Theaflavin

Theaflavins are secondary plant substances from the group of polyphenols. They arise mainly from the fermentation of green tea into black tea from the contained catechins as well as their metabolism in the liver. Theaflavins are shifted with respect to their positive influence on health in the focus of scientific studies.

Medical aspects

Many polyphenols inhibit the proliferation of HIV-1. In experiments with cell cultures theaflavins showed the effect a higher potential than the catechins also known for this effect. Both substances prevent the spread of the virus by binding to its surface molecule gp41, which the virus needs to invade via the CD4 receptor into its host cell.

Clinical trials, the theaflavins can also reduce both cholesterol and the amount of low density lipoprotein in the human body.

Theaflavins also appear to possess a strong antibacterial effect. In laboratory studies of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteria and Acinetobacter baumannii, which have now formed against numerous antibiotics resistance, they were very effective.