Determination of tea catechins

An overview of analytical methods for the measurement of biologically impor tant tea catechins is presented. Liquid chromatography and capillary electr ophoresis are the most cited techniques for catechin separation, identifica tion and quantitation. Liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection is frequently used; however, mass spectrometry, electrochemical, fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection are also utilized in cases where more sensi tive or selective detection is needed. Two modes of capillary electrophores is, capillary zone electrophoresis and micellar electrokinetic capillary ch romatography, have been employed for the determination of catechins. Both m odes of capillary electrophoresis are based on ultraviolet detection. Addit ional analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography, thin-layer chromat ography, paper chromatography, spectrophotometry, biosensing, chemiluminesc ence and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have also been utilized fo r the determination of catechins and are reviewed herein. (C) 2000 Publishe d by Elsevier Science B.V.