Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Green Tea in Arsenic induced Toxicity in Mice

Abstract

Ground water arsenic contamination is a global problem affecting thousands of people worldwide, thus present study was aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that green tea extracts, having high polyphenolic content, might be able to combat the oxidative cellular damage caused by arsenic toxicity and to prevent further development of free radicals.In the present study treatment groups received sodium arsenite orally at the dose of 3 mg kg-1 body weight daily for 4 weeks followed by administration of Camellia sinensis (green tea) 300 mg kg-1 body weight daily by gavage method for 6 weeks. Their biochemical levels like liver and kidney function tests were assayed and were found with elevated levels. Furthermore, their free radical assessment like lipid peroxidation levels were assayed which was found to be many folds higher. But, after administration of aqueous extract of green tea, there was signifi cant amelioration in the biochemical and lipid peroxidation levels. The protective effect of these antioxidants was shown in the form of normalization of enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities represented by normalization of liver and kidney functions.

Phytochemicals in the Management of Arsenic Toxicity

“…Tea, which has become a dietary component of Indians, consumed as a most popular beverage, has also shown arsenic toxicity mitigating effects. Studies have reported DNA repair, genoprotective action of green tea, as well as black tea by affecting DNA repair enzymes such as DNA ligase 1/4, PARP1, ERCC1/2, and DNA polymerase beta in in vitro and in vivo studies along with ameliorating ROS levels through an antioxidant mechanism, affecting liver and kidney functions . The principle active component of green tea, epigallocatechin gallate, has also shown potential genoprotective, antioxidant, and free radical scavenging actions in an in vivo study .…”

“…Studies have reported DNA repair, genoprotective action of green tea, as well as black tea by affecting DNA repair enzymes such as DNA ligase 1/4, PARP1, ERCC1/2, and DNA polymerase beta in in vitro and in vivo studies 79 along with ameliorating ROS levels through an antioxidant mechanism, 80 affecting liver and kidney functions. 81 The principle active component of green tea, epigallocatechin gallate, has also shown potential genoprotective, antioxidant, and free radical scavenging actions in an in vivo study. 82 The efficacy of green tea has been reported to be beneficial in reducing deleterious effects of arsenic in view of its antioxidant potential and antitumorigenic effect, which participates in various stages of carcinogenesis.…”