Catechins in Tea - The Antioxidant Power Behind Every Cup

Introduction

Catechins are a class of naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds belonging to the flavonoid family, widely recognized for their potent antioxidant properties. They are abundant in tea (Camellia sinensis), particularly green tea, where they contribute not only to flavor and astringency but also to multiple health benefits. The four major catechins found in tea are epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—the latter being the most studied for its bioactive potential.

Catechins are valued in the food and nutraceutical industry for their role in promoting cardiovascular health, weight management, cancer prevention, and antimicrobial activity. At Eurofins, we help clients assess and validate catechin content in tea and tea-based products to ensure compliance, quality, and consumer trust.

Why Catechins in Tea Must Be Tested

At Eurofins, we recognize the importance of testing catechins for:

• Quality Assurance: Verifying catechin levels to support functional food and nutraceutical claims.
• Consumer Safety: Preventing adulteration or mislabeling that could mislead consumers.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting national and international labeling and health claim standards.
• Product Differentiation: Helping brands establish their products as premium, high-antioxidant teas.
• Stability and Shelf-life: Understanding catechin degradation during processing, packaging, and storage.

Catechins in Different Types of Tea

The following table highlights the typical catechin content across major tea types:

Regulatory Requirements for Catechin Labeling and Claims

Types of Catechin Tests We Offer

Eurofins provides comprehensive analytical testing for catechins and related polyphenols in tea and tea-based products using validated global methods:

• Total Polyphenols: Folin-Ciocalteu assay for overall antioxidant profile.
• Individual Catechins (EGCG, ECG, EGC, EC): Quantified via HPLC, UPLC, and LC-MS/MS.
• Degradation Products: Monitoring theaflavins, thearubigins, and gallic acid in processed teas.
• Stability & Shelf-life Studies: Evaluating catechin retention during packaging and storage.
• Bioactive Potency Testing: Antioxidant capacity using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays.

Challenges in Catechin Testing

Catechin testing requires advanced techniques due to:

• Complex Matrices: Tea contains caffeine, theaflavins, tannins, and other compounds that may interfere with analysis.
• Degradation Sensitivity: Catechins are highly sensitive to pH, temperature, and light, leading to losses if not handled properly.
• Batch-to-Batch Variation: Differences in geography, cultivar, and processing influence catechin levels.
• Regulatory Stringency: Nutraceutical labeling laws demand precise quantification and standardized reporting.

At Eurofins, our labs use stabilized extraction protocols, internal standards, and globally harmonized chromatographic methods to ensure accurate and reproducible results.

Advanced Instrumentation for Catechin Analysis

Eurofins employs cutting-edge platforms for catechin testing:

• HPLC-UV & UPLC: Gold-standard methods for separation and quantification of individual catechins.
• LC-MS/MS: Provides superior sensitivity and specificity for trace catechin detection in complex matrices.
• UV-Vis Spectrophotometry: Rapid total polyphenol assessment.
• NMR Profiling: For detailed fingerprinting of tea authenticity and polyphenol composition.
• Accelerated Shelf-Life Testing (ASLT): Simulates storage conditions to evaluate catechin stability over time.

How Our Testing Process Works

At Eurofins, we prioritize reliability, clarity, and turnaround efficiency:

• Sample Collection: Clear guidelines on sample size, packaging, and shipping to avoid catechin degradation.
• Testing: Conducted in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs with validated global methods.
• TAT: Fast-track (24–48h) and standard options (3–5 working days).
• Reports: Comprehensive results with regulatory guidance and stability insights.

Who Needs Catechin Testing?

Our services are ideal for:

• Tea growers and processors ensuring quality and export readiness.
• Nutraceutical companies marketing green tea extracts and supplements.
• Beverage and functional food manufacturers highlighting antioxidant benefits.
• Exporters/importers navigating EFSA, FDA, and FSSAI regulations.
• Clean-label and wellness brands validating bioactive content claims.

Case Study: Ensuring Compliance for a Green Tea Supplement Brand

A nutraceutical client approached Eurofins to validate EGCG levels in green tea extract capsules. Our HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis revealed discrepancies between the label claim and actual catechin content. With our corrective guidance, the client reformulated, achieved compliance with FSSAI and EFSA requirements, and successfully launched their product across global markets.

Why Choose Eurofins for Catechin Testing?

• Global Expertise: Trusted across 50+ countries with 900+ laboratories.
• Accreditations: NABL, ISO/IEC 17025, FSSAI-recognized.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Advanced LC-MS/MS, UPLC, and NMR profiling platforms.
• Expert Guidance: Food chemists, tea scientists, and regulatory experts on hand.
• Integrated Services: From raw tea testing to finished nutraceutical validation.

Explore Our Services

• Partner with Eurofins to ensure your tea and nutraceutical products are safe, compliant, and market-ready.
• Contact our testing experts for guidance on catechin profiling and labeling compliance.
• Schedule catechin testing today to meet your regulatory and consumer trust goals.

Enquiry now: https://www.eurofins.in/food-testing/enquire-now/

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