Catechins

Catechins are antioxidant plant metabolites. They belong to the family of flavonoids and are abundant in teas derived from the tea-plant Camellia sinensis as well as in some cocoas and chocolates (made from the seeds of Theobroma cacao).
Green tea catechins have been shown to possess anti-biotic properties however white tea typically contains higher level of catechins. The National Cancer Institute in the United States is investigating the therapeutic and preventive use of tea catechins against a variety of cancers and more research on catechins is being conducted to ascertain the extent of their health-giving properties.