Theaflavin

Theaflavin

• Theaflavin (TF) is a chemical in black tea that is formed from fermentation of green tea. It is the primary red pigments in black tea that possess several health benefits, including fat-reducing and glucose-lowering capabilities and lifestyle-related dis case prevention related to anti-obesity, anticancer, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-osteoporotic, and anti-dental caries properties.

Mechanism of Action:

• Enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase are present in tea plant leaves, which, for non-fermented tea, are either steamed, boiled, microwaved, or electrically heated to inactivate endogenous oxidases. Black tea leaves are tea leaves in which green tea catechins are oxidized by endogenous polyphenol oxidase or peroxidase during the fermentation process.

Dosage:

• In the only clinical trial available, a theaflavin-enriched green tea extract (375 mg) providing 75 mg of theaflavin reduced L.DL and total cholesterol in 12 weeks. Still, there's not enough clinical data to establish a safe and effective dosage for a general population.

Evidence:

• Theaflavins (TFs) are only present in low concentration in black tea. Several meta-analyses have shown that the consumption of black tea results in significant primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases by decreasing plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and blood pressure as well as inversely.

• related to BMI. Zhao et al. reported that black tea extract inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis (a bacteria in found in the oral cavity). It has been reported. that older women who drink tea exhibit higher Bone Mineral Density mea-surements than women who do not drink tea.

• Based on animal and cellular research, tea polyphenols (mainly EGCG and theaflavins) may play an impor tant role in delaying the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease.

Precautions:

• No side effects of theaflavins were reported in the above clinical study, but their long-term safety remains unknown in the lack of stronger clinical evidence.

Interactions:

• No interactions of theaflavins were reported in the above clinical study, but their long-term safety remains unknown in the lack of stronger clinical evidence.