The microbial metabolism of (+)-catechin to two novel diarylpropan-2-ol metabolites in vitro.

The metabolism of (+)-catechin by rat-caecal microflora in vitro was investigated. Metabolites were isolated by column chromatography, preparative t.l.c. and h.p.l.c., while structural allocation was aided by mass spectrometry and proton magnetic resonance. In contrast with the well-documented total heterocyclic ring cleavage of flavanoids, (+)-catechin was found to undergo partial heterocyclic ring cleavage of two novel diarylpropan-2-ol metabolites. p-Dehydroxylation of (+)-catechin predominates during its degradation to the diarylpropanol metabolites.