Description
Theaflavin is a polyphenolic compound found in black tea. The theaflavins are formed during the enzymatic oxidation of catechins, which happens during processing of the fresh tea leaves. Studies have shown theaflavin to block expression of myeloperoxidase, inflammation-related gene ICAM-1, COX-2, and iNOS, in addition to inhibiting expression of pro-inflammatory mediators by disrupting NF-kB activation. Theaflavin has also shown inhibitory effects on ovarian cancer cells OVCAR-3 and A2780/CP70 by inducing apoptosis. In addition, C. albicans, a pathogen often found as part of the human microflora, was inhibited by theaflavin, confirming that it is also an effective antifungal agent. Furthermore, when used in combination with conventional antibiotics, theaflavin was found to potentiate antibacterial activity against P gingivalis and P intermedia thereby inhibiting growth of the periodontopathogens.
References
Cai F, Li CR, Wu JL, et al. Theaflavin ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats through its anti-inflammatory effect and modulation of STAT-1. Mediators Inflamm. 2006;2006(5):30490. PMID: 17392572.
Kim S, Joo YE. Theaflavin inhibits LPS-induced IL-6, MCP-1, and ICAM-1 expression in bone marrow-derived macrophages through the blockade of NF-kB and MAPK signaling pathways. Chonnam Med J. 2011 Aug;47(2):104-110. PMID: 22111069.
Gao Y, Rankin GO, Tu Y, et al. Inhibitory effects of the four main theaflavin derivatives found in black tea on ovarian cancer cells. Anticancer Res. 2016 Feb;36(2):643-651. PMID: 26851019.
Betts JW, Wareham DW, Haswell SJ, et al. Antifungal synergy of theaflavin and epicatechin combinations against Candida albicans. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2013 Sep 28;23(9):1322-1326. PMID: 23711519.
Lombardo Bedran TB, Morin MP, Palomari Spolidorio D, et al. Black tea extract and its theaflavin derivatives inhibit the growth of periodontopathogens and modulate interleukin-8 and beta-defensin secretion in oral epithelial cells. PLoS One. 2015 Nov 18;10(11):e0143158. PMID: 26581041.
