Catechins in tea

Introduction

Tea, a beverage enjoyed by billions worldwide, is not only a source of hydration and refreshment but also a rich source of beneficial compounds, including catechins. These naturally occurring antioxidants have been linked to a wide range of health benefits, making tea a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

What are catechins?

Catechins are a type of polyphenol, a group of plant compounds with antioxidant properties. They are found in various fruits, vegetables, and grains, but tea is a particularly rich source. The four main catechins in tea are:

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG): The most abundant catechin in tea, EGCG is known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Epigallocatechin (EGC): Similar to EGCG, EGC also exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Epicatechin gallate (ECG): ECG is a less abundant catechin than EGCG and EGC, but it still contributes to tea's antioxidant activity.

Health Benefits of Catechins in Tea

Catechins have been extensively studied for their potential health benefits. Research suggests that they may play a role in:

Protecting against cancer: Catechins have been shown to have anti-cancer properties, potentially helping to protect against various types of cancer, including lung, breast, and prostate cancer.

Reducing heart disease risk: Catechins may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Promoting weight loss: Catechins may boost metabolism and increase fat burning, potentially aiding in weight loss efforts.

Enhancing brain function: Catechins may protect brain cells from damage and improve cognitive function.

Strengthening the immune system: Catechins may help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infections.

The Significance of Testing Catechins in tea

Purpose	Importance
Quality Assurance	Catechins serve as primary antioxidants; testing ensures adherence to expected antioxidant standards in tea.
Consumer Protection	Catechins contribute to health benefits; testing guarantees consumers receive tea with the anticipated beneficial compounds.
Consistency in Production	Variability in catechin levels due to tea variety, growing conditions, and processing methods can impact flavor and health benefits; testing maintains uniform catechin content for consistent product quality.
Fraud Detection	Adulteration concerns, such as synthetic catechins, threaten product integrity; testing detects and prevents misleading practices, safeguarding consumer trust.
Research and Development	Accurate catechin level data is crucial for scientific studies exploring the health effects of tea; testing supports robust research and development efforts.
Compliance with Regulations	Regulations in some countries govern catechin content in tea; testing ensures products meet these standards, addressing legal requirements.
Marketing and Labeling	Accurate information on catechin content is vital for consumer awareness and informed choices; testing provides the necessary data for precise labeling and marketing claims.
Brand Reputation	Consistent catechin levels uphold a brand's reputation for quality and reliability; testing safeguards and enhances the brand's image.

Market overview

The catechins market is positioned for significant expansion, with a projected valuation of US$ 18.5 million in 2023. A consistent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.9% is anticipated to endure until 2033. These robust growth estimates indicate a promising trajectory, with the global catechins market expected to achieve a remarkable valuation of US$ 31.9 million by the year 2033.

Regulations and standards

European Union

In the European Union, catechins are considered as food additives and are subject to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 on the addition of vitamins and minerals and of certain other substances to foods. This regulation sets maximum levels for certain catechins, such as (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), in food supplements.

United States

In the United States, catechins are not regulated as food additives. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidance on the safety of catechins in food supplements. This guidance recommends a daily intake of EGCG not exceeding 800 mg.

India

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established general guidelines for the quality and safety of tea products. These guidelines include limits on the levels of certain contaminants, such as pesticides and heavy metals.

The BIS has also developed a standard for green tea, which includes a minimum catechin content of 4%. This standard is voluntary, but it is widely used by tea producers and exporters.

Mandatory and optional analyses

Mandatory and optional analyses to be performed for catechins in tea depend on the specific requirements of the regulatory body or the intended use of the tea product. However, some general analyses that are commonly performed include:

Mandatory Analyses

Identification and quantification of catechins: This involves identifying and measuring the levels of the four main catechins in tea: EGCG, EGC, ECG, and EC. This analysis is essential for ensuring that the tea product meets the expected standards for catechin content.

Determination of moisture content: Moisture content is an important factor in the quality and shelf life of tea products. A high moisture content can make tea more susceptible to spoilage, while a low moisture content can make tea brittle and difficult to brew.

Determination of ash content: Ash content is a measure of the inorganic mineral content of tea. A high ash content may indicate that the tea has been adulterated with inorganic materials.

Determination of pesticide residues: Pesticides are used to control pests and diseases in tea plants. However, excessive levels of pesticide residues can be harmful to human health. Testing for pesticide residues helps to ensure that tea products are safe for consumption.

Determination of heavy metal contaminants: Heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, can accumulate in tea plants from contaminated soil or water. Testing for heavy metal contaminants helps to ensure that tea products are safe for consumption.

Optional Analyses

Determination of other flavonoids: Tea contains a variety of other flavonoids in addition to catechins. These flavonoids may also have potential health benefits. Testing for other flavonoids can provide more information about the overall antioxidant activity of the tea product.

Determination of caffeine content: Caffeine is a stimulant that is naturally found in tea. The caffeine content of tea can vary depending on the type of tea and the growing conditions. Testing for caffeine content can be important for consumers who are sensitive to caffeine.

Determination of sensory properties: Sensory properties, such as color, aroma, and taste, are important factors in the quality and appeal of tea products. Sensory testing can be used to evaluate the overall quality of the tea products

Eurofins role in testing Catechins in tea

Eurofins plays a crucial role in testing catechins in tea, contributing to the assurance of quality, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards. Eurofins, being a leading international group of laboratories, offers a range of services related to the analysis of catechins in tea products. The specific role of Eurofins in testing catechins in tea encompasses several key aspects:

Accurate Quantification: Eurofins employs advanced analytical techniques, such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and other validated methods, to precisely identify and quantify individual catechins in tea. This ensures accurate measurement and compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.

Comprehensive Analysis: Eurofins provides comprehensive testing services for catechins, covering the identification and quantification of the main catechins found in tea, including Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), Epicatechin Gallate (ECG), Epicatechin (EC), and Epigallocatechin (EGC). This comprehensive analysis offers a detailed profile of the tea's antioxidant composition.

Quality Assurance: Eurofins supports quality assurance efforts by verifying that tea products meet the expected standards for catechin content. This is essential for maintaining consistency in product quality and ensuring that consumers receive tea with the desired health-promoting compounds.

Safety Testing: Eurofins conducts safety testing, including the assessment of pesticide residues and heavy metal contaminants in tea. This ensures that tea products are safe for consumption and comply with regulatory limits for potentially harmful substances.

Customized Testing Solutions: Eurofins recognizes that the testing needs may vary based on factors such as tea variety, growing conditions, and processing methods. Therefore, Eurofins offers customized testing solutions tailored to the specific requirements of clients and the unique characteristics of their tea products.

Regulatory Compliance: Eurofins assists tea manufacturers and suppliers in ensuring compliance with national and international regulations governing catechin content in tea products. This includes adherence to standards set by regulatory bodies to guarantee product safety and quality.

Expertise and Innovation: Eurofins combines scientific expertise and innovation to stay at the forefront of testing methodologies. The use of state-of-the-art equipment and methods allows Eurofins to provide reliable and accurate results for catechin analysis in tea.

References

https://www.eurofins.in/food-testing/industries/tea-testing/https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/catechin-market
Higdon, J. V., & Frei, B. (2003). Tea catechins and polyphenols: health effects, metabolism, and antioxidant functions. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 43(1), 89–143. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408690390826464
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/catechin