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Abstract

The present study was to evaluate the in vitro cholesterol esterase enzyme inhibitory and in vitro antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of the leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.). Phytochemical screening of the extract shows the presence of flavonoids, phenolics and terpenoids. The extract shows ability to inhibit the enzyme with IC 50 (82.46±0.74µg/ml) whereas that of standard, Orlistat (24.15±0.59µg/ml). Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity were also assessed by using the methods, IC 50 values for Nitric oxide radical scavenging activity (396.83±0.83µg/ml), whereas for standard curcumin (260.38±0.66µg/ml), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (47.04±2.26µg/ml) and for quercetin (70.99±1.31µg/ml). Moreover, the extract was found to scavenge the superoxide with 50% inhibition at 308.17±23.25µg/ml and standard ascorbic acid at 225.08±2.44µg/ml, IC 50 for ferrous chelating ability assay (44.12±4.63µg/ml) and of ascorbic acid (47.25±.89µg/ml). Total content of flavonoids present in 1mg of extract was 19.8±0.11 µg quercetin equivalents/mg. Results indicated that the extract shows potential bioactive compounds which might have a beneficial impact on diseases related to cholesterol synthesis and showed potential antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. INTRODUCTION:Dietary cholesterol comprised of free and esterified cholesterol. In diets rich in meats, significant percent of cholesterol is esterified. Hydrolysis of cholesteryl ester in the lumen is catalyzed by cholesterol esterase (CEase).