Catechols: A Class of Polyphenolic Compounds with Wide-Ranging Biological Activities

Catechol is a type of organic compound that contains a benzene ring with a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to one side and a phenol (-OH2) group attached to the other. Catechols are a class of polyphenolic compounds that are widely distributed in plants and are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Some common examples of catechols include:

* Catechin, a type of flavonoid found in tea leaves
* Epicatechin, a type of flavonoid found in chocolate
* Resveratrol, a type of stilbenoid found in grapes and other fruits
* Pyrocatechuic acid, a type of phenolic compound found in the bark of the white willow tree.

Catechols have been shown to have a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. They are also involved in the regulation of various physiological processes, such as cell signaling and gene expression.