Intracellular uptake of (-)epicatechin by human erythrocytes as a function of human age.

The present studies were carried out to determine the intracellular uptake of (-)epicatechin by erythrocytes during aging in humans. (-)Epicatechin uptake was estimated by performing ethyl acetate extraction while the total antioxidant potential of the (-)epicatechin was estimated in terms of FRAP (ferric reducing ability of plasma) values. A significant (p < 0.001) decrease in (-)epicatechin uptake by human erythrocytes was observed as a function of age. It is hypothesized that the uptake of (-)epicatechin in human erythrocytes has an important role in the regulation of PMRS (plasma membrane redox system) activity during normal human aging.