(-)-Epicatechin gallate is used as an antioxidant investigated as an adjunct treatment of some methyicillin resistant bacteria. Epicatechin gallate binds to the cell membrane in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus which decreases the fluidity of the bilayer and induces changes in gene expression. One of the catechin isomers and a potent antioxidant that can modulate a wide range of membrane proteins. Its bilayer-modifying potency was tested using gramicidin A (gA) channels as probes. All the catechins alter gA channel function and modify bilayer properties, with a 500-fold range in potency.
