What Is Catechin Powder?
Catechin powder is a high-purity, plant-derived polyphenolic compound obtained primarily from tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). As one of the most extensively studied flavonoid subclasses, catechins have drawn sustained attention from the nutraceutical, functional food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors due to their broad spectrum of biological activities. Among the major catechin monomers, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) stands out as the most potent antioxidant, capable of neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and other free radical intermediates through direct scavenging and stable compound formation.
At The Extract Factory, we supply food-grade catechin powder standardized to 90% assay, manufactured under rigorous quality management systems. This ingredient serves formulators, brand owners, and raw material distributors who demand consistent potency, clean-label compliance, and full traceability from source to shipment.
Source, Extraction & Manufacturing Process
Botanical Origin
Catechin powder is derived from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, the same plant that yields green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. The concentration and profile of individual catechins—including epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—depend on cultivar, growing region, harvest timing, and post-harvest processing.
Extraction Methodology
The production of high-assay catechin powder typically involves a multi-step process:
- Solvent Extraction — Dried tea leaves are extracted using food-grade hydroalcoholic solvents (ethanol-water mixtures) under controlled temperature and pressure to maximize polyphenol yield while minimizing degradation.
- Concentration & Purification — The crude extract undergoes vacuum concentration, membrane filtration, and column chromatography or resin adsorption to isolate and enrich the catechin fraction.
- Spray Drying or Crystallization — The purified concentrate is converted into a free-flowing white powder through spray drying under low-temperature conditions, preserving thermolabile catechin structures.
- Quality Assurance — Every batch is tested for identity, purity, microbial load, heavy metals, pesticide residues, and solvent residues before release.
The Extract Factory operates three dedicated plant extract processing and production bases, collectively capable of supplying over 500 metric tons of standardized plant extracts, 1,000 metric tons of fruit and vegetable extracts, and 500 metric tons of powdered raw materials annually. This vertical integration enables tight control over raw material sourcing, processing parameters, and final product specifications.
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Catechin Powder |
| Assay (Purity) | 90% (catechins, HPLC) |
| Other Names | Catechin; Tea Polyphenols (catechin fraction) |
| Appearance | White to off-white fine powder |
| Active Ingredient | Catechin (polyphenolic flavonoid) |
| Botanical Source | Camellia sinensis (Tea) |
| Plant Part Used | Leaf |
| Grade | Food Grade |
| Extraction Type | Solvent extraction (hydroalcoholic), followed by purification and spray drying |
| Packaging | 25 kg/fiber drum with double-layer PP inner bag |
| Storage | Cool, dry place; protect from light, heat, and moisture |
| Shelf Life | 24 months when stored under recommended conditions |
Functional Properties & Biological Activity
Catechin powder delivers a range of scientifically recognized functional properties that make it valuable across multiple industry verticals.
1. Potent Antioxidant Activity
Catechins are among the most effective naturally occurring antioxidants. Their radical-scavenging capacity exceeds that of vitamin E in many comparative assays. By donating hydrogen atoms to unstable free radicals, catechins form stable complexes that interrupt oxidative chain reactions, thereby protecting cellular membranes, lipids, proteins, and DNA from oxidative damage.
2. Weight Management Support
Research indicates that catechins, particularly EGCG, may support metabolic rate and fat oxidation, contributing to body weight regulation. This mechanism has made catechin powder a sought-after ingredient in weight management supplements, meal replacement formulations, and functional beverages.
3. Anti-Aging & Cellular Protection
Through sustained free radical neutralization, catechins help mitigate oxidative stress—a primary driver of cellular aging. This property supports their use in both oral nutraceuticals and topical cosmetic formulations aimed at skin vitality and cell renewal.
4. Gut Microbiota Modulation
Catechins demonstrate selective antimicrobial activity: they inhibit pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum while sparing beneficial populations like Lactobacillus species. This prebiotic-like selectivity supports intestinal balance and digestive health, an increasingly important attribute for functional food developers.
5. Cardiovascular, Hepatic, Renal & Neurological Support
Beyond antioxidant action, catechins have been associated with cardiovascular protection, kidney and liver function support, and neuroprotective effects. These broader pharmacological potentials continue to be explored in academic and applied research, expanding the ingredient's relevance for next-generation health products.
6. Anti-Inflammatory & Antimicrobial Properties
Catechins exhibit measurable anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activities in vitro. While these effects are well-documented in the scientific literature, formulation developers should note that specific health claims must comply with regional regulatory frameworks.
Industry Applications
| Sector | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|
| Functional Foods & Beverages | Antioxidant-enriched drinks, tea-based functional powders, sports nutrition bars, meal replacement shakes |
| Dietary Supplements | Capsules, tablets, and sachets targeting weight management, antioxidant defense, and cardiovascular wellness |
| Nutraceuticals | Standardized extracts for premium health product lines |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | Anti-aging serums, skin-protective creams, UV-defense formulations leveraging polyphenol stability |
| Animal Nutrition | Growth-promoting and immune-supporting feed additives (subject to regional approval) |
| Food Preservation | Natural antioxidant alternative to synthetic preservatives in lipid-rich food systems |
Quality Control & Certification
Consistency and safety are non-negotiable when sourcing catechin powder for commercial production. The Extract Factory subjects every production lot to comprehensive analytical testing in accordance with international food safety standards.
| Test Parameter | Specification | Result (Typical) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ash Content | NMT 0.1% | 0.04% | Qualified |
| Heavy Metals (total, as Pb) | NMT 0.5 ppm | Qualified | Qualified |
| Lead (Pb) | NMT 0.5 ppm | Qualified | Qualified |
| BHC (Benzene Hexachloride) | NMT 0.1 ppm | Qualified | Qualified |
| DDT | NMT 0.1 ppm | Qualified | Qualified |
| Total Plate Count | NMT 500 CFU/g | Qualified | Qualified |
| Total Yeast & Mold | NMT 100 CFU/g | Qualified | Qualified |
| E. coli | Negative | Negative | Qualified |
| Salmonella | Negative | Negative | Qualified |
Certifications & Compliance
- Halal Certified
- Kosher Certified
- ISO 9001 Quality Management System
These certifications provide assurance to importers, brand owners, and regulatory teams that the catechin powder meets stringent production, safety, and documentation standards. Full batch traceability—from raw tea leaf procurement through final packaging—is maintained to support audits and regulatory submissions.
Physical & Chemical Characteristics
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | White to pale cream |
| Odor | Characteristic mild tea-like |
| Taste | Slightly astringent, bitter |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, ethanol, and propylene glycol; sparingly soluble in oils |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | Approximately 4.5–6.0 |
| Moisture Content | NMT 5.0% (typical) |
| Particle Size | Fine powder, typically 80–120 mesh |
| Stability | Stable under recommended storage; sensitive to prolonged heat, light, and alkaline pH |
Formulators should account for the astringent taste profile when designing consumer-facing products and consider appropriate flavor-masking or encapsulation strategies for capsule and tablet applications.
Packaging, Logistics & Shipping
The Extract Factory offers flexible packaging and logistics solutions tailored to order volume and destination.
| Cargo Weight | Packaging Configuration | Shipping Method | Estimated Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–50 kg | Below 5 kg: foil bag; 5–25 kg: double-layer PP bag inside master carton or cardboard drum | International Express (FedEx / DHL / UPS) | 7–10 business days |
| 100–200 kg | 25 kg/drum with double-layer PP bag liner inside cardboard drum | Air Freight | 7–10 business days |
| Over 500 kg | 25 kg/drum with double-layer PP bag liner inside cardboard drum | Ocean Freight (FCL / LCL) | 20–45 business days |
Custom packaging, private labeling, and tailored batch sizes are available upon request. All shipments include a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), packing list, and commercial invoice to facilitate customs clearance.
Why Source Catechin Powder from The Extract Factory?
Established in 2015 and headquartered in the Hi-Tech Industrial Zone of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China, The Extract Factory has grown into one of the mainland's leading powder and extract suppliers. Our operational footprint spans three production bases, enabling scalable, reliable supply for both trial orders and long-term contracts.
Who We Serve
- Manufacturers of dietary supplements, functional foods, and cosmetics
- Wholesalers and distributors seeking verified, food-grade botanical ingredients
- Exporters and importers requiring consistent documentation and regulatory support
- Brand owners and contract formulators developing proprietary product lines
Key Markets
Our catechin powder and broader botanical portfolio reach customers across North America, Europe, South Asia, Australia, and Africa, with dedicated logistics partnerships ensuring timely delivery worldwide.
Dedicated Service
A professional sales and technical support team manages every engagement from initial inquiry through post-delivery follow-up. Whether you need a custom assay specification, a pre-shipment sample, or formulation guidance, our team provides responsive, project-level support.
Get in Touch
For pricing, sample requests, technical data sheets, or partnership inquiries, contact our team directly:
Email: [email protected]
The Extract Factory — your trusted partner for high-quality catechin powder and standardized botanical ingredients.
