Enantioselective MEKC analysis of catechins in tea samples of different origin

none4Enantioselective separation of catechin and gallocatechin was achieved by using micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) modified by cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD). The analytical enantioseparation of these two catechins was found to be very useful because, for the first time, the presence of (-)-gallocatechin and (-)-catechin (chiral phytomarkers) in tea samples, was regarded as an index of thermal degradation of the product. More than twenty tea samples of different origin (China, Japan, Ceylon) were analysed; the chiral phytomarkers of degradation was found in some of the products proving the occured thermal degradation.noneS. Furlanetto; S. Pinzauti; R. Gotti; J. Fiori.S. Furlanetto; S. Pinzauti; R. Gotti; J. Fiori