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Qu Z, Liu A, Li P, Liu C, Xiao W, Huang J, Liu Z, Zhang S. Advances in physiological functions and mechanisms of (-)-epicatechin. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 61:211-233. [PMID: 32090598 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1723057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
(-)-Epicatechin (EC) is a flavanol easily obtained through the diet and is present in tea, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, and cereals. Recent studies have shown that EC protects human health and exhibits prominent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, enhances muscle performance, improves symptoms of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, prevents diabetes, and protects the nervous system. With the development of modern medical and biotechnology research, the mechanisms of action associated with EC toward various chronic diseases are becoming more apparent, and the pharmacological development and utilization of EC has been increasingly clarified. Currently, there is no comprehensive systematic introduction to the effects of EC and its mechanisms of action. This review presents the latest research progress and the role of EC in the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases and its protective health effects and provides a theoretical basis for future research on EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Qu
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ailing Liu
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Penghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Changwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenjun Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Utilisation of Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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