Theaflavin

Theaflavin and its derivatives, known collectively as theaflavins, are polyphenols that are formed from catechins such as in tea leaves during the enzymatic oxidation (called fermentation by the tea trade) of tea leaves, such as in black tea. Several tea polyphenols, especially those with galloyl moiety, can inhibit HIV-1 replication with multiple mechanisms of action. It is showed that the theaflavin derivatives had more potent anti-HIV-1 activity than catechin derivatives.


 * Theaflavin-3'-monogallate (TF-2) causes apoptosis in colon cancer cells.
 * Theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF3) binds to gp41 of HIV as well as inhibit 3CLPro of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
 * 3-Isotheaflavin-3-gallate (TF2B) inhibits 3CLPro of SARS.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechin in green tea, binds to gp120, which works in conjunction with gp41 of HIV to enter into healthy human immune cells. Like EGCG, Theaflavins and Thearubigins compounds found in black teas penetrate the blood brain barrier, and have been shown to be effective against age and AIDS related dementia in vitro. Since modern anti-retroviral meds do not reach the brain, HIV can maintain reservoirs for reinfection.

Theaflavins were also found to reduce blood cholesterol levels.