NMR-based metabonomic studies on the biochemical effects of epicatechin in the rat

Flavonoid consumption via tea drinking has been attributed a number of potential health benefits including cancer prevention, anti-inflammatory action, and cardioprotectant activity. Although the predominant flavonoids in fresh leaf and green tea are known to be flavan-3-ols and flavan-3-O-gallates ("the catechins"), the biochemical effects of tea polyphenol consumption on living systems are generally poorly understood. Metabonomic methods utilizing (1)H NMR spectroscopy of biofluids and principal component analysis (PCA) have been applied to investigate the bioavailability and metabolic responses of rats to a single dose of 22 mg of epicatechin (EC) dissolved in water. Urine samples were collected twice daily (0-8 and 8-24 h) from male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 10) prior to dosing and for 2 days after dosing. A series of subtle urinary biochemical effects were evident from the (1)H NMR spectra showing that EC was both bioavailable and biochemically active. The identifiable biochemical effects associated with EC dosing included decreased urinary concentrations of taurine, citrate, dimethylamine, and 2-oxoglutarate. These effects were predominately seen within the first 8 h after dosing. EC metabolites were also observed in the urine during this time period. PCA of later time points after dosing (24-32 and 32-48 h) showed that the effects of EC were reversible. This is the first in vivo study demonstrating the overall endogenous metabolic effects of EC consumption and shows the bioavailability of EC via metabolic effects and excretion of EC metabolites.