Catechins Test - USP-NF

Method Description

Catechins are a family of flavan-3-ol polyphenols concentrated in the leaves of Camellia sinensis, the tea plant, where they accumulate as the plant's primary antioxidant and defense compounds; green tea extract is among the most catechin-rich botanical ingredients used in dietary supplements, valued for its well-characterized phytochemical profile and broad commercial application. Quantifying individual catechins — including EGCG, ECG, EGC, EC, GCG, and their structural analogs — supports label accuracy for standardized botanical ingredients, verifies potency claims, confirms compliance with USP-NF identity and composition requirements, and provides manufacturers with the compound-level data needed for formulation consistency and ingredient qualification. This method employs UHPLC with diode array detection, following the USP-NF monograph for Powdered Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract, to resolve and quantify eight discrete catechin compounds by retention time and UV absorbance, delivering the specificity and chromatographic resolution required for monograph compliance across green tea extract powders and finished dietary supplements.