Determination of total polyphenols and catechins in betel nut polyphenol extract / 药学实践杂志

Objective To establish a method for the determination of total polyphenols and catechins in betel nut polyphenols extract, and provide reference for the quality control of betel nut polyphenols extract. Methods The content of total phenol in betel nut extract was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The content of catechins was determined by HPLC. Results The linear range of total polyphenols in betel nuts extract was 9.8~58.8 μg/ml. The three components of catechin, epicatechin and protocatechuic acid were completely separated by HPLC, and the linear relationship was good in their respective ranges, with the recoveries between 99.17% and 101.67%, the RSD between 1.2% and 2.5%. Conclusion The established method is simple, stable and reliable, which could be used for the quantitative analysis of betel polyphenol extract, and provide experimental basis for the quality control of betel polyphenol extract.

Antibacterial Activity of Black Tea Extract against S. mutans, S. aureus, L. acidophilus, Klebsiella and E. coli.

BACKGROUND Drinking tea has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. In addition, tea is also considered beneficial for cardiovascular health and oral health. Health benefits of green tea are attributed to its polyphenol content. Catechins are the major polyphenols in green tea and in black tea the catechins are oxidized to theaflavins. Polyphenols present in tea have exhibited antimicrobial effects against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria. Studies have shown that green tea catechins are bioavailable in both plasma and urine. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the antibacterial activity of black tea extract against standard strains of S. mutans, S. aureus, L. acidophilus, Klebsiella and E. coli.METHODSBlack tea extract was prepared by boiling black tea leaves in distilled water. It was then filtered, and the filtrate was treated with chloroform and ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate was evaporated in a rotary evaporator and a brown coloured residue was obtained. Its antibacterial activity was studied against standard strains of five common bacteria i.e.; S. mutans, L. acidophilus, S. aureus, Klebsiella spp, and E. coli and the MIC of the black tea extract was determined using serial dilution method.RESULTSBlack tea extract showed sufficient antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria. The MIC of black tea extract was lowest against Staphylococcus aureus.CONCLUSIONSTea extracts have significant antimicrobial activity at varying concentrations against different bacterial pathogens.

Preliminary study on hepatotoxic components in Polygoni Multiflori Radix based on different adjuvants processing for detoxification / 中草药

Objective: To provide references for optimizing adjuvants with Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR), we compared the effects of detoxification by different adjuvants processing according to Chinese medicine’s records of past dynasties. Methods: The chemical information of all samples including crude and processed PMR with different adjuvants was characterized by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and the normal human hepatocytes (L02 cell line) was cultured in vitro to evaluate the cytotoxicity, then we gave synthetic analyses on effects of processed PMR with different adjuvants for toxicity-decreasing and variations of chemical contents. The difference of toxicity reducing effect and the rule of composition change of PMR processed with different adjuvants were compared comprehensively. Results: Different adjuvants had different level of effects on chemical fingerprint, index component and cytotoxicity of PMR under the same conditions of pressure and time. More specifically, black bean, jujube and rice-rinsing water had greater impact on PMR main components including gallic acid, catechins, cis-stilbene glycoside, trans-stilbene glycoside, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside, physcion and emodin as well as hepatotoxicity. The three adjuvants with the best toxicity-decreasing effects were in sequence of rice-rinsing water > jujube > black bean. Furthermore, comprehensive analysis of simple correlation and multiple correlation suggested that cis-stilbene glycoside might be the main chemical component contributed to hepatotoxicity of PMR, and emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside might be the potential toxicity component. Conclusion: Different adjuvants traditionally recorded can attenuate the toxicity of PMR. In addition to black beans, rice-rinsing water and jujube can also be used as candidate adjuvants for the toxicity-decreasing of PMR.

Evaluation of Hilo® Versus Daflon® in Patients Suffering from Hemorrhoids: A Randomized, Controlled, Open-labelled, Multicentric Study

Aims: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of Hilo® and Daflon® 500 mg, in the treatment of hemorrhoids.Study Design:It is a multicentric, randomized, comparative clinical trial conducted for the period of 15 days.Place and Duration of Study:Janta Hospital and Maternity Centre, Varanasi; King George Memorial Hospital, Lucknow; Vijan Hospital and Research Centre, Nasik and Santosh Hospital, Bangalorebetween May 2018 and December 2019.Methodology:201 patients were screened and 200 patients with hemorrhoids (proctoscopy proven Grade I to III) were randomly assigned to receive either Hilo® capsules (n = 99) or Daflon® 500 mg tablets (n = 101). Assessment of hemorrhoidal symptoms was carried out in all patients on Day 7 and Day 15. Proctoscopic examination was carried out before the start of treatment i.e. on day 0 and at the end of treatment duration i.e. on day 15.Results:The patients treated with Hilo® showed a statistically significant improvement in the clinical symptoms of bleeding, pain, itching, soiling, tenesmus, irritation after defecation and constipation on day 7 and day 15 as compared to baseline. The “mean total symptom score” reduced by 4.55 ± 2.07 vs 3.44 ± 2.00; P < .0001 on day 7and 7.56 ± 2.40 vs 6.22 ± 2.55;P < .0001 on day 15 in thepatients treated with Hilo® and Daflon® respectively. In Hilo® Group, 82.83% of patients assessed that the treatment with Hilo® made them ‘A lot better’ as compared to only 48.51% in Daflon® group. In the Hilo® group 20.2% of patients’ treatment outcome was assessed as ‘Excellent’ by the investigators as compared to only 0.99% of patients in Daflon® group. No major adverse events were reported in the study with the use of either product.Conclusion:Hilo® is found to provide better reduction in clinical symptoms of patients suffering from hemorrhoids as compared to Daflon®

Catechins green tea upregulates the expression of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SRB1 in rats induced atherogenic diet

The efflux of cholesterol from macrophage to liver is known as reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Impairedcholesterol efflux leads to cholesterol accumulation in macrophages. Therefore, how to increasing cholesterol effluxmay be an effective strategy for atherosclerosis prevention. Key molecules that play a vital role in the efflux ofcholesterol from macrophage are Adenosin Tri Phosphate (ATP)-binding casette transporters A1 and G. This study wasundertaken to clarify the effect of Catechins on the expression of specific transporters such as ATP-binding cassettesub-family A member 1 (ABCA1), ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 1 (ABCG1) from macrophage to liver,and scavenger receptor class B type I (SRB1). This research was done on Wistar rats induced atherogenic diets. SRB1is one of the transporters to facilitate the delivery of cholesterol from the macrophage to the liver. The SRB1 pathwaymediated the selective uptake of cholesteryl ester. Catechins significantly increased the mRNA expression of ABCA1and ABCG1 in aorta as well as SRB1 of liver also increased. Thus, Catechins decreased the total cholesterol levels inaorta and serum. Catechins can be developed as a potential agent to increase ABCA1 to inhibit atherogenesis process.In conclusion, this study indicates that the potential anti-atherogenic properties of Catechins could be explained, atleast in part, as being due to upregulated expression of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SRB1 through activation liver X receptorsignaling pathway

Catechins green tea upregulates the expression of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SRB1 in rats induced atherogenic diet

The efflux of cholesterol from macrophage to liver is known as reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Impairedcholesterol efflux leads to cholesterol accumulation in macrophages. Therefore, how to increasing cholesterol effluxmay be an effective strategy for atherosclerosis prevention. Key molecules that play a vital role in the efflux ofcholesterol from macrophage are Adenosin Tri Phosphate (ATP)-binding casette transporters A1 and G. This study wasundertaken to clarify the effect of Catechins on the expression of specific transporters such as ATP-binding cassettesub-family A member 1 (ABCA1), ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 1 (ABCG1) from macrophage to liver,and scavenger receptor class B type I (SRB1). This research was done on Wistar rats induced atherogenic diets. SRB1is one of the transporters to facilitate the delivery of cholesterol from the macrophage to the liver. The SRB1 pathwaymediated the selective uptake of cholesteryl ester. Catechins significantly increased the mRNA expression of ABCA1and ABCG1 in aorta as well as SRB1 of liver also increased. Thus, Catechins decreased the total cholesterol levels inaorta and serum. Catechins can be developed as a potential agent to increase ABCA1 to inhibit atherogenesis process.In conclusion, this study indicates that the potential anti-atherogenic properties of Catechins could be explained, atleast in part, as being due to upregulated expression of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SRB1 through activation liver X receptorsignaling pathway.

Research progress on glycosidation modification of catechins / 中草药

Catechins, the main component of tea health care function, are flavonoids with strong physiological activities, such as broad spectrum bacteriostatic activity, anti-mutation, anti-cancer effects and the protection of the nervous system, which has been one of the hot research topics during recent years. But the storage stability and the oral bioavailability of catechins are relatively low. Glycosylation is one of the effective ways to improve the stability and bioavailability of catechins to some extent. In order to promote the further study and application of catechins, the glycosidic methods at different sites of catechins were summarized in this paper.

Phytochemistry and antibacterial activity of aqueous andhydroalcoholic extracts of three medicinal plants against foodpathogens / Fitoquímica e atividade antibacteriana de extratos aquosos e hidroalcoólicos de trêsplantas medicinais contra patógenos de alimentos

This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical compositions of three medicinal Brazilian plants’ leaves and bast extracts, and to determine their antibacterial activity on three foodborne and waterborne bacterial pathogens. Parkia platycephala, Pouteria ramiflora and Lophanthera lactescens leaves and basts were collected and aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared. Qualitative screening of the phytochemical extracts was performed with three replicates and in triplicate in order to identify the bioactive compounds. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration and Minimal Bactericide Concentration were determined by microdilution in broth and Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus growth was observed on agar plates. Phytochemical composition analysis allowed for the identification of anthraquinones, catechins, saponins, tannins, sesquiterpenlactones and other lactones in the three plants’ leaves and bast aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts. Eighty-three percent of the plant extracts showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus, and P. platycephala extracts were the only ones that inhibited E. coli and S. typhimurium growth. The present study contributes significantly to the phytochemical composition characterization of three plant species commonly used in Brazilian traditional medicine. The plant extracts’ in vitro antibacterial activity was demonstrated and catechins present in the extracts are, most likely, the bioactive compounds responsible for this action.

Este estudo objetivou caracterizar a composição fitoquímica dos extratos de folhas e das entrecascas de três plantas medicinais brasileiras e determinar a sua atividade antimicrobiana contra três patógenos bacterianos de alimentos. Foram elaborados extratos aquosos e hidroalcoólicos, por meio de folhas e de entrecascas de Parkiaplatycephala, Pouteriaramiflora e Lophantheralactescens. O estudo qualitativo dos extratos foi realizado com três réplicas, em triplicata, para permitir a identificação dos compostos bioativos. A Concentração Inibitória Mínima e a Concentração Bactericida Mínima foram determinadas por microdiluição contra Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium e Staphylococcus aureus. A análise da composição fitoquímica permitiu identificar antraquinonas, catequinas, saponinas, taninas, sesquiterpenlactonas e outras lactonas nos extratos aquosos e hidroalcoólicos das folhas e das entrecascas das três plantas. Oitenta e três porcento dos extratos das plantas apresentaram atividade antibacteriana contra S. aureus. Os extratos de P. platycephala foram os únicos que inibiram o crescimento de E. coli e S. typhimurium. Este estudo contribui significativamente para a caracterização da composição fitoquímica de três espécies de plantas, frequentemente, utilizadas na medicina tradicional brasileira. A atividade antibacteriana, in vitro, dos extratos das plantas foi demonstrada, e as catequinas são, provavelmente, o composto bioativo responsável por essa atividade.

Tannase application in secondary enzymatic processing of inferior Tieguanyin oolong tea

Background: Inferior Tieguanyin oolong tea leaves were treated with tannase. The content and bioactivity of catechins in extracts from the treated tea leaves were investigated to assess the improvement in the quality of inferior Tieguanyin oolong tea. Results: Analysis showed that after treatment, the esterified catechin content decreased by 23.5%, whereas non-galloylated catechin and gallic acid contents increased by 15.3% and 182%, respectively. The extracts from tannase-treated tea leaves showed reduced ability to bind to BSA and decreased tea cream levels. The extracts also exhibited increased antioxidant ability to scavenge OH and DPPH radicals, increased ferric reducing power, and decreased inhibitory effects on pancreatic α-amylase and lipase activities. Conclusions: These results suggested that tannase treatment could improve the quality of inferior Tieguanyin oolong tea leaves.

Contents Determination of Catechins Active Components in Lipid-lowering Slimming Health Products by Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Components via Single Marker / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To establish the method for contents determination of catechins active components in lipid-lowering slimming health products. METHODS:HPLC method was adopted. Using epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG)as a reference,relative correction factor(RCF)of EGCG to gallocatechin(EGC),catechin(C),epicatechin(EC),gallocatechin gallate(GCG)and gal-loylepicatechin(ECG)were calculated. The contents of EGC,C,EC,GCG and ECG in 5 batches of samples were calculated through RCF. The contents of EGC,C,EC,GCG and ECG determined by external standard method were used as measured value. The similarity of the value determined by external standard method with the value calculated by quantitative analysis of multi-com-ponents via single marker method(QAMS)was evaluated with vector included angle cosine method. RESULTS:The linear ranges of EGCG,EGC,C,EC,GCG and ECG were 0.0065-0.1305 mg/mL(r=0.9998)、0.0005-0.0107 mg/mL(r=0.9997)、0.0020-0.0400 mg/mL(r=0.9999)、0.0153-0.3053 mg/mL(r=0.9998)、0.0008-0.0155 mg/mL(r=0.9998)、0.0040-0.0792 mg/mL (r=0.9999);RSDs of precision,stability and reproducibility tests were all lower than 2.0%.The recoveries were 95.07%-100.35%(RSD=1.94%,n=6)、95.24%-101.87%(RSD=2.79%,n=6)、96.08%-103.86%(RSD=3.01%,n=6)、97.51%-101.06%(RSD=1.45%,n=6)、96.01%-101.66%(RSD=2.27%,n=6)、96.20%-102.89%(RSD=2.71%,n=6),respectively. There was no signifi-cant difference between measured value and calculated value. CONCLUSIONS:The method is simple,precise,stable and repro-ducible,and can be used for contents determination of catechins active components in lipid-lowering slimming health products.

Progress in catechins oxidation products and their formation mechanism / 中国中药杂志

Catechins are the key components of tea and have a great impact on its quality. Catechins can be oxidized to form a new black tea polyphenols, some of which have better pharmacological effect. However, the formation mechanism of these new polyphenols is still unclear. In this paper, oxidation products coming from catechins and the formation mechanism of the new compounds are reviewed.It is the base of further study on theaflavins, thearubigins and theabrownines.

Qualitative analysis of catechins from green tea GMB-4 clone using HPLC and LC-MS/MS

Objective: To identify the bioactive compounds in catechins isolation and its components from green tea GMB-4 clone. Methods: Green tea GMB-4 clones were extracted with distilled water at 90 °C. Samples were eluted into the column with 10% ethanol. Subsequently, the column was eluted with 95% ethanol and evaporated separately. Green tea extract was identified by thin layer chromatography. Catechins were separated by the stationary phase in column chromatography using polyamide with 10% ethanol eluent and 95% ethanol. The results of isolations were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) and LC-MS/MS. Analysis of catechins by HPLC was done by external standard. Results: Fraction from 10% ethanol showed that four major peaks at retention time of 1.663, 2.367, 2.950 and 4.890, indicated the presence of four catechins components including catechin, epicatechins, gallocatechin and epigallocatechin. Whereas, fraction from 95% ethanol showed two main peaks at retention time of 5.167 and 9.82, which indicated the presence of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG). EGCG (m/z 459), epigallocatechin (m/z 307), ECG (m/z 443), and epicatechin (m/z 291) were isolated and separated successfully using HPLC and LC-MS/MS. Conclusions: The HPLC and LC-MS/MS methods were successfully tuned for the qualitative analysis of green tea extract with EGCG and ECG. Four major catechins were separated and identified by LC-MS/MS, such as EGCG, epigallocatechin, ECG and epicatechin. The result of HPLC analysis showed that EGCG and ECG were main components from catechins isolation of green tea GMB-4 clone.

Antioxidant and Anti-malarial Properties of Catechins.

Aims: This research was performed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti malarial activities of various catechins including catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), catechin-gallate (CG), gallocatechingallate (GCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin-gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Study Design: The antioxidant activity was measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and anti-malarial activity was determined by In vitro assay against P. falciparum culture, antioxidant activity was analyzed using linear regression analysis, and was continued by determining Inhibitory Concentration 50 (IC50). The anti-malarial activity was analyzed by probit analysis and IC50 determination. Place and Duration of Study: Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Bandung. Pharmacognicy Laboratory, Airlangga University, Surabaya. Biomolecular and Biomedical Research Center, Aretha Medika Utama, Bandung, Indonesia from March 2013 to October 2013. Results: The results showed that EC has the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 = 0.41μg/ml while ECG and GCG with IC50 = 0.52 μg/ml. For anti-malarial activity, CG has the highest anti malarial activity (IC50 = 0.37 μM). Conclusion: Catechins have high antioxidant activity and CG has highest anti-malarial activity.

Qualitative analysis of catechins from green tea GMB-4 clone using HPLC and LC-MS/MS

Objective: To identify the bioactive compounds in catechins isolation and its compo-nents from green tea GMB-4 clone. Methods: Green tea GMB-4 clones were extracted with distilled water at 90 ? C. Samples were eluted into the column with 10%ethanol. Subsequently, the column was eluted with 95% ethanol and evaporated separately. Green tea extract was identified by thin layer chromatography. Catechins were separated by the stationary phase in column chroma-tography using polyamide with 10% ethanol eluent and 95% ethanol. The results of isolations were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) and LC-MS/MS. Analysis of catechins by HPLC was done by external standard. Results: Fraction from 10% ethanol showed that four major peaks at retention time of 1.663, 2.367, 2.950 and 4.890, indicated the presence of four catechins components including catechin, epicatechins, gallocatechin and epigallocatechin. Whereas, fraction from 95% ethanol showed two main peaks at retention time of 5.167 and 9.82, which indicated the presence of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG). EGCG (m/z 459), epigallocatechin (m/z 307), ECG (m/z 443), and epicatechin (m/z 291) were isolated and separated successfully using HPLC and LC-MS/MS. Conclusions: The HPLC and LC-MS/MS methods were successfully tuned for the qualitative analysis of green tea extract with EGCG and ECG. Four major catechins were separated and identified by LC-MS/MS, such as EGCG, epigallocatechin, ECG and epicatechin. The result of HPLC analysis showed that EGCG and ECG were main components from catechins isolation of green tea GMB-4 clone.

Effi cacy of a standardized herbal preparation (Roidosanal®) in the treatment of hemorrhoids: A randomized, controlled, open-label multicentre study.

Background: Catechins and epicatechins are monomers of naturally occurring proanthocyanidins, which have been reported with free radical scavenging, antioxidant, antiinfl ammatory, antiallergic, and vasodilatory properties. Plant parts rich in proanthocyanidins have been used for years in treatment of various ano-rectal diseases. This study compares the effi cacy of two herbal preparations, Dafl on® 500 mg and Roidosanal®, in ameliorating the signs and symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. Objective: To evaluate the safety and to compare the effi cacy of a herbal preparation, Roidosanal® versus Dafl on® 500 mg, on signs and symptoms of hemorrhoidal disease. Materials and Methods: In this pilot, active controlled, open-labeled multicentre study, 73 patients with proctoscopy proven hemorrhoids (Grade I to III) were randomly assigned to receive either Roidosanal® (Gr R; n = 37) or Dafl on® 500 mg (Gr D; n = 36), for 15 days, at three centers in India. Assessment of hemorrhoidal symptoms was carried out in all patients at different time points. Intent-to-treat analysis was performed for both primary and secondary endpoints. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Both products were found to be equally effective in improving the ano-rectal conditions in Grade I and Grade II hemorrhoids; however, Roidosanal® demonstrated better effi cacy in patients with Grade III hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids associated symptoms like bleeding, pain, etc., improved in both groups, although intergroup comparisons were comparable. Conclusion: Both Roidosanal® and Dafl on® 500 mg were equally effective in resolving signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids. Roidosanal® can be tried as a safe and effective treatment option for treatment of hemorrhoids. Further randomized, double-blind and large multicentre studies are recommended.

Effect of chlorocholine chlorid on phenolic acids accumulation and polyphenols formation of buckwheat plants

BACKGROUND: Effect of chlorocholine chloride (CCC) on phenolic acids composition and polyphenols accumulation in various anatomical parts (stems, leaves and inflorescences) of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) in the early stages of vegetation period were surveyed. RESULTS: Treatment of buckwheat seeds with 2% of CCC has been increased content of total phenolics in the stems, leaves and inflorescences. On analyzing the different parts of buckwheat plants, 9 different phenolic acids - vanilic acid, ferulic acid, trans-ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, salycilic acid, cinamic acid, p-coumaric acid, p-anisic acid, methoxycinamic acid and catechins were identified. The levels of identified phenolic acids varied not only significantly among the plant organs but also between early stages of vegetation period. Same changes as in contents of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, trans-ferulic acid were found for content of salycilic acid. The content of these phenolic acids has been significant increased under effect of 2% CCC treatment at the phase I (formation of buds) in the stems and at the phase II (beginning of flowering) in the leaves and then inflorescences respectively. The content of catechins as potential buckwheat antioxidants has been increased at the early stages of vegetation period after treatment with 2% CCC. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest that influence of CCC on the phenolics composition can be a result of various mechanisms of CCC uptake, transforming and/or its translocation in the buckwheat seedlings.

Influence of phenolic compounds of Kangra tea [Camellia sinensis (L) O Kuntze] on bacterial pathogens and indigenous bacterial probiotics of Western Himalayas

Phenolic compounds of nutraceutical importance viz., catechins (C), (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) were estimated in fresh green tea shoots of Camellia sinensis (L) O Kuntze cultivar. The total polyphenols and total catechins were in the range of 219.90 to 317.81 and 140.83 to 271.39 g/kg, respectively in monthly samples of tea. The values of C, EC, EGC, EGCG and ECG in tea powders as analyzed through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were in the range of 1.560 to 3.661, 13.338 to 27.766, 26.515 to 39.597, 62.903 to 102.168 and 18.969 to 39.469 mg/g, respectively. Effect of tea extracts and standard flavanols against five pathogenic bacteria viz., Listeria monocytogenes (MTCC-839), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC-741), Bacillus cereus (MTCC-1272), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC-96) and Escherichia coli (MTCC-443), and eleven indigenous potential bacterial probiotics belonging to genera Enterococcus, Bacillus and Lactobacillus spp. obtained from fermented foods of Western Himalayas, was investigated. EGCG, ECG and EGC exhibited antibacterial activity but, C and EC did not show this activity. Tea extracts having high concentrations of EGCG and ECG were more potent in antibacterial action against bacterial pathogens. Tea extracts and standard flavan-3-ols augmented viability of potential probiotics in an order of EGCG > EGC > ECG > EC > C. Tea extracts and standard flavanols had no antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (MTCC-443) but, in combination with probiotic culture supernatants, this activity was seen. The Kangra tea thus, exerts antibacterial effect on bacterial pathogens through EGCG, ECG and EGC constituents while stimulatory effect on growth of indigenous potential probiotics.

Determinação da atividade antioxidante e do teor total de polifenol em amostras de chá de ervas comercializadas em sachets / Determination of total antioxidant activity and total content of polyphenols in samples of tea leaves marketed in bags

OBJETIVO: Os chás de ervas são tradicionalmente utilizados na medicina popular em muitas regiões do Brasil. Os chás contêm compostos antioxidantes que combatem o stress oxidativo e seu consumo tem sido associado à diminuição dos níveis de colesterol, pressão arterial e até de doenças cardiovasculares. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a capacidade antioxidante total, o teor total de polifenóis, o consumo (scavenging) de H2O2 e a presença de outros grupos de compostos antioxidantes em 43 amostras de chás em sachets. MÉTODOS: O método CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity) foi utilizado para determinar a capacidade antioxidante total. O teor total de polifenóis foi obtido com o uso do reagente de Folin-Ciocalteu; o ensaio de scavenging baseou-se no consumo de solução de H2O2 após adição do chá; e a presença de flavonóides, carotenos e catequinas foi investigada por cromatografia em papel. RESULTADOS: A capacidade antioxidante total nas amostras analisadas seguiu a ordem: camomila > hortelã > carqueja >cidreira > boldo > verde > mate > preto > branco > erva doce. O teor total de polifenóis obedeceu à sequência: branco > hortelã > preto > mate > boldo > verde > camomila > carqueja > cidreira > erva doce. As divergências encontradas entre as amostras de um mesmo grupo de chá podem ser atribuídas à época da colheita, ao tipo de solo, local de plantio, variações climáticas e partes da planta utilizadas na elaboração dos sachets. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que todas as amostras analisadas apresentaram capacidade antioxidante e consumo de H2O2. Em apenas uma delas não foi possível detectar flavonóides, carotenos ou catequinas.

OBJECTIVE: Tea leaves are traditionally used in folk medicine in many regions of Brazil. They contain antioxidant compounds that can protect against oxidative stress and their regular intake have been associated with decreased of cholesterol levels, blood pressure and, thereby, with the lowered risk of coronary heart disease. The objective of this study was to determine the total antioxidant capacity, the total polyphenols content,scavenging of H2O2 and presence of other groups of antioxidant compounds in 43 tea samples packed in bags. METHODS: The CUPRAC method (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity) was used to quantify the total antioxidant capacity. The polyphenols content was performed using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The scavenging assay was based on the consumption of H2O2 after addition of tea; the presence of flavonoids, carotenes and catechins was evaluated by paper chromatography. RESULTS:The total antioxidant capacity found in tea samples followed the order: chamomile > mint > carqueja > balm > boldo > green > mate > black > white > fennel. For total polyphenol content the order was: white > mint > black > matte > boldo > green > chamomile > carqueja > balm > fennel. The differences found in the samples from the same kind of tea can be attributed to the harvest season, soil type, planting location, climate differencesand from the parts of the vegetal material used in the preparation of the tea bags. CONCLUSION: All samples analyzed presented antioxidant activity and ability to scavenge H2O2. It was not possible to detect flavonoids, carotenes and catechins in only one sample.

Toxicidad hepática por té verde (Camellia sinensis): Revisión de tema / Hepatotoxicity due to green tea consumption (Camellia Sinensis): A review

El consumo de té verde se ha visto aumentado en los últimos años y así mismo un incremento en el reportede sus efectos adversos y toxicidad hepática, que aparentemente se dan por procesos de interacción enzimáticay daño celular, interferencia con sistemas de respuesta biológica y reacciones metabólicas. Esta revisiónse introduce con las características morfológicas y componentes bioquímicos de la planta Camellia sinensis.Posteriormente, por medio del análisis de ensayos clínicos, ensayos in vitro, estudios farmacodinámicos yfarmacocinéticos, se comprenden algunos de los mecanismos mediante los cuales los componentes del téverde causan daño hepático; por ejemplo, las interacciones con enzimas como la UDPGT, alcohol deshidrogenasa,citocromo P450 y otras como la del sistema enzimático mitocondrial e inmune. Estas formas delesión celular se correlacionaron con reportes de caso en la literatura científica, permitiendo ver los espectrosde daño hepático asociados a su consumo. A partir de este análisis se encuentra que aún los mecanismosde toxicidad hepática por el té verde son inciertos; sin embargo, se han involucrado ciertas catequinas de laplanta Camellia sinensis y ciertas interacciones a nivel celular y mitocondrial que pueden ser las responsablesde su toxicidad. Por esto se pueden justificar medidas preventivas a nivel social y político sobre la ingesta de este producto naturista

As consumption of green tea has increased in recent years, so too have reports of its adverse effects. Hepatotoxicity is apparently caused by enzymatic interaction that leads to cellular damage and interference with biological response systems and metabolic reactions. This review article introduces the morphological characteristics and biochemical components of the green tea plant, camellia sinensis. Analysis of clinical trials, in-vitro trials and pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies then shed light on some of the mechanisms by which green tea causes hepatic damage. Examples are the chemical interactions with enzymes such as UDPGT, alcohol dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 and interactions with the mitochondrial enzyme and immune systems. These forms of cellular lesions are correlated with case reports in the scientific literatura which clarify the spectrum of hepatic damage associated with the consumption of green tea. This analysis finds that even though the mechanisms by which green tea causes hepatic toxicity are still a mystery, certain catechins of camellia sinensis and interactions at the cellular and mitochondrial levels may be responsible for this toxicity. On this basis, social and political preventive measures regarding intake of this natural product at levels can be justified

Green tea catechins: defensive role in cardiovascular disorders / 中国天然药物

Green tea, Camellia sinensis (Theaceae), a major source of flavonoids such as catechins, has recently shown multiple cardiovascular health benefits through various experimental and clinical studies. These studies suggest that green tea catechins prevent the incidence of detrimental cardiovascular events, and also lower the cardiovascular mortality rate. Catechins present in green tea have the ability to prevent atherosclerosis, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, ischemic heart diseases, cardiomyopathy, cardiac hypertrophy and congestive heart failure by decreasing oxidative stress, preventing inflammatory events, reducing platelet aggregation and halting the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Catechins afford an anti-oxidant effect by inducing anti-oxidant enzymes, inhibiting pro-oxidant enzymes and scavenging free radicals. Catechins present anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibition of transcriptional factor NF-κB-mediated production of cytokines and adhesion molecules. Green tea catechins interfere with vascular growth factors and thus inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and also inhibit thrombogenesis by suppressing platelet adhesion. Additionally, catechins could protect vascular endothelial cells and enhance vascular integrity and regulate blood pressure. In this review various experimental and clinical studies suggesting the role of green tea catechins against the markers of cardiovascular disorders and the underlying mechanisms for these actions are discussed.