Catechins are naturally occurring polyphenols found in tea and have a variety of biological activities. The following are the main biological activities of catechins:
1. Antioxidant effects
Catechin has a strong antioxidant effect, which can enhance the activity of a variety of antioxidant enzymes in the body, including glutathione peroxidase, catalase, quinone reductase and glutathione transferase, superoxide dismutase and other antioxidant enzymes. Catechins are able to protect DNA from oxidative damage by reducing the production of free radicals or by directly trapping free radicals such as scavenging superoxide anion radicals, monolinear oxygen, peroxyl radicals, hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide. This antioxidant effect helps to reduce plasma peroxide malondialdehyde (MDA) content and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, inhibit lipid peroxidation generation, and improve the total antioxidant capacity of the body.
2. Antibacterial effect
Catechin has an inhibitory effect on a variety of bacteria and fungi, showing broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. This characteristic makes catechins have certain potential in the treatment of infectious diseases.
3. Anti-inflammatory effect
Catechins have a significant anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the production and release of inflammatory factors. This helps to reduce the inflammatory response and promote the repair and healing of damaged tissues.
4. Cardiovascular protective effect
Epidemiological and population intervention test studies have shown that catechins can reduce blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, blood lipids, blood pressure, blood glucose, etc., thereby reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases. Catechins in green tea is particularly significant, can significantly reduce blood cholesterol and low-density cholesterol, high-density cholesterol has no effect.
5. The role of weight loss
Catechins can inhibit the production and differentiation of fat cells and promote lipolysis, thus contributing to weight loss. This mechanism of action makes catechins have certain application prospects in weight management and obesity treatment.