Contrasting influences of glucuronidation and O-methylation of epicatechin on hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death in neurons and fibroblasts.

The purpose of this study was to examine the comparative mechanisms by which the dietary form of the flavonoid epicatechin and its predominant in vivo metabolite, epicatechin glucuronide, influence oxidative stress-induced cell death in fibroblasts and neurons. The results demonstrate the contrasting influences of in vivo glucuronidation and methylation on the bioactivity of epicatechin.