Compound Monograph
Thearubigins
Thearubigins are the large, reddish-brown polyphenol pigments that give black tea much of its color and body.
Sources · 1
Where Does It Come From?
Thearubigins are naturally occurring polyphenol pigment class (tea), found in Tea. They are well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
Research & Evidence
Thearubigins are a heterogeneous group of large, reddish-brown polyphenol pigments formed alongside the theaflavins when tea catechins are oxidized during black-tea processing. They make up a substantial fraction of the solids in black tea and contribute strongly to its color and full-bodied taste. Because they are chemically complex and poorly defined as a single structure, they remain less well characterized than the smaller tea polyphenols.
Toxicity & Safety
As major constituents of ordinary black tea, thearubigins are consumed routinely and regarded as low in toxicity at dietary levels.
