Absorption and urinary excretion of procyanidin B2 [epicatechin-(4β-8)-epicatechin] in rats

We evaluated the bioavailability and plasma antioxidative activity after administration of procyanidin B2 [epicatechin-(4beta-8)-epicatechin] in rats. After procyanidin 132 administration, procyanidin B2 is absorbed and excreted in urine, and a portion of the PB2 is degraded to (-)-epicatechin and to the metabolized conjugated and/or methylated (-)-epicatechin internally in the rat. Moreover, PB2 reduces the accumulation of lipid peroxide in plasma oxidized by copper ions. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc.