effective neuroprotective agents are available for stroke. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is a popular herbal plant, and numerous studies have indicated its health benefits for several diseases. Green tea is of interest due to its high content of catechin derivatives, including epicatechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate. This review tried to develop a feasible background for the potential effects of green tea and its bioactive derivatives concerning protection against ischemic stroke. Green tea's antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective effects are believed to be efficacious in stroke treatment. Evidence supports the idea that green tea can be used to assist in treating ischemic stroke. Green tea has a protective effect against ischemic stroke; Epigallocatechin-3-gallate: EGCG, Epicatechin: EC, Gallocatechin gallate: GCG, Epigallocatechin: EGC, Epicatechin gallate: ECG, Catechin: C, Gallocatechin: GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmentally benign aqueous biphasic separation (ABS) methods for separation of no-carrier added (NCA) 90Nb and 89Zr from alpha particle irradiated natY target have been developed using nature resourced chemical, catechins, which is the most abundant polyphenol in green tea. 90Nb was preferentially extracted in the catechins-PEG 6000 phase with a separation factor of 1.04 × 103 where the salt phase was NaHSO3. Similarly, 89Zr was also preferentially extracted in the catechins-PEG 6000 phase with a separation factor of 1.92 × 104, where the salt phase was Na2SO4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catechins are a type of flavonoid known for their beneficial functions as antioxidants and antibacterials. Recent research indicates the antioxidant potential of catechins on the skin. Catechin and epigallocatechin are reported to have significant potential in preventing ageing. Epigallocatechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin can inhibit hyperpigmentation processes. Additionally, catechins exhibit potential in UV protection and inflammation inhibition in acne. Consequently, catechins are now being used in the cosmetics industry, with formulations containing catechins as the active ingredient developed to produce various products such as soap, sunscreen, creams, etc. Herein, this paper reviews the antioxidant potential of catechins for use in cosmetic formulations and the current status of clinical trials of catechins in cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil N deficiency is one of the main constraints limiting high tea yields worldwide, particularly in Russia. In addition, high dosages of N fertilizers are widely applied for tea plantations, resulting in agrogenic transformation of soils, environmental pollution, and a decrease in tea quality. One of the ways to reduce dosages of N fertilizers is the development of new cultivars with high efficiency of N use. In this regard, the effect of genotype on biosynthesis and accumulation of valuable secondary metabolites in tea leaves was studied under optimal N supply and its deficiency in a potted experiment. The study was conducted on the most promising local tea cultivars (Kolkhida and Karatum) grown on brown forest acidic soils in the humid subtropics of Russia. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, the contents of catechins, flavanols, alkaloids, and theanine were evaluated in tea leaves. Our results showed that N availability stimulated the biosynthesis of theanine more than one order of magnitude and alkaloids (caffeine by three to five times and theobromine by two to three times) in both tea genotypes; however, it decreased the accumulation of several catechins and flavanols by on average 1.5–2 times. Under optimal N supply, the Kolkhida cultivar displayed higher accumulation of theanine (by 30–60%) and gallated catechins (by 50%) in the leaves; however, higher accumulation of alkaloids (caffeine and theobromine) was observed in the Karatum cultivar (by 10–20%). N deficiency resulted in greater accumulation of simple and gallated catechins, as well as rutin in the Kolkhida cultivar, as compared to the Katarum cultivar. However, the content of the studied metabolites in the Katarum cultivar was more stable under different nitrogen levels, indicating its lower susceptibility to N deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catechins are phenolic compounds with various health benefits such as anti-allergic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial. However, catechins have poor thermal stability and low bioavailability. Besides, dietary intake of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and other substances is prone to interact with catechins in the gastrointestinal tract, affecting the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion process of catechins, which affects their bioavailability and physiological activity. In addition, synergistic effects may occur when two or more natural polyphenolic compounds are applied in combination, including inhibition of food production and processing contaminants, weight loss, hypoglycemia, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Therefore, this paper mainly reviews the effects of dietary components on the bioavailability of catechins and elucidates the mechanisms of interaction between catechins and dietary polyphenols and the application prospects in synergistic effects.

Background/Objectives: Degenerative musculoskeletal diseases represent a global health problem due to the progressive deterioration of affected individuals. As a bioactive compound, catechins have shown osteoprotective properties by stimulating osteoblastic cells and inhibiting bone resorption. Thus, this review aimed to address the mechanism of action of catechins on bone tissue. Methods: The search was applied to PubMed without limitations in date, language, or article type. Fifteen articles matched the topic and objective of this review. Results: EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and epicatechin demonstrated action on the osteogenic markers RANKL, TRAP, and NF-κβ and expression of BMPs and ALP, thus improving the bone microarchitecture. Studies on animals showed the action of EGCG in increasing calcium and osteoprotegerin levels, in addition to regulating the transcription factor NF-ATc1 associated with osteoclastogenesis. However, it did not show any effect on osteocalcin and RANK. Regarding human studies, EGCG reduced the risk of fracture in a dose-dependent manner. In periodontal tissue, EGCG reduced IL-6, TNF, and RANKL in vitro and in vivo. Human studies showed a reduction in periodontal pockets, gingival index, and clinical attachment level. The action of EGCG on membranes and hydrogels showed biocompatible and osteoinductive properties on the microenvironment of bone tissue by stimulating the expression of osteogenic growth factors and increasing osteocalcin and alkaline phosphate levels, thus promoting new bone formation. Conclusions: EGCG stimulates cytokines related to osteogenes, increasing bone mineral density, reducing osteoclastogenesis factors, and showing great potential as a therapeutic strategy for reducing the risk of bone fractures.

Tea, the world’s second most traded commodity, significantly impacts the economies of producing countries. However, prolonged cultivation leads to soil degradation, particularly through acidification and the depletion of essential nutrients, which adversely affects tea quality. This study investigates the effects of biomass materials—biochar, organic fertilizer, and bio-organic fertilizer—on both tea quality and soil properties. The results revealed that all biomass treatments improved the catechin quality index (CQI) of tea, with bio-organic fertilizer (BOF) yielding the highest CQI at 629.41, followed closely by biochar (624.16) and organic fertilizer (581.34). Soil analysis indicated that biochar increased soil pH from 4.53 to 5.54, total carbon by 194.6% (from 12.61 g kg−1 to 24.42 g kg−1), and nitrogen levels by 11.7% (from 14.91 mg kg−1 to 16.17 mg kg−1), while reducing soluble salts significantly. Furthermore, biomass treatments enhanced enzyme activities, with urease and acid phosphatase increasing by up to 136.6% and 149.5%, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships, with tea amino acid content correlating with soil total nitrogen (r = 0.62, p < 0.05) and tea polyphenols positively correlating with available potassium (r = 0.60, p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that integrating biomass materials into tea cultivation not only enhances tea quality but also contributes to soil health, supporting sustainable tea garden management practices.

Tea plant calli (Camellia sinensis L.) are characterized by the accumulation of various phenolic compounds (PC)—substances with high antioxidant activity. However, there is still no clarity on the response of tea cells to light exposure of varying intensity. The purpose of the research was to study tea callus cultures grown under the influence of primary exposure to different light intensities (50, 75, and 100 µmol·m−2·s−1). The cultures’ growth, morphology, content of malondialdehyde and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b), accumulation of various PC, including phenylpropanoids and flavanols, and the composition of catechins were analyzed. Primary exposure to different light intensities led to the formation of chloroplasts in tea calli, which was more pronounced at 100 µmol·m−2·s−1. Significant similarity in the growth dynamics of cultures, accumulation of pigments, and content of malondialdehyde and various phenolics in tea calli grown at light intensities of 50 and 75 µmol·m−2·s−1 has been established, which is not typical for calli grown at 100 µmol·m−2·s−1. According to data collected using high-performance liquid chromatography, (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate were the main components of the tea callus culture’s phenolic complex. Its content changed under the influence of primary exposure to light, reaching the greatest accumulation in the final stages of growth, and depended on the light intensity. The data obtained indicate changes in the morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of tea callus cultures, including the accumulation of PC and their individual representatives under primary exposure to light exposure of varying intensity, which is most pronounced at its highest values (100 µmol·m−2·s−1).

Catechins, a class of polyphenolic compounds found in tea, have attracted significant attention due to their numerous health benefits, particularly for the treatment and protection of hypertension. However, the potential targets and mechanisms of action of catechins in combating hypertension remain unclear. This study systematically investigates the anti-hypertensive mechanisms of tea catechins using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation techniques. The results indicate that 23 potential anti-hypertensive targets for eight catechin components were predicted through public databases. The analysis of protein–protein interaction (PPI) identified three key targets (MMP9, BCL2, and HIF1A). KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analyses revealed that these key targets play significant roles in regulating vascular smooth muscle contraction, promoting angiogenesis, and mediating vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling. The molecular docking results demonstrate that the key targets (MMP9, BCL2, and HIF1A) effectively bind with catechin components (CG, GCG, ECG, and EGCG) through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the stability of the binding between catechins and the targets. This study systematically elucidates the potential mechanisms by which tea catechins treat anti-hypertension and provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of tea catechins as functional additives for the prevention of hypertension.

The galloyl group in catechins was confirmed to be crucial for their health benefits. However, whether the catechins’ galloyl group had a contribution to their anti-inflammation remains unclear. This study investigated the anti-inflammation properties and mechanisms of catechins in RAW264.7 cells by using ELISA, fluorometry, flow cytometer, Western blot, and molecular docking. Results showed that the galloyl group enhanced the inhibitory abilities of catechins on inflammatory cytokines (NO, PGE2, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and ROS release in LPS-induced cells. This suppression was likely mediated by delaying cells from the G0/G1 to the S phase, blocking COX-2 and iNOS via the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB pathway with PU.1 as an upstream target. The research proved that the existence of galloyl groups in catechins was indispensable for their anti-inflammatory capacities and offered a theoretical basis for the anti-inflammatory mechanism of galloylated catechins. Future research is needed to verify the anti-inflammatory effects of catechins in various sources of macrophages or the Caco-2/RAW264.7 cell co-culture system.

Camellia oleifera Abel, one of the most valuable woody oil plants, has been widely cultivated for extracting edible oil. The shell of C. oleifera is a by-product generated in the processing of edible oil extraction. However, there is still limited research on the maturity and high-value resource utilization of shell by-products. We found that the C. oleifera ‘Huashuo’ (HS) fruit shells contained a high content of catechins. Abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) enhanced the accumulation of catechins in C. oleifera fruit shells, providing a basis for production and application of the catechins in fruit shells of C. oleifera. We further found that 500 μM ABA and 900 μM MeJA significantly promoted the accumulation of catechin (C) and epicatechin (EC) in fruit shells. Following treatment with 900 μM MeJA, the expressions of CoPAL1, CoC4H1, CoC4H2, CoC4H3, Co4CL1, Co4CL2, CoF3′H1, CoLAR1, CoLAR2, CoLAR3, CoANR2, and CoANRL2 were significantly upregulated, while after 500 μM ABA treatment the expressions of CoPAL3, CoCHS1, CoCHS4, CoF3′H1, CoDFR, CoLAR1, CoLAR2, CoLAR3, CoANS1, CoANR1, and CoANR2 increased dramatically. These results indicate that appropriate concentrations of ABA and MeJA activate C and EC biosynthesis and promote their accumulation in fruit shells. Our results provide new ideas and guidance for promoting the resource utilization of C. oleifera fruit shells.

Since the last century, it has been shown that dedifferentiated cells of Camellia sinensis can produce catechins and other secondary metabolites under in vitro conditions, with potential applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. In this work, cell suspension cultures of a C. sinensis cell line (LSC-5Y) were established in a liquid medium in order to optimize the biomass productivity, catechin monomer (GC, EGC, C, EC, CG, and ECG) and alkaloid (TB and CAF) productivity. The following factors were evaluated: concentration of growth regulators (BA and IBA), inoculum size, age of the cell line, light exposure, and effect of biotic elicitors (MeJA and extracts of Ciborinia camelliae). GC, EGC, and ECG increased approximately 1.80-fold when the auxin IBA concentration was increased from 0.1 to 2.0 mg/L. In addition, better productivity of EGC, C, EC, and CAF was achieved by using inoculum densities between 50 and 100 g/L. Although lower inoculum densities (25 g/L) showed a higher growth rate (0.20 d−1), the use of inoculum densities higher than 25 g/L favors a 2–4-fold increase in total catechin (TC) productivity, with maximum productivity being reached after 21 days of culture. However, the cell line showed instability in TC productivity: in the short term (in three successive subcultures), the coefficient of variation was 32.80%, and catechin production capacity was 2.5 years with maximum productivity at 0.5 years. Finally, it was observed that ethanol, used as an elicitor solvent, has a strong elicitor effect capable of increasing the accumulation of catechins up to 5.24 times compared to the treatment without an elicitor.

Background: Catechins are a class of natural compounds with a variety of health benefits, The relationship between catechins and the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) is unknown. This study investigated the associations between daily intake of catechins and the prevalence of OA among American adults and assessed the moderating effect of physical activity (PA). Methods: This study included 10,039 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2010,2017-2018). The logistic regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models were conducted to explore the associations between daily intake of catechins and the prevalence of OA. Moreover, interaction tests were performed to assess the moderating effect of PA. Results: After multivariable adjustment, the weighted multivariable logistic regression and RCS regression analyses revealed significant J-shaped nonlinear correlations between intakes of epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin 3-gallate had significant associations with the prevalence of OA among in U.S. adults. WQS regression analysis showed that excessive epigallocatechin intake was the most significant risk factor for OA among all subtypes of catechins. In the interaction assay, PA showed a significant moderating effect in the relationship between epigallocatechin intake and OA prevalence. Conclusions: The intake of gallocatechin and gallocatechin 3-gallate had a significant negative correlation with the prevalence of OA and the doseresponse relationship was J-shaped.PA below 150 MET-min/week and the threshold intakes of 32.70mg/d for epigallocatechin and 76.24mg/d for epigallocatechin 3-gallate might be the targets for interventions to reduce the risk of developing OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-based fertilizers have been ratified to be effective in ameliorating tea growth and the fertility of soil. However, the effect of integrated fertilization on tea growth and quality and the chemical properties of the soil in tea gardens are unclear. To address this, from 2020 to 2021, five different treatments were carried out in the greenhouse of the Tea Research Institute, Hangzhou, CAAS, including CK (control), NPK (chemical fertilizers), RC (rapeseed cake), NPK+B (chemical fertilizer + biochar), and NPK+RC, to investigate the effects of different fertilizations on soil chemistry and tea growth and quality. The results indicated that NPK+B and NPK+RC significantly improved the different amino acid and catechin concentrations in the young shoots, stems, and roots of the tea compared to the CK. The plant growth parameters, e.g., the plant height, no. of leaves, mid-stem girth, and fresh weights of stems and leaves, were significantly increased with integrated fertilization (NPK+B and NPK+RC) compared to the CK and solo organic and inorganic fertilizers. The chlorophyll contents (Chl a, Chl b, and Chl a+b) were generally higher with NPK+RC than with the CK (37%, 35%, and 36%), RC (14%, 26%, and 18%), and NPK (9%, 13%, and 11%) treatments. Integrated fertilization buffered the acidic soil of the tea garden and decreased the soil C:N ratio. NPK+RC also significantly increased the soil's total C (31% and 16%), N (43% and 31%), P (65% and 40%), available P (31% and 58%), K (70% and 25%), nitrate (504% and 188%), and ammonium (267% and 146%) concentrations compared to the CK and RC. The soil macro- (Mg and Ca) and micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu) were significantly improved by the RC (100% and 72%) (49%, 161%, 112%, and 40%) and NPK+RC (88% and 48%) (47%, 75%, 45%, and 14%) compared to the CK. The chlorophyll contents and soil macro- and micronutrients were all significantly positively correlated with tea quality (amino acids and catechin contents) and growth. These results indicated that integrated fertilization improved the soil nutrient status, which is associated with the improvement of tea growth and quality. Thus, integrated nutrient management is a feasible tool for improving tea growth, quality, and low nutrient levels in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epicatechin is a polyphenol compound that promotes skeletal muscle differentiation and counteracts the pathways that participate in the degradation of proteins. Several studies present contradictory results of treatment protocols and therapeutic effects. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the current literature showing the molecular mechanism and clinical protocol of epicatechin in muscle atrophy in humans, animals, and myoblast cell-line. The search was conducted in Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The qualitative analysis demonstrated that there is a commonness of epicatechin inhibitory action in myostatin expression and atrogenes MAFbx, FOXO, and MuRF1. Epicatechin showed positive effects on follistatin and on the stimulation of factors related to the myogenic actions (MyoD, Myf5, and myogenin). Furthermore, the literature also showed that epicatechin can interfere with mitochondrias' biosynthesis in muscle fibers, stimulation of the signaling pathways of AKT/mTOR protein production, and amelioration of skeletal musculature performance, particularly when combined with physical exercise. Epicatechin can, for these reasons, exhibit clinical applicability due to the beneficial results under conditions that negatively affect the skeletal musculature. However, there is no protocol standardization or enough clinical evidence to draw more specific conclusions on its therapeutic implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmentally benign aqueous biphasic separation (ABS) techniques have been developed to separate no‐carrier added (NCA) 71,72As from 46 MeV α‐particles irradiated gallium oxide target. Catechins were isolated from green tea leaves as a nature resourced chemical. Efficacy of catechins on aqueous biphasic separation of NCA 71,72As from bulk gallium was studied at best conditions and found that catechin acted as synergistic agent in the ABS system. Bulk gallium was preferentially extracted into the PEG+ catechins phase (wherein 2 M Na‐malonate was used as salt‐rich phase) with a separation factor of 2.06×103 leaving 71,72As in the salt rich phase. At this condition, 90 % 71,72As was retained in the salt rich phase with bulk gallium contamination less than 0.5 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]