Catechin (flavan-3-ol) dosage

Catechin is a flavonoid belonging to the flavan-3-ol family, naturally present in many plant matrices such as green tea, cocoa, grapes, berries, and certain pome fruits like apples. Highly valued for its high antioxidant activity, it plays a major role in neutralizing free radicals and protecting tissues against oxidative stress. This molecule is also recognized for its anti-inflammatory effects, its ability to support cardiovascular health, and its involvement in metabolic modulation, which explains its importance in the formulation of nutraceutical ingredients, dietary supplements, standardized plant extracts, and cosmetic products based on natural active ingredients. Therefore, catechin quantification is an essential parameter for characterizing the quality of an extract, ensuring compliance with specifications, and validating functional claims, particularly when used as a biomarker for quality control or the development of new plant-based ingredients.

Analytical methods

Catechin analysis relies primarily on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). HPLC provides robust and reproducible quantification, generally based on UV detection at polyphenol-specific wavelengths. LC-MS, on the other hand, offers increased selectivity and the ability to distinguish catechin from structurally similar molecules such as epicatechin, procyanidins, or other flavonoids present in complex matrices. These approaches ensure precise separation of isomers and quantification even at trace levels. Depending on the requirements, analysis can be performed on a variety of matrices: dry extracts, plant powders, nutraceutical raw materials, finished products, beverages, functional foods, or cosmetic ingredients. The method used will depend on the expected concentration, the complexity of the matrix, and regulatory or commercial requirements.

Interest in industrial sectors

In the nutraceutical sector, catechin analysis is essential to ensure the compliance of food supplements containing extracts of green tea, cocoa, or functional plants rich in polyphenols. It allows for the optimization of formulations, ensures product stability, and verifies the consistency of production batches. In the field of medicinal plants and phytotherapy, this analysis contributes to botanical identification, the standardization of extracts, and the characterization of polyphenol profiles necessary for evaluating biological activity. In the food industry, it is used to monitor the quality of beverages, to study the aromatic profiles of cocoa or wine, and to analyze the natural antioxidant properties of finished products. Finally, in cosmetics, catechin is analyzed for the development of antioxidant, protective, and anti-aging skincare products, where controlling the concentration of plant-based active ingredients determines the efficacy and stability of the formulas.

YesWeLab Expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of rigorously selected, certified, and, for the most part, accredited partner laboratories, in accordance with ISO 17025 or COFRAC standards, to guarantee optimal analytical quality. Laboratories are chosen based on the matrices to be analyzed, the required instrumental performance (HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS), the expected limits of quantification, and the standards applicable to your sector. Our scientific team supports you in defining your needs, interpreting the results, selecting the most relevant method, and managing your analyses from start to finish via our digital platform. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, processors, and engineering firms have relied on YesWeLab to ensure the quality, safety, and compliance of their products.

Other relevant analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue

To complement catechin analysis, several related analytical services may be relevant depending on your objectives: analysis of other flavonoids ( quercetin , rutin , kaempferol , epicatechin polyphenol analysis , targeted LC-MS analyses of plant compounds, quality control of green tea or cocoa extracts, HPLC for specific phenolic compounds, phenolic acid analysis, and analyses dedicated to nutraceutical ingredients and plant extracts.
Please feel free to specify your needs to receive a personalized recommendation.