(+)-Catechin

(+)-Catechin is a type of natural phenol and antioxidant that belongs to the class of flavonoids known as flavan-3-ols. It is a plant secondary metabolite that is found in a variety of plant species, including tea, cocoa, and grapes.

Chemical Structure

The chemical structure of (+)-catechin consists of two aromatic rings (A and B) and a heterocyclic ring (C). The A ring is a dihydroxyphenyl group, the B ring is a catechol group, and the C ring is a pyran ring. The structure is similar to that of other flavan-3-ols, but it is distinguished by the presence of a hydroxyl group at the 3-position of the C ring.

Chemical structure of (+)-catechin

Biosynthesis

(+)-Catechin is biosynthesized in plants through the phenylpropanoid pathway. The process begins with the conversion of phenylalanine to cinnamic acid by the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Cinnamic acid is then converted to p-coumaric acid by cinnamate 4-hydroxylase, and p-coumaric acid is converted to 4-coumaroyl-CoA by 4-coumarate-CoA ligase. The final steps involve the conversion of 4-coumaroyl-CoA to naringenin by chalcone synthase and chalcone isomerase, and the conversion of naringenin to (+)-catechin by flavanone 3-hydroxylase and leucoanthocyanidin reductase.

Health Benefits

(+)-Catechin has been studied for its potential health benefits. It has been found to have antioxidant properties, which can help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects, and it has been studied for its potential role in preventing cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of (+)-catechin and its potential uses in medicine.

See Also

• Epicatechin
• Flavonoid
• Phenolic compounds in wine
• Tea chemistry