1. Immunology/Inflammation Apoptosis Metabolic Enzyme/Protease
  2. COX Ferroptosis Endogenous Metabolite
  3. (-)-Epicatechin

(-)-Epicatechin  (Synonyms: (-)-Epicatechol; Epicatechin; epi-Catechin)

Cat. No.: HY-N0001 Purity: 98.85%
Handling Instructions Technical Support

(-)-Epicatechin inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) with an IC50 of 3.2 μM. (-)-Epicatechin inhibits the IL-1β-induced expression of iNOS by blocking the nuclear localization of the p65 subunit of NF-κB.

For research use only. We do not sell to patients.

CAS No. : 490-46-0

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Customer Review

Based on 12 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Other Forms of (-)-Epicatechin:

Top Publications Citing Use of Products

    (-)-Epicatechin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Adv Res. 2025 May 17:S2090-1232(25)00347-9.  [Abstract]

    The survival rates and IC50 of A549-R when treated with (-)-Epicatechin (EC, 5-320 μM, 24-72 h) individually.

    (-)-Epicatechin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Adv Res. 2025 May 17:S2090-1232(25)00347-9.  [Abstract]

    (-)-Epicatechin (EC, 5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally injected, once every 3 days for 8 times). Tumor images and tumor weight of each group (n = 6) in A549-R xenograft tumor models.

    (-)-Epicatechin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Adv Res. 2025 May 17:S2090-1232(25)00347-9.  [Abstract]

    (-)-Epicatechin (EC, 5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally injected, once every 3 days for 8 times). Tumor volume and body weight of each group during administration in A549 xenograft tumor models.

    (-)-Epicatechin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Adv Res. 2025 May 17:S2090-1232(25)00347-9.  [Abstract]

    (-)-Epicatechin (EC, 5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally injected, once every 3 days for 8 times). H&E staining of tumor tissues of each group.

    (-)-Epicatechin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Viruses. 2020 Feb 4;12(2):176.  [Abstract]

    Cytotoxicity assay of soluble EGCG and (-)-Epicatechin (EC). PK-15 cells were added with a concentration of 0, 10, 50, 100 and 200 μM EGCG or EC and cultured for 24 h, 72 h and 120 h, respectively. Cell vitality was detected by CCK8 assay.

    (-)-Epicatechin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Viruses. 2020 Feb 4;12(2):176.  [Abstract]

    One-step growth curve of PCV2 with EGCG treatment. PK-15 cells were inoculated with PCV2 at MOI = 1.0 and cultured with 100 μM EGCG or (-)-Epicatechin (EC) treatment. TCID50 at various time points were determined by IFA and calculated according to the Reed-Muench method.

    (-)-Epicatechin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Viruses. 2020 Feb 4;12(2):176.  [Abstract]

    EGCG inhibited the infectivity of PCV2. PK-15 cells were inoculated with PCV2 at MOI=1.0 with EGCG or (-)-Epicatechin (EC, 10-100 μM) addition. The expression inhibition of PCV2 capsid protein was detected by immunoblotting at 72 hpi.

    (-)-Epicatechin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Viruses. 2020 Feb 4;12(2):176.  [Abstract]

    EGCG inhibited the infectivity of PCV2. PK-15 cells were inoculated with PCV2 at MOI=1.0 with EGCG or (-)-Epicatechin (EC, 10-100 μM) addition. PCV2 genome copies were measured by real-time PCR.

    (-)-Epicatechin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Viruses. 2020 Feb 4;12(2):176.  [Abstract]

    EGCG inhibited the infectivity of PCV2. PK-15 cells were inoculated with PCV2 at MOI=1.0 with EGCG or (-)-Epicatechin (EC, 10-100 μM) addition. Indirect IFA detection of PCV2 infected cells.

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    • Biological Activity

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    • References

    • Customer Review

    Description

    (-)-Epicatechin inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) with an IC50 of 3.2 μM. (-)-Epicatechin inhibits the IL-1β-induced expression of iNOS by blocking the nuclear localization of the p65 subunit of NF-κB.

    IC50 & Target[1]

    COX-1

    3.2 μM (IC50)

    Cellular Effect
    Cell Line Type Value Description References
    A549 ED50
    > 10 μg/mL
    Compound: 47
    Cytotoxicity against human A549 cells by tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric assay
    Cytotoxicity against human A549 cells by tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric assay
    [PMID: 1431932]
    BMDC IC50
    > 50 μM
    Compound: 17
    Inhibition of LPS-induced IL-12 p40 production in wild-type C57BL/6 mouse BMDC pretreated with compound for 1 hr before LPS treatment measured 16 hrs by ELISA
    Inhibition of LPS-induced IL-12 p40 production in wild-type C57BL/6 mouse BMDC pretreated with compound for 1 hr before LPS treatment measured 16 hrs by ELISA
    [PMID: 25769817]
    BMDC IC50
    > 50 μM
    Compound: 17
    Inhibition of LPS-induced IL-6 production in wild-type C57BL/6 mouse BMDC pretreated with compound for 1 hr before LPS treatment measured 16 hrs by ELISA
    Inhibition of LPS-induced IL-6 production in wild-type C57BL/6 mouse BMDC pretreated with compound for 1 hr before LPS treatment measured 16 hrs by ELISA
    [PMID: 25769817]
    BMDC IC50
    > 50 μM
    Compound: 17
    Inhibition of LPS-induced TNF-alpha production in wild-type C57BL/6 mouse BMDC pretreated with compound for 1 hr before LPS treatment measured 16 hrs by ELISA
    Inhibition of LPS-induced TNF-alpha production in wild-type C57BL/6 mouse BMDC pretreated with compound for 1 hr before LPS treatment measured 16 hrs by ELISA
    [PMID: 25769817]
    BV-2 IC50
    47.37 μM
    Compound: 11
    Antineuroinflammatory activity in human BV2 cells assessed as inhibition of LPS-induced NO production after 24 hrs in presence of LPS by Griess reaction
    Antineuroinflammatory activity in human BV2 cells assessed as inhibition of LPS-induced NO production after 24 hrs in presence of LPS by Griess reaction
    [PMID: 27623545]
    DLD-1 IC50
    415 μM
    Compound: epicatechin
    Inhibition of COX2 mRNA expression in human DLD1 cells
    Inhibition of COX2 mRNA expression in human DLD1 cells
    [PMID: 16038536]
    DLD-1 IC50
    > 25 μM
    Compound: 11
    Cytotoxicity against human DLD1 cells
    Cytotoxicity against human DLD1 cells
    [PMID: 18039011]
    HCT-8 ED50
    > 10 μg/mL
    Compound: 47
    Cytotoxicity against human HCT8 cells by tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric assay
    Cytotoxicity against human HCT8 cells by tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric assay
    [PMID: 1431932]
    HUVEC IC50
    > 100 μM
    Compound: 37
    Inhibition of NADPH oxidase in Homo sapiens (human) HUVEC cells
    Inhibition of NADPH oxidase in Homo sapiens (human) HUVEC cells
    10.1007/s00044-012-0353-y
    HeLa IC50
    > 25 μM
    Compound: 11
    Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells
    Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells
    [PMID: 18039011]
    KB ED50
    > 10 μg/mL
    Compound: 47
    Cytotoxicity against human KB cells by tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric assay
    Cytotoxicity against human KB cells by tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric assay
    [PMID: 1431932]
    L929 EC50
    300 μM
    Compound: epicatechin
    Inhibition of recombinant human TNF-alpha-induced cytotoxicity of mouse L929 cells assessed as survivality preincubated for 15 mins before TNFalpha addition measured after 24 hrs by crystal violet staining
    Inhibition of recombinant human TNF-alpha-induced cytotoxicity of mouse L929 cells assessed as survivality preincubated for 15 mins before TNFalpha addition measured after 24 hrs by crystal violet staining
    [PMID: 9287415]
    L929 EC50
    350 μM
    Compound: epicatechin
    Inhibition of recombinant human TNF-alpha-induced cytotoxicity of mouse L929 cells assessed as survivality preincubated for 15 mins before TNFalpha addition measured after 24 hrs by [methyl-3H]thymidine incorporation assay
    Inhibition of recombinant human TNF-alpha-induced cytotoxicity of mouse L929 cells assessed as survivality preincubated for 15 mins before TNFalpha addition measured after 24 hrs by [methyl-3H]thymidine incorporation assay
    [PMID: 9287415]
    LNCaP EC50
    13 μM
    Compound: 1
    Decrease in androgen receptor protein expression in LNCaP cells by Western blotting
    Decrease in androgen receptor protein expression in LNCaP cells by Western blotting
    [PMID: 17383188]
    MT4 CC50
    136.2 μg/mL
    Compound: 11
    Cytotoxicity against human MT4 cells by MTT assay
    Cytotoxicity against human MT4 cells by MTT assay
    [PMID: 10425115]
    MT4 IC50
    34.1 μg/mL
    Compound: 11
    Antiviral activity against HIV infected in human MT4 cells assessed as inhibition of virus-induced cytopathic effect by MTT assay
    Antiviral activity against HIV infected in human MT4 cells assessed as inhibition of virus-induced cytopathic effect by MTT assay
    [PMID: 10425115]
    PC-3 IC50
    > 500 μM
    Compound: 2
    In vitro inhibitory concentration against PC-3 cell line in MTT assay was determined after 3 days incubation
    In vitro inhibitory concentration against PC-3 cell line in MTT assay was determined after 3 days incubation
    [PMID: 15380225]
    Platelet IC50
    22.22 μg/mL
    Compound: (-)-epi-Catechin
    Antiaggregatory activity in human platelets assessed as inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation by aggregometry
    Antiaggregatory activity in human platelets assessed as inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation by aggregometry
    [PMID: 21106454]
    Platelet IC50
    > 50 μg/mL
    Compound: (-)-epi-Catechin
    Antiaggregatory activity in human platelets assessed as inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation by aggregometry
    Antiaggregatory activity in human platelets assessed as inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation by aggregometry
    [PMID: 21106454]
    SK-OV-3 IC50
    > 500 μM
    Compound: 2
    In vitro inhibitory concentration against SKOV3 cell line in MTT assay was determined after 3 days incubation
    In vitro inhibitory concentration against SKOV3 cell line in MTT assay was determined after 3 days incubation
    [PMID: 15380225]
    TE-671 ED50
    > 10 μg/mL
    Compound: 47
    Cytotoxicity against human TE671 cells by tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric assay
    Cytotoxicity against human TE671 cells by tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric assay
    [PMID: 1431932]
    U-373MG ATCC IC50
    > 500 μM
    Compound: 2
    In vitro inhibitory concentration against U373MG cell line in MTT assay was determined after 3 days incubation
    In vitro inhibitory concentration against U373MG cell line in MTT assay was determined after 3 days incubation
    [PMID: 15380225]
    Vero IC50
    184.1 μM
    Compound: 5
    Cytotoxicity against african green monkey Vero cells after 4 hrs by MTT assay
    Cytotoxicity against african green monkey Vero cells after 4 hrs by MTT assay
    [PMID: 16724851]
    In Vitro

    (-)-Epicatechin exhibits >95% inhibitory activity at 70 μg/mL against cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) with an IC50 of 3.2 μM[1]. (-)-Epicatechin inhibits the IL-1β-induced expression of iNOS by blocking the nuclear localization of the p65 subunit of NF-κB. In RINm5F cells, (-)-Epicatechin is shown to block the inhibition of insulin release after addition of IL-1β. Additionally, (-)-Epicatechin is shown to inhibit the proliferation of Hodgkin's lymphoma cells and Jurkat T cells, which is attributed to the ability of (-)-Epicatechin to inhibit the binding of NF-κB to DNA in these cells. In human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells, combining 20?μM Panaxadiol with 150, 200, or 250?μM (-)-Epicatechin results in growth inhibition of 51%, 97%, and 95%, respectively. The combination also increases the apoptosis level by 11.9%, 16.6%, and 25.8%, as examined by annexin V/PI staining[2].

    MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

    In Vivo

    Animals receive 1 mg/kg of (-)-Epicatechin or water (vehicle) via oral gavage (twice daily). Exercise groups undergo 15 days of treadmill exercise. Significant increases in treadmill performance (~50%) and enhanced in situ muscle fatigue resistance (~30%) are observed with (-)-Epicatechin[3].

    MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

    Clinical Trial
    Molecular Weight

    290.27

    Formula

    C15H14O6

    CAS No.
    Appearance

    Solid

    Color

    White to light yellow

    SMILES

    O[C@H]1[C@@H](C2=CC=C(O)C(O)=C2)OC3=CC(O)=CC(O)=C3C1

    Structure Classification
    Initial Source
    Shipping

    Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.

    Storage
    Powder -20°C 3 years
    4°C 2 years
    In solvent -80°C 6 months
    -20°C 1 month
    Solvent & Solubility
    In Vitro: 

    DMSO : 100 mg/mL (344.51 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

    H2O : 2 mg/mL (6.89 mM; ultrasonic and warming and heat to 60°C)

    Preparing
    Stock Solutions
    Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg
    1 mM 3.4451 mL 17.2253 mL 34.4507 mL
    5 mM 0.6890 mL 3.4451 mL 6.8901 mL
    View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
    Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    * Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.

    • Molarity Calculator

    • Dilution Calculator

    Mass (g) = Concentration (mol/L) × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight (g/mol)

    Mass
    =
    Concentration
    ×
    Volume
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    Molecular Weight *

    Concentration (start) × Volume (start) = Concentration (final) × Volume (final)

    This equation is commonly abbreviated as: C1V1 = C2V2

    Concentration (start)

    C1

    ×
    Volume (start)

    V1

    =
    Concentration (final)

    C2

    ×
    Volume (final)

    V2

    In Vivo:

    Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.

    For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
    To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for in vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
    The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

    • Protocol 1

      Add each solvent one by one:  10% DMSO    40% PEG300    5% Tween-80    45% Saline

      Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (8.61 mM); Clear solution

      This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

      Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.

      Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
    • Protocol 2

      Add each solvent one by one:  10% DMSO    90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)

      Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (8.61 mM); Clear solution

      This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

      Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.

      Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.
    In Vivo Dissolution Calculator
    Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

    Dosage

    mg/kg

    Animal weight
    (per animal)

    g

    Dosing volume
    (per animal)

    μL

    Number of animals

    Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.
    Please enter your animal formula composition:
    %
    DMSO +
    +
    %
    Tween-80 +
    %
    Saline
    Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
    The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).
    Calculation results:
    Working solution concentration: mg/mL
    Method for preparing stock solution: mg drug dissolved in μL  DMSO (Stock solution concentration: mg/mL).
    The concentration of the stock solution you require exceeds the measured solubility. The following solution is for reference only. If necessary, please contact MedChemExpress (MCE).
    Method for preparing in vivo working solution for animal experiments: Take μL DMSO stock solution, add μL . μL , mix evenly, next add μL Tween 80, mix evenly, then add μL Saline.
     If the continuous dosing period exceeds half a month, please choose this protocol carefully.
    Please ensure that the stock solution in the first step is dissolved to a clear state, and add co-solvents in sequence. You can use ultrasonic heating (ultrasonic cleaner, recommended frequency 20-40 kHz), vortexing, etc. to assist dissolution.
    Purity & Documentation

    Purity: 99.00%

    References
    Animal Administration
    [3]

    Mice[3]
    1-year-old, male C57BL/6N mice (n=25) are randomized into four groups. Mice in the (-)-Epicatechin groups 3 and 4 are given 1.0 mg/kg twice a day (morning and evening) for 15 consecutive days, whereas animals in the control groups 1 and 2 receive the vehicle (water). Both (-)-Epicatechin and vehicle are administered via oral gavage[3].

    MCE has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

    References

    Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
    Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    Optional Solvent Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg 25 mg
    H2O / DMSO 1 mM 3.4451 mL 17.2253 mL 34.4507 mL 86.1267 mL
    5 mM 0.6890 mL 3.4451 mL 6.8901 mL 17.2253 mL
    DMSO 10 mM 0.3445 mL 1.7225 mL 3.4451 mL 8.6127 mL
    15 mM 0.2297 mL 1.1484 mL 2.2967 mL 5.7418 mL
    20 mM 0.1723 mL 0.8613 mL 1.7225 mL 4.3063 mL
    25 mM 0.1378 mL 0.6890 mL 1.3780 mL 3.4451 mL
    30 mM 0.1148 mL 0.5742 mL 1.1484 mL 2.8709 mL
    40 mM 0.0861 mL 0.4306 mL 0.8613 mL 2.1532 mL
    50 mM 0.0689 mL 0.3445 mL 0.6890 mL 1.7225 mL
    60 mM 0.0574 mL 0.2871 mL 0.5742 mL 1.4354 mL
    80 mM 0.0431 mL 0.2153 mL 0.4306 mL 1.0766 mL
    100 mM 0.0345 mL 0.1723 mL 0.3445 mL 0.8613 mL

    * Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.

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      Species cross-reactivity must be investigated individually for each product. Many human cytokines will produce a nice response in mouse cell lines, and many mouse proteins will show activity on human cells. Other proteins may have a lower specific activity when used in the opposite species.

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