Organic flavonol derivatives, which are basic components of tanning agents, e.g. from oak bark extracts (cortex quercus) Catechins are also important ingredients in green and black tea in vegetables and wine. The name catechins comes from the term "catechu", the name of the extract of the tanner acacia "Acacia catechu L".
Catechins are said to have anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant, antiviral (seeepigallocatechin gallate), antibacterial properties.
The main catechins are catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), tea catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Epigallocatechin gallate is an effective local therapy for condyloma acuminta.