PECTIN METHYL ESTERASE-INHIBITING POLYPHENOLIC FLAVONOIDS AND USE THEREOF

摘要

The present invention relates to compositions comprising polyphenolic flavonoids in general and to polyphenolic flavonoids extracted from green tea in particular, useful to prevent or retard pectin degradation. Green tea polyphenols, especially catechins are now shown to inhibit the cell wall degrading enzyme pectin methyl esterase. The invention further provides methods of using these enzyme inhibitors, including agricultural uses to inhibit plant parasites and other plant pathogens, particularly to inhibit parasitic plants in or on a host plant, and as additives to processed foods and juices.