What is Theaflavins?

Theaflavins extract(TF) and its derivatives, known collectively as theaflavins, are antioxidant polyphenols that are formed from the condensation of flavan-3-ols in tea leaves during the enzymatic oxidation (sometimes erroneously referred to as fermentation) of black tea. Theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3'-gallate, theaflavin-3-3'-digallate are the main theaflavins. Theaflavins are types of thearubigins, and are therefore reddish in color. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) will metabolize into some theaflavins in the liver. Those molecules contain a tropolone moiety.

Main Benefits  

Theaflavins extract is made from the leaves of the tea plant, scientifically known as Camellia sinensis. The tea plant originates from Asia, where it has been used as a beverage and in herbal medicine for thousands of years. The flavor of tea varies greatly depending on how long the leaves have been cured. White tea is cured for the shortest time, while black tea is cured for the longest time.

The curing process changes the composition of the tea leaves by oxidizing its components. Fresh tea leaves contain a high level of chemicals known as catechins, which are converted to theaflavins. In particular, flavan-3-ols oxidize to form theaflavins with the help of enzymes such as polyphenol oxidases. The most prominent theaflavins include theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3-3'-digallate and theaflavin-3'-gallate.

The product are primarily responsible for the darker color and stronger flavor of black tea. The sinensis and assamica varieties of tea have been the traditional sources of black tea. However, these varieties have also been used recently to produce white and green tea.

The product also have significant biological effects, which have been scientifically studied since the 1960s, beginning with paper chromatography and spectroscopy. The formation of theaflavins was first studied in vitro in 1983, and quantification methods have used on theaflavins since 1995.

Uses of Tea Theaflavins

The management of cholesterol levels is one of the most common reasons to take tea theaflavins extract. Theaflavins may also support the heart and digestive system as well as provide antioxidant support.