Epicatechin and Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
This study examined both immediate and longer-term effects of (-)-epicatechin in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, reporting benefit across both time windows.
Cacao By-Products, Obesity, and Cardiometabolic Risk
In a diet-induced obesity mouse model, cacao by-products were associated with improvements in obesity-related and cardiovascular risk measures.
Epicatechin, Obesity, and Cardiometabolic Risk
This paper found that (-)-epicatechin improved multiple cardiometabolic risk factors in a diet-induced rat model.
(+)-Epicatechin and Cardiometabolic Endpoints
This pilot study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, initial safety, and early cardiometabolic effects of (+)-epicatechin in humans and preclinical models, suggesting a favorable early profile.
Cardiac Fibrosis in Pre-Heart Failure Model
In a female rat pre-HFpEF model, (-)-epicatechin reduced markers of cardiac fibrosis, suggesting antifibrotic potential in early-stage disease.
Cocoa Flavanols and Cardiovascular Event Prevention
The headline result is mixed: null for the primary total-CVD endpoint, but lower CVD death.
Cardiac Fibrosis, High Glucose, and Antifibrotic Protection
In high-glucose–stimulated cardiac fibroblasts, (-)-epicatechin showed antifibrotic effects, supporting a cell-level mechanism relevant to hyperglycemic remodeling.
Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Mobility in Older Adults
In older adults, regular high-flavonoid cocoa intake improved oxidative stress, inflammation, physical performance, and quality-of-life measures.
Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Oxidative Stress in Aging
In senile mice, (-)-epicatechin restored markers linked to mitochondrial biogenesis and improved oxidative-stress and aging-related indicators.
Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Structure in Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Failure
This clinical study reported improved skeletal-muscle mitochondrial structure and increased markers of mitochondrial biogenesis after epicatechin-rich cocoa in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure.
Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Muscle Cells via GPER
In C2C12 myotubes, (-)-epicatechin stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis and cell growth, and the study implicated the G-protein–coupled estrogen receptor in that response.
Triglyceride/HDL Ratio and Cardiometabolic Profile
Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial in people with hypertriglyceridemia. The study reported preliminary favorable effects on glycemic homeostasis, lipid profile, and systemic inflammation, with parallel in vitro findings suggesting pathway-specific rather than generic antioxidant effects.