Home > FAQ

What is Polyphenon? Please go to "What is Polyphenon?" We explain in details.

What types of tea catechins or Polyphenon products are available? We have a wide range of products from unprocessed tea catechins for industrial purposes to highly refined catechins for laboratory use. The spectrum of tea catechin uses range from anti-viral filtration systems, and natural anti-oxidants for food color preservation, to highly refined ingredients for functional foods, and health food supplements. We also supply green tea catechins as chemical reagent for academic research conducted around the world.

How do tea catechins differ from other plant extracted catechins? Generally speaking, non-tea extracted catechins can be divided into two categories; fruit catechins such as apples and grapes, and cacao and bark catechins. Both categories contain vast mixtures of polymerized and heterogeneous catechins of little known functional benefit. Tea catechin's however remain un-polymerized and in a limited number of functionally active variations. For instance, one component called EGCg occupies more than half of total tea catechins and has been claimed to be the most functionally beneficial catechin known. Tea catechins differ from other plant extracted catechins by providing a clear and significant level of efficacy.

What is the difference between tannin, tea polyphenols and tea catechins? Basically, we can say that they all belong to one category. The term tannin originates from the use of botanical extracts for tanning, and refers to the astringent function. Polyphenols refers to the molecular structure since these substances have many(poly) hydroxyl groups. Polyphenols are all highly polymerized with unidentified structures, whereas catechins have flavanole frameworks in their molecules, with clear structures made up from several kinds of compounds. Of course, tea catechins too have astringency and many hydroxyl groups so generally speaking, tea catechins are a subgroup within the larger group made up of tannin and polyphenols.

How do you produce Polyphenon? Made from 100% green tea leaves, Polyphenon is extracted with hot water and spray-dried into a fine powder.

Is there any caffeine in Polyphenon? We have non-decaffeinated types containing 3 to 10 % caffeine as well as decaffeinated varieties.

What are the unique qualities of Polyphenon that differentiate it from other green tea catechins? We follow very strict Japanese guidelines while producing Polyphenon which guarantee reliable quality. Our comprehensive product range covers various usages from animal husbandry and pet food, to food and beverages for human consumption, and finally to health food supplements. Additionally, our scientific knowledge, patents, and analytical prowess are poised to assist you in developing new products with confirmed functionally active green tea catechins.

Copyright (c) Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.