Interactions of catechins with copper ions

Charles University in Prague Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Pharmaceutical botanic and ecology Candidate: Mgr. Petra Řihošková Supervisor: PharmDr. Jana Karlíčková, Ph.D. Title of Thesis: Interactions of catechins with copper ions Keywords: catechins, chelating activity, copper, bathocuproine, hematoxylin, antioxidants Flavonoids are a class of plant polyphenols with significant antioxidant activity, which positively affects human health. Flavonoids are able to chelate metal ions (e.g. iron and copper) which participates in the formation of oxygen free radicals, or they directly react with enzymes whose activity increases oxidative stress. Their effect is influenced by the chemical structure, especially by the number and position of substituents and molecular size. Catechins belong to the group of flavonoids found in various types of food, e.g. in tea, chocolate, fruit, or red wine. Catechins exhibit a broad spectrum of biological effects, therefore they are often studied. Their antioxidant effect is mainly manifested by uptaking or quenching of free radicals and the chelation of iron and copper. Copper is one of the trace elements and is necessary for the proper function of the body. In the human body copper is part of enzymes and affects many metabolic processes. Copper..