Antioxidative activity of microbial metabolites of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate produced in rat intestines.

The antioxidative activities of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) metabolites degraded by rat intestinal flora were investigated by a flow injection analysis coupled to an on-line antioxidant detection system with the 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation. All of the metabolites were found to have antioxidative activity, suggesting that the EGCg metabolites may show antioxidative activity in the body.