Insights to therapeutic potentials, pharmaceutical formulations, chemistry and analytical methods of catechin

Catechin is one of the prestigious phytoconstituent obtained from the divine wealth of nature. It is a polyphenolic constituent which is broadly distributed in plant kingdom and tea, legumes and rubeaceous plants are rich sources of it. Various research groups have extracted and isolated it by using different analytical techniques due to its diverse pharmacological profile. It is evident in nature that catechin possesses promising anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer and anti-viral properties. There are several formulations reported which are intended for multiple uses where catechins are important ingredient. This review discusses the various analytical techniques employed for the extraction and isolation of catechins from various sources, as well as a summary of various reported formulations. The authors also discuss the various pharmacological activities exhibited by catechins, along with the significant outcomes and plausible mode of action. In addition, the review provides an insight into various synthetic and biosynthetic procedures for catechins, along with a description of various clinical trials and patents. In the lateral sections of this compilation, an insight to various synthetic/biosynthetic procedures for catechins has been provided along with description to various clinical trials and patents. Although a lot of progress has been made towards exploration of catechins, still these are associated with some issues of bioavailability and unclear modes of action, which need to be resolved in upcoming times. This review is more comprehensive on catechins, as it covers a wider range of topic includings; analytical techniques for the extraction and isolations of catechins, formulations containing catechins, pharmacological activities, synthetic and biosynthetic procedure, clinical trials as well as patents. The review also provide a more in-depth discussion of the pharmacological activities of catechins, including the significant outcomes and plausible mode of action. The article also highlights the need for the further research to address the issues of bioavailability and unclear modes of action associated with the catechin. This is an important area of research, as it is essential to understand the ADME to develop effective catechin-based therapies.