(-)-Epicatechin

White to off-white powder. Soluble in acetone:water (1:1, 10 mg/ml), DMSO (10 mg/ml), methanol or DMF (~12.5 mg/ml). Chemical. CAS: 490-46-0. Formula: C15H14O6. MW: 290.27. Isolated from plant source. Epicatechin is a natural flavonoid found in green tea. It has been reported to possess an immense antioxidant effect which contributes to its therapeutic effect in diabetes and cancer conditions. The consumption of epicatechin has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, while its anticancer effect was attributed to its antioxidant properties, antiangiogenic and direct cytotoxicity to cancer cells. The activity of Epicatechin includes the ability to interact with and neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), and to modulate cell signaling including the MAP kinase pathway, which is involved in cell proliferation.