Flavanols or flavan-3-ols are often commonly called catechins. Catechin is the isomer with trans configuration and epicatechin is the one with cis configuration. Each of these two configurations has two steroisomers, i.e., (+)-catechin, (−)-catechin, (+)-epicatechin and (−)-epicatechin. (+)-Catechin and (−)-epicatechin are the two isomers often found in food plants.
Catechins are distributed in a variety of foods and herbs. Among bioactive compounds available in banana include: catechin and Gallocatechin gallate.
Many research results have highlighted that catechins have an important role in protection against degenerative diseases.
Functions of catechin: Resistance of LDL to oxidation, brachial artery dilation increased plasma antioxidant activity, and fat oxidation. While functions of Gallocatechin gallate: Cholesterol reduction
It has been reported that catechins appear to produce greater antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative ones.
Catechins
