ESTERIFIED CATECHINS, PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING THE SAME, AND FOODS AND BEVERAGES AS WELL AS COSMETICS CONTAINING SUCH ESTERIFIED CATECHINS

摘要

A substance having an antimicrobial activity against heat-resistantsporeforming bacteria, which can be used for improving storage duration ofdrink or processed food or preventing bacteria for cosmetic is provided. Theinvention is directed to a catechin ester in which an ester is formed betweenat least one of the hydroxyl groups of a catechin and a medium-chain fattyacid. The medium chain fatty acid ester of a catechin of the invention showsstrong growth inhibition against heat-resistant sporeforming bacteria as asimple substance or a composition and can prevent decay or deterioration ofdrink and food by adding thereto, and can prevent decay or deterioration ofcosmetic by adding thereto.