What is Epicatechin?

Epicatechin is a flavanoid-type compound that plants produce as their secondary metabolites. In nature, you can find high amounts of epicatechin in cocoa, coffee, green tea, and similar plants.

Its structure contains a typical flavonoid core structure of hydroxylated phenyl moiety fused with an oxane ring, that is linked to another hydroxylated phenyl moiety. This structure is responsible for a wide variety of biological activity but especially has blood pressure-lowering capacity. Other biological activities include

• Neuroprotective
• Anti-oxidative
• Anti-inflammation
• Anti-microbial
• and more.

Blood pressure-lowering potential of epicatechin

Foods that are high in flavanol-type compounds like epicatechin has exhibited various health benefits like cardiovascular improvements.

Current findings suggest that epicatechin is especially beneficial to people with compromised endothelial functions. It might lower blood pressure and control flow-mediated dilatation of blood vessels.

Neuroprotective effects of epicatechin

Various research groups have studied epicatechins’ effects on the human central nervous system.

The effectiveness of normal brain functioning is determined by neurovascular coupling, which depletes as we age. Alterations may lead to various diseases like Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s. Researchers found out that a high epicatechin diet was associated with better cognitive functions after a 10-year follow-up period.

Interestingly, epicatechin in dark chocolate has also shown beneficial effects on memory formation processes.

Epicatechin as an effective anti-oxidant

Pure epicatechin like other flavonoids has been extensively studied as an anti-oxidant. Due to its chemical structure, it can effectively neutralize and absorb any reactive radicals that might form in our bodies.

Scientists have gathered evidence on various mechanisms, where epicatechin could be involved like: neutralizing peroxy radicals, scavenging metals, that might catalyze some oxidative reactions, and more. 

Furthermore, epicatechin has also shown great use in cosmetics as it has the ability to absorb UV light which stops typical oxidative processes. This on the hand might prevent faster skin aging or even protect DNA in skin cells from damage that might lead to cancer.

Anti-microbial activity

Apart from the beneficial UV-absorbtion, epicatechin could also be used in cosmetics as an anti-microbial agent as it can interact with enzymes of P. gingivalis which inhibits the adhesion of bacteria to human epithelial cells.

Another study has identified epicatechins’ ability to inhibit the activity of S. mutans’, which might reduce dental plaques in children.

Anti-inflammatory activty

Typically compounds that exhibit anti-oxidative activity are also good sources of anti-inflammation properties as well. In tissue where inflammation happens, usually all cell machinery is working in overdrive which might lead to the overproduction of reactive oxygen and nitrogen compounds. To counteract the damage that it might do, epicatechin is a useful tool.

Some scientists have identified cellular mechanisms of epicatechin similar to typical non-steroidal anti-inflammation drugs like Ibuprofen.

As an anti-cancer compound

Epicatechin has been identified as a compound effective against various types of cancer. Scientists have identified that it might induce various cellular pathways in cancer cells that lead to inhibition of growth and even death of cancer tissue like apoptosis, cell proliferation, promote oxidative stress in these cells, and more.

In conclusion

Epicatechin shows its glory in various ways. Its biological activity is vast and effective – from improving your blood system to preventing cancer. As epicatechin is a hot topic in scientific research, we can provide you with high-quality epicatechin for your novel experiments for new findings. Visit our store to find epicatechin for sale.