Theaflavin

Description

Theaflavins are a group of polyphenol pigments found in both black and oolong teas. They are obtained by the oxidation and dimerization of green tea catechins during the manufacture of black tea and oolong tea. Theaflavins contribute to the characteristic bright orange-red color of black tea. Theaflavins include theaflavin, theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3'-gallate and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate.
Theaflavins are used to manage cholesterol and used to support the heart and digestive system. They could be used as protective agents against cardiovascular disease and cancer. It is also believed that they have a wide range of other pharmaceutical benefits, including antihypertensive, antioxidative and hypolipidemic activities. It is suggested that theaflavins have a potential to be developed as a safe and affordable topical microbicide for preventing sexual transmission of HIV.

Chemical properties

red to brown powder

The Uses of Theaflavin

Theaflavin is a polyphenolic compound found in black tea. Theaflavin derivatives show anti-HIV-1 activity by targeting gp41. Theaflavin is a potent inhibitor of amyloid-β (Aβ) and α-synuclein (αS) fibrillogenesis. Theaflavin also shows potent anti-tumor and and antoxidant activities.

Definition

ChEBI: Theaflavin is a biflavonoid that is 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzocyclohepten-6-one which is substituted at positions 1 and 8 by (2R,3R)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-chromen-2-yl groups. It is the main red pigment in black tea. It has a role as an antioxidant, a chelator, a plant metabolite, a radiation protective agent and an antibacterial agent. It is a polyphenol and a biflavonoid.

Benefits

Theaflavin is a polyphenolic flavonoid that has been found in black tea and has diverse biological activities, including antineoplastic, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol lowering and antiviral properties.

Biological Activity

Theaflavin is a suitable natural inhibitor against influenza A (H1N1) neuraminidase.

References

[1] Lai Kwok Leung, Yalun Su, Ruoyun Chen, Zesheng Zhang, Yu Huang, Zhen-Yu Chen (2001) Theaflavins in Black Tea and Catechins in Green Tea Are Equally Effective, J. Nutr., 131, 2248-2251
[2] Yang J, Li L, Tan S, Jin H, Qiu J, Mao Q, Li R, Xia C, Jiang ZH, Jiang S, Liu S (2012) A Natural Theaflavins Preparation Inhibits HIV-1 Infection by Targeting the Entry Step: Potential Applications for Preventing HIV-1 Infection, Fitoterapia, 83, 348-355
[3] http://www.xtend-life.com/information/ingredients/theaflavins