Strictinin is a type of polyphenol with molecular formula C27H22O18 that is found in tea, cloves, guava, Japanese alder, and coast beefwood, among others.
In a tea leaf, strictinin content is around 0.5% by weight, while catechins can make up to 20%.
Strictinin is useful against influenza
The influenza virus is responsible for what we commonly know as the flu. This virus is transmitted yearly throughout the world as new strains emerge.
Different studies have proved that strictinin strongly interferes with the replication of the influenza virus.
When this virus invades a cell, strictinin inhibits its capacity to fuse with the cell’s membrane.
Fortunately for green tea lovers, a moderate intake of green tea is enough to achieve this effect 🙂
EGCG, the main beneficial compound of tea, also has an anti-influenza virus effect, but we’ll cover that in a later post.
Strictinin diminishes allergic response
Strictinin suppresses the production of IgE antibodies, which contribute to the appearance of allergy sypmtoms.
In an earlier post, we saw how methylated catechins in green tea from certain cultivars also relieved allergy symptoms. It is a different mechanism, but they can both work at the same time.
Right now there seems to be few information about strictinin, but I think that it will become more prevalent in upcoming years.
Sources:
Antiviral effect of strictinin on influenza virus replication
Article from Shizuoka newspaper, Februrary 2012 (in Japanese)
November 19, 2014
Thanks for the info, I look forward to learning more about strictinin. I have been drinking several cups of green tea daily for many years, I also work in records where I am exposed to dust and allergens that naturally occur as a result of old files, boxes and papers. I never get colds and am seldom affected by allergies like others I know. I have always been convinced that drinking green tea regularly played some role in my ability to fight these pollutants.
November 19, 2014
Hi Amanda
Thanks for your comment. It’s good to see that green tea has worked for you 🙂
November 19, 2014
I wonder if strictinin, like catechin compounds, becomes more bioavailable in acidic water. Some people add lemon to their tea and get these benefits by increasing the pH, although I would never do this to a Japanese green tea.
Some things are perfect as they are.
Thanks for a great post Ricardo.
🙂
November 19, 2014
Hi Dee
I haven’t tried adding lemon to green tea, I like it straight like you do.
At the end of the day, the only way to fully extract all the nutrients from the leaf is to either drink it in powder form, or eat it.
November 20, 2014
Hola Ricardo,
Good information, yes, green tea contains strictinin which is effective against cold.
For example, in my case, my customers can use my cheaper powdered Japanese green tea to gargle with it. The cheaper powdered Japanese green tea can use also as a gargle or mouthwash in order to not get a cold.
Hide from MITE Co., Ltd.
November 20, 2014
Hola Hide san
Thanks for your comment.
I see what you mean, people forget that cheap green teas are also healthy. A cheap powdered green tea can have even more beneficial compounds than a more expensive loose leaf green tea.
December 22, 2015
Hi Ricardo – just wanted to ask you if strictinin is also found in fruits?
Thanks 🙂
December 22, 2015
Hi Surutham
Strictinin is an ellagitannin and fruits and nuts contain ellagitannins, so I suppose that it is found in fruits.
However, as far as I know tea is the most reliable source for strictinin.