Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
10:35
Study on the Metabolism of Six Systemic Insecticides in a Newly Established Cell Suspension Culture Derived from Tea (Camellia Sinensis L.) Leaves
Published on: June 15, 2019
Bioavailability of catechins from ready-to-drink tea
Daniele Del Rio1, Luca Calani, Francesca Scazzina
1Department of Public Health, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|September 22, 2009
Summary
This study tracked flavan-3-ols absorption and metabolism in humans after drinking ready-to-drink (RTD) tea. Flavanol metabolites were detected in urine for up to 24 hours, showing systemic exposure to these beneficial compounds.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Tea consumption is widespread globally, with both hot and ready-to-drink (RTD) cold versions popular in Western countries.
- Teas contain polyphenols, compounds associated with potential health benefits.
- Flavan-3-ols are a significant class of polyphenols found in tea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the absorption and metabolism of flavan-3-ols in human volunteers.
- To analyze the pharmacokinetic profile of flavan-3-ols derived from a commercial RTD tea product.
Main Methods:
- A feeding study involving 20 healthy human volunteers.
- Collection of urine samples for 24 hours post-ingestion.
- Quantification of flavan-3-ol metabolites using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS).
Main Results:
- Eight modified flavan-3-ol metabolites were identified in urine.
- Urinary excretion of flavan-3-ols accounted for 7.2% of the ingested amount.
- Gallic acid, abundant in the RTD tea, represented 4.5% of the ingested amount in urine.
Conclusions:
- Observed bioavailability aligns with previous research, despite a lower polyphenol dosage.
- The study's larger volunteer group (n=20) enhances the credibility of the findings.
- Ingestion of RTD ice tea leads to systemic exposure to flavanols and their metabolites for up to 24 hours.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Bioavailability: Overview
Bioavailability refers to the proportion of an administered drug that reaches the systemic circulation in its active, unaltered form. It is a crucial pharmacokinetic parameter that determines the effectiveness of a drug in achieving its intended therapeutic outcomes. The route of administration significantly influences bioavailability, with intravenous administration achieving 100% bioavailability as the drug directly enters the bloodstream. In contrast, oral administration often results in...
01:13Bioavailability: Overview
Bioavailability refers to the proportion of an unaltered drug that, after administration, enters the systemic circulation and can be distributed to the desired action site. Factors such as gastrointestinal (GI) absorption and liver biotransformation influence the bioavailability of a drug when it is administered orally. When a drug is administered intravenously, it enters the systemic circulation directly; by definition, its bioavailability is assumed to be 100%. The bioavailability of an...
01:22Bioavailability: Influencing Factors
Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which a drug reaches systemic circulation in its active form. Extent refers to the amount of the drug that makes it into circulation, while rate is the speed at which it enters circulation. It is influenced by several factors critical for optimizing drug formulations, dosing regimens, and therapeutic outcomes.Physicochemical properties of drugs and formulationsThe solubility, stability, and dissolution rate of a drug significantly impact its...
01:30Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Bioavailability
Modified-release (MR) dosage forms are designed to extend drug release over time, thereby maintaining stable plasma concentrations and reducing dosing frequency. However, their bioavailability is typically below 100% due to incomplete drug release and presystemic metabolism, and limitations in drug permeability across the gastrointestinal epithelium, all of which can restrict the fraction of the drug reaching systemic circulation. Consequently, studying the in vivo bioavailability of MR...
01:27Bioavailability Study Design: Absolute Versus Relative Bioavailability
Bioavailability is a crucial pharmacokinetic parameter that quantifies the proportion of an administered drug that reaches the systemic circulation and is available for therapeutic action. Regulatory agencies mandate the assessment of bioavailability, typically measured as the area under the drug plasma concentration-versus-time curve (AUC), to ensure the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical products. These evaluations are categorized as absolute and relative bioavailability studies.Absolute...
01:22Bioavailability Enhancement: Determination and Conceptual Approaches in Overcoming Bioavailability Problems
Bioavailability is a critical pharmacological concept that measures the extent and rate at which an active drug ingredient or therapeutic moiety enters the systemic circulation, remaining unchanged. It's a pivotal factor in determining a drug's efficacy and safety.The Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) plays an essential role in drug development by categorizing drugs into four classes based on their solubility and permeability. This classification aids in understanding drug absorption...