Theaflavins are a flavonoid found in tea. Theaflavins are considered the active ingredient in the fight against high cholesterol. Theaflavins are produced as green tea ferments into black or oolong tea. In addition to fighting cholesterol, theaflavins also support lipoprotein metabolism. Theaflavin often works with the other polyphenols in tea to protect and enhance the body's functions Theaflavin derivatives have been found to have more potent anti-HIV-1 activity than catechin derivatives in laboratory investigations.