Category: flavonoid
Aliases: (+)-Catechin, D-catechin, Catechuic acid
Free flavan-3-ol aglycone (2R,3S stereochemistry) — the (+)-enantiomer. Minor component of most flavan-3-ol sources compared with its stereoisomer (−)-epicatechin. Absorbed at the small-intestine enterocyte and extensively glucuronidated / sulfated / methylated (via COMT) before entering portal circulation; free catechin in plasma is <3% of total SRC conjugates. Carbohydrate co-ingestion boosts AUC ~2× (Schramm 2003); dairy protein reduces it. Shares antioxidant, mild eNOS-upregulating, and anti-inflammatory effects with epicatechin.
PO: 2h