Evaluation of the total oxy-radical scavenging capacity of catechins isolated from green tea

The antioxidant activity of catechins isolated from green tea against peroxyl radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and peroxynitrite was determined using the total oxy-radical scavenging capacity (TOSC) assay. (−)-Epicatechin, (−)-epigallocatechin, (−)-epicatechin-3-gallate, and (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate were isolated and their structures were characterised based on their physical and spectral properties, and by comparison of these results with similar data in the literature. (−)-Epigallocatechin showed the highest TOSC value, and (−)-epicatechin-3-gallate was the least effective among the catechins tested. These results indicated that the presence of a gallate group at the three position plays a critical role in their antioxidant activity. However, additional insertion of a hydroxyl group at the 5′ position in the B ring attenuates the oxy-radical scavenging capacity of catechins. These results suggest that the antioxidant activity of catechins is dependent on the reactivity of both the original catechins and their products generated during reaction with oxy-radicals.