Can green tea extract cause specific liver injury?——Discussion of the latest US guidelines on drug-induced liver injury / 临床肝胆病杂志

In recent years, the potential hepatotoxicity of green tea extract (GTE) has attracted more and more attention. With reference to the current studies on liver injury caused by GTE and the latest drug hepatotoxicity classification, this article systematically elaborates on the objectivity and causal mechanisms of liver injury caused by GTE. Based on the main risk factors for liver injury caused by GTE, this article also proposes recommendations for safe and rational use of such products, so as to provide valuable insights for in-depth research on the mechanism of liver injury caused by GTE and risk prevention and control, and meanwhile, it also provides an important reference for the therapeutic use of GTE to improve health conditions.

Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Two Different Local Drug Delivery Systems Incorporating Green Tea and Turmeric Extracts in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: A 2-month Clinical Trial

Aim: This randomized, triple-blinded parallel study was aimed to evaluate the effects of two different local drug delivery (LDD)systems incorporating green tea and turmeric extracts as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment ofchronic periodontitis (CP).Materials and Methods: Thirty-four subjects randomized to receive either Gel A or Gel B containing green tea or turmericextract were included in the study. Following SRP, probing pocket depth (PPD), relative attachment level, gingival marginposition (GMP), bleeding on probing, gingival index, and periodontal inflammatory surface area were recorded at baseline and8 weeks after treatment with Gel A or Gel B.Results: Mean PPD reduction from baseline to 8 weeks was −24.57% for Gel A while for Gel B, it was −22.99%. On comparisonof GMP values for Gel A and Gel B at baseline (3.03±1.10 and 2.80±1.06) and at the end of 8 weeks (3.27±1.41 and 3.27±1.14),a statistically significant difference was noted. However, the percentage change was positive (7.69% and 16.67%) in both groups.Conclusion: Both LDD gel systems were equally beneficial and showed a noteworthy reduction in the clinical parametersrecorded when used as an adjunct to SRP in the treatment of CP.

Clinical Information on Green Tea Extract Used for Weight Loss

BACKGROUND: Green tea extracts are approved as nonprescription drug and available as health functional foods, health foods, and beverages. Clinical information on the products is lacking. METHODS: Information about the products on green tea nonprescription drugs was obtained from the website of the Korea Pharmaceutical Information Center. The Naver, i.e., a top ranking online search portal, was used for compiling the list of the health functional food products using key words of ‘green tea catechin’ on August 23, 2018. The recommended daily dosages of catechins were calculated as 30% of the total dried mass of green tea and about 50% of the catechins were considered as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). RESULTS: A total of two types of nonprescription drugs containing green tea powder or extracts, nine health functional food products, and three types of health foods were found. The regulatory requirements of the EGCG exceeding 800 mg were reported to be associated with adverse effects of elevated liver enzyme. If consumers take several green tea products concurrently, such as nonprescription drugs with health functional foods or health foods, it could exceed the recommended amount of EGCG. CONCLUSION: The concurrent use of green tea products as nonprescription drugs, health functional foods, and healthy foods may lead to an increased exposure to EGCG. Pharmacists should be aware the availability of various types of green tea products and the potential risk of liver toxicity due to excessive consumption of EGCG.

Dietary effect of green tea extract on hydration improvement and metabolism of free amino acid generation in epidermis of UV-irradiated hairless mice / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation decreases epidermal hydration, which is maintained by reduction of natural moisturizing factors (NMFs). Among various NMFs, free amino acids (AA) are major constituents generated by filaggrin degradation. This experiment was conducted to determine whether or not dietary supplementation of green tea extract (GTE) in UV-irradiated mice can improve epidermal levels of hydration, filaggrin, free AAs, and peptidylarginine deiminase-3 (PAD3) expression (an enzyme involved in filaggrin degradation). METHODS: Hairless mice were fed a diet of 1% GTE for 10 weeks in parallel with UV irradiation (group UV+1%GTE). As controls, hairless mice were fed a control diet in parallel with (group UV+) or without (group UV-) UV irradiation. RESULTS: In group UV+, epidermal levels of hydration and filaggrin were lower than those in group UV-; these levels increased in group UV+1% GTE to levels similar to group UV-. Epidermal levels of PAD3 and major AAs of NMF, alanine, glycine and serine were similar in groups UV- and UV+, whereas these levels highly increased in group UV+1% GTE. CONCLUSION: Dietary GTE improves epidermal hydration by filaggrin generation and degradation into AAs.

Dietary effect of green tea extract on epidermal levels of skin pH related factors, lactate dehydrogenase protein expression and activity in UV-irradiated hairless mice / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: Skin pH, an indicator of skin health, is maintained by various organic factors, which include lactate, free amino acid (FAA), and free fatty acid (FFA). As skin ages or with illness, skin pH becomes less acidic, and functional food has been developed to maintain the acidic pH of skin. In this study, we determined the dietary effect of green tea extract (GTE) on skin pH of photo-aged mice, as measured by epidermal levels of lactate, FAA, and FFA. The protein expression and activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an enzyme of pyruvate reduction for lactate generation, was further determined. METHODS: Albino hairless mice were fed a control diet (group UV+) or a diet with 1% GTE (group GTE) in parallel with UV irradiation for 10 weeks. A normal control group was fed a control diet without UV irradiation for 10 weeks (group UV-). RESULTS: Skin pH was higher (less acidic) in group UV+ than in group UV-. In parallel, epidermal levels of lactate and FFA, as well as of LDH protein expression and activity, were reduced in group UV+. Dietary supplementation of GTE (group GTE) reduced skin pH to similar to the level of group UV-, and inversely increased epidermal levels of lactate, LDH protein expression and activity, but not of FFA. Although epidermal levels of FAA were similar in groups UV- and UV+, it was increased in group GTE to a level higher than in group UV-. In further analysis of major FFA, epidermal levels of palmitic acid [16:0], oleic acid [18:1(n-9)], and linoleic acid [18:2(n-6), but not of stearic acid [18:0] in group GTE were similar to or lower than those in group UV+. CONCLUSION: Dietary GTE normalized skin pH with increased levels of lactate and FAA, as well as with increased protein expression and activity of LDH in the epidermis of UVB irradiated hairless mice.

Review and Perspective on the Composition and Safety of Green Tea Extracts.

The growing body of evidence regarding the putative health benefits of green tea (Camellia sinensis), including reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, has led to an increase in the consumption of brewed green tea and the formulation of green tea extracts (GTE) into a variety of food and beverage products and food supplements. The principal bioactive ingredients in green tea beverages and GTE are polyphenols, particularly the flavan-3-ols, which have been shown to act on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, glucoregulatory, and cell signaling pathways. Some experimental evidence and case reports suggest the use of green tea and GTE is associated with the potential for inducing liver injury. The ability to extrapolate findings from in vitro and animal model studies is always limited and the available results on green tea- and GTE-induced liver injury in humans have presented clinical and regulatory challenges due to the difficulty of demonstrating a causal relationship between intake and harm. Attention to the risk for hepatotoxicity has largely been focused on GTE. Existing data are insufficient to identify the causative agent in the preparation or composition of GTE or its dose or duration of use as well as nutrigenetic, medical, and other factors that may contribute to the risk of hepatotoxicity. Responses by different government regulatory agencies regarding the safety of GTE are inconsistent with one another, including the dosage and derivation of its bioactives from aqueous versus hydro-alcoholic extracts. Restrictions on the production of GTE limit the application of innovative extraction technologies that may improve the efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness of production and minimize the presence of endogenous or contaminant heavy metals as well as mycotoxins, pesticides, and other unwanted constituents. The objective of this review is to characterize the phytochemical profile of green tea and GTE, provide an updated description of the methods that could be used to extract green tea constituents, and discuss recent considerations on the potential for harm from consumption of GTE and products containing GTE.

Comparative Histological Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Green Tea and Stem Cells in Alzheimer's Disease Complicating Experimentally Induced Diabetes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. Increasing evidence implicates diabetes mellitus (DM) as a risk factor for AD. Green tea (GT) has several beneficial effects attributed to its anti-oxidant phenolic compounds. Adipose tissue is a rich source of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). This study was designed to evaluate and compare the possible therapeutic effect of green tea extract (GTE) and ADSCs on AD complicating induced DM in male rat. METHODS: 31 adult male albino rats were divided into 5 groups. Group I (Control), Group II received GTE, 50 mg/kg daily orally for 4 weeks, Group III received a single intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin (STZ), 50 mg/kg, Group IV: received STZ followed by GTE and Group V: received STZ followed by human ADSCs (hADSCs) intravenously. RESULTS: Multiple acidophilic masses, deformed neurons, Congo red +ve masses and Caspase 3 +ve neurons were seen in group III, became few in group IV and occasional in group V. Multiple Prussian blue +ve cells were detected in group V. Some CD44 +ve cells were noticed in group III, became multiple in groups IV and V. The mean area of neurons exhibiting acidophilic cytoplasm, mean area of amyloid plaques and mean area % of Caspase 3 +ve cells indicated a significant increase in group III. The mean area % of CD44 +ve cells recorded a significant increase in group IV. CONCLUSIONS: hADSCs exerted a more marked therapeutic effect on the neurodegenerative changes complicating DM and corresponding to AD.

Green tea extract improves the lipid metabolism in patients with metabolic syndrome: a meta-analysis / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of green tea extract (GTE) in improving lipid metabolism in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS).Methods All relevant published articles in Chinese and English literature database were searched to collect the randomized controlled trials comparing the efficiency and safety of GTE in patients with MS.The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software.Results Nine studies involving 566 patients were included.The results of recta-analysis showed that:GTE significantly reduced the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD =-0.33,95％ CI-0.56 ～ -0.09,P=0.007)compared with placebo at the treatment endpoint.There were no statistical significance in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD =0.19,95 ％ CI-0.04 ～ 0.43,P =0.10),total cholesterol (SMD =-0.13,95％ CI-0.39 ～ 0.13,P =0.33),and triglyceride (SMD =-0.07,95％ CI-0.46 ～ 0.33,P =0.74) levels between two groups.There was no significant difference in the overall rate of adverse events between two groups (OR =0.97,95 ％ CI 0.54 ～ 1.76,P =0.93).Conclusion GTE significantly reduces the level of LDL-C in patients with MS,and the adverse events were rare and mild.

Effects of Adjuvant Hydrotherapy on Functional Status and Mental Relaxation in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Preliminary Study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to test if adjuvant hydrotherapy with viscosupplement is beneficial on management of pain, stiffness, function, and mental relaxation in knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Nineteen patients with OA were randomly assigned to hydrotherapy or control groups. All patients received viscosupplement injections once a week for 3 weeks. Hydrotherapy group (n=9) had a spa containing green tea, 3 days a week for 2 weeks. The control group (n=10) received only injections. All patients were assessed at baseline and after the third injection. All were assessed for pain (visual analog scale, VAS), pain severity, and functional status (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index, WOMAC), emotional status, quality of life (Euro quality of life health-related quality of life inventory five dimension, EQ-5D), and relative spectral power of alpha waves in electroencephalography (EEG). RESULTS: Both groups reported a statistically significant reduction of pain at the end of treatment and detailed assessment of pain, and function in WOMAC and the relative power of alpha in electroencephalogram showed statistical significant difference only in the hydrotherapy group. However, there were no significant intergroup differences, except for VAS score. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant 2-week hydrotherapy to viscosupplement might have a modest role in the management of pain and functional disability and the mental relaxation in patients with knee OA. Larger, randomized controlled trials with intervention of long term period to determine efficacy in treating knee OA are warranted.

Effects of green tea extract on metabolic syndrome / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Metabolic syndrome is a complex set of metabolic abnormalities,including central obesity,impaired glucose regulation or diabetes,hypertension,and dyslipidemia,etc.As a healthy beverage,tea has been consumed for thousands of years,its function in metabolic regulation has brought more and more attention all over the world.In this paper,researches into the effects of green tea extract on metabolic syndrome and its probable mechanism have been notified.

Influência da adição de extrato de chá-verde sobre a estabilidade e efeito fotoprotetor de emulsões fps 15 / Influence of green tea extract on the stability and photoprotective effect of spf 15 emulsions

A inserção de produtos de origem vegetal em cosméticos podem melhorar as suas características. Nesse estudo, objetivou-se o desenvolvimento de formulações fotoprotetoras contendo extrato glicólico de Camelia sinensis, a avaliação da atividade fotoprotetora in vitro após a adição do extrato vegetal, bem como a avaliação das características organolépticas, a determinação do valor de pH e comportamento reológico durante 30 dias de avaliação, quando as formulações foram armazenadas nas temperaturas de 25±2°C; 5±2 °C e 40±2 °C. Após 15 dias, alterações nas características organolépticas e reológicas foram observadas nas formulações armazenadas em altas temperaturas. Em 30 dias, as formulações mantidas a temperatura ambiente e em geladeira mantiveram as características organolépticas, apesar das alterações reológicas. Observou-se uma tendência a aumento do efeito fotoprotetor com a formulação contendo FPS15 e extrato glicólico de chá verde, entretanto, não se pode atribuir melhora na estabilidade física da emulsão pela adição do extrato.

The addition of plant material to a cosmetic may improve its characteristics. The stability profile allows the performance, safety, efficacy and consumer acceptance of an emulsion to be assessed. A stability study provides information about the behavior of the product over a given time interval, under various environmental conditions. The aims of this study were to prepare sunscreen formulations containing a glycolic extract of green tea (Camellia sinensis) and to assess the photoprotective activity in vitro, the organoleptic characteristics, pH and rheological behavior over a period of 30 days, during which the formulations were stored at temperatures of 25±2°C, 5±2°C and 40±2°C. After 15 days, changes in rheological characteristics were observed in the formulation stored at the higher temperatures. After 30 days, changes were observed at other temperatures. The addition of the extract significantly changed the rheological profile of the sunscreen formulations tested. An increase in the photoprotective effect was observed when the emulsion base was compared with the emulsion containing green tea extract. However, there was no evidence of an improvement of stability when the plant extract was added to the emulsions.

Effect of green tea extract microencapsulation on hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular tissues in high fructose-fed rats

The application of polyphenols has attracted great interest in the field of functional foods and nutraceuticals due to their potential health benefits in humans. However, the effectiveness of polyphenols depends on their bioactivity and bioavailability. In the present study, the bioactive component from green tea extract (GTE) was administrated orally (50 mg/kg body weight/day) as free or in a microencapsulated form with maltodextrin in rats fed a high fructose diet. High fructose diet induced features of metabolic syndrome including hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, increased serum total cholesterol, and retroperitoneal obesity. In addition, myocardial fibrosis was increased. In rats receiving high fructose diet, the lowering of blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, non esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and uric acid, as well as the reduction in final body weight and retroperitoneal fat weight associated with the administration of GTE, led to a reversal of the features of metabolic syndrome (P < 0.05). In particular, the administration of microencapsulated GTE decreased myocardial fibrosis and increased liver catalase activity consistent with a further alleviation of serum NEFA, and hyperuricemia compared to administration of GTE. Taken together, our results suggest that microencapsulation of the bioactive components of GTE might have a protective effect on cardiovasucular system by attenuating the adverse features of myocardial fibrosis, decreasing uric acid levels and increasing hepatic catalase activity effectively by protecting their bioactivities.

Relation between Endogenous Stem Cells and Green Tea Extract in Overconsumption and Amiodarone Induced Thyroid Damage in Rat

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Amiodarone (AM), one of the most commonly prescribed antiarrhythmics, is frequently associated with thyroid dysfunction. Green tea extract (GTE) supplementation would attenuate oxidative stress and activate progenitor cells. However, the potential toxicity of GTE on various organs when administered at high doses has not been completely investigated. The present study aimed at investigating the possible relation between endogenous stem cells and GTE in overconsumption and AM induced thyroid damage in albino rat. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty four male albino rats were divided into control group, GTE group (rats given 50 mg/kg), Overconsumption group (rats given 1,000 mg/kg GTE), AM group (rats given 30 mg/kg) and combined AM, GTE therapy group. AM and GTE were administered orally 5 days/week for 8 weeks. Serological tests were performed. Thyroid sections were exposed to histological, immunohistochemical and morphometric studies. In overconsumption group, multiple distorted follicles with cellular debris in the lumen and multiple follicles devoid of colloid were found. In AM group, multiple follicles exhibiting crescent of colloid and few follicles devoid of colloid were detected. In combined therapy group, multiple follicles were filled with colloid. Significant decrease in area of colloid and significant increase in the area% of collagen were recorded in overconsumption and AM groups. Area% of CD 105 +ve cells denoted significant increase in combined therapy group. Serological tests were confirmative. CONCLUSIONS: Endogenous SCs activation was proved in AM and GTE combined therapy group with regression of AM induced morphological, morphometric and serological changes. However, overconsumption of GTE recruited endogenous SCs suppression.

Influência do processamento, de antioxidantes e da estocagem sobre a estabilidade oxidativa lipídica do ovo / Influence of processing, antioxidants and storage on oxidative stability of egg lipids

O ovo é consumido in natura ou processado, e usado como matéria-prima em diversos produtos. A pasteurização e a atomização são os principais processamentos aplicados ao ovo. Diferentes condições de processamento, embalagem e estocagem podem afetar a estabilidade oxidativa lipídica e reduzir a proteção antioxidante natural do ovo. O uso de embalagens onde não haja contato do ovo com a luz e oxigênio, estocagem em temperaturas baixas e uso de antioxidantes podem prevenir a oxidação lipídica. Atualmente, os antioxidantes sintéticos são cada vez mais substituídos por antioxidantes naturais ou feita uma associação entre eles. O alecrim (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) e o chá verde (Camelia sinensis L) constam entre os vegetais com grande potencial antioxidante. Com base no exposto, os objetivos do trabalho foram: a) Padronizar o método do fosfomolibdênio para avaliação da capacidade antioxidante total da fração lipídica (CATL) do ovo; b) Investigar o efeito da pasteurização e da atomização do ovo no que se refere à capacidade antioxidante e à estabilidade oxidativa da fração lipídica do ovo; c) Avaliar a estabilidade oxidativa de ácidos graxos e a capacidade antioxidante do ovo integral pasteurizado atomizado, estocado a 5ºC, por 90 dias; d) Verificar por meio de teste de concentração de antioxidantes, a estabilidade oxidativa lipídica do ovo integral pasteurizado atomizado adicionado da mistura de extrato de alecrim, extrato de chá verde e BHA (butilato de hidroxianisol); e) Otimizar a concentração da mistura de extrato de alecrim, extrato de chá verde e BHA a ser adicionada ao ovo líquido integral pasteurizado, posteriormente atomizado, pelo modelo matemático proposto pela metodologia de superfície de resposta; f) Investigar o efeito da mistura otimizada de extrato de alecrim, extrato de chá verde e BHA na estabilidade oxidativa lipídica do ovo integral pasteurizado atomizado, estocado sob as temperaturas de 5°C e 25ºC, por 90 dias. O método do fosfomolidênio para medir a CATL do ovo apresentou adequação analítica, indicada pela equação de regressão (y = 13,705x + 0,0808), coeficiente de determinação (R2 = 0,9931), limite de detecção (0,005mg α-tocoferol/ mL), limite de quantificação (0,017mg α-tocoferol/ mL), coeficiente de correlação (r = 0,9965), sendo que a precisão não indicou dispersão ao redor da média. A CATL diminuiu com o progresso do processamento e o inverso foi observado quanto aos lipídios, 7-CETO (7-cetocolesterol) e TBARS (substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico). O ovo integral pasteurizado atomizado (OIPA) mantido sob condições de estocagem consideradas ideais permaneceu estável em relação à hidratação, a CATL e as TBARS. Pelo teste de concentração de antioxidantes, foram ensaiadas dez misturas (alecrim, chá verde e BHA) no OIPA e refletiu na sua estabilidade oxidativa lipídica, verificada pelas TBARS, CATL, CT-F (capacidade redutora pelo reativo de Folin - Ciocalteau), AGL (ácidos graxos livres) e AS-233 (substâncias absorvidas a 233 nm). Os resultados mostraram que a metodologia de superfície de resposta (RSM) foi adequada para descrever a formação dos AGL e AS-233 no OIPA, podendo serem usadas para fins preditivos. A otimização da mistura de antioxidantes baseou-se no modelo matemático obtido com as AS-233, onde foi proposto como sistema antioxidante 150ppm de BHA, 600ppm de alecrim e 300ppm de chá verde. As condições de estocagem adotadas e a adição dos antioxidantes foram efetivas para manter estável o OIPA, sendo mais efetivo quando estocado a 5°C. Concluíu-se que o método do fosfomolibdênio apresentou adequação analítica. A pasteurização não afetou os parâmetros analisados (lipídios, TBARS, CATL e 7-CETO), mas a atomização provocou diminuição significativa da CATL, e elevação dos lipídios, TBARS e 7-CETO. Foi mantida a hidratação e a estabilidade oxidativa do OIPA estocado por 90 dias a 5°C, indicando que as condições de embalagem e estocagem foram efetivas. Pelo modelo matemático proposto pela RSM foi constatado que apenas os AGL e AS-233 podem ser usados para fins preditivos, optando-se pela otimização da concentração da mistura de antioxidantes, usando apenas o modelo matemático obtido nas AS-233. Com a presença ou não de antioxidantes, o OIPA estocado a 5°C, ao longo dos 90 dias, apresentou-se mais estável quanto à hidratação e à oxidação lipídica

Egg is consumed in natura or processed and is used as raw material in various food products. The pasteurization and spray-drying processes are the main processing applied to the egg. Different processing conditions, packaging and storage can affect the lipid oxidative stability and may reduce the natural antioxidant protection of this product. The use of packages in which the egg has no contact with light and oxygen, storage at low temperatures, and the use of antioxidants can prevent lipid oxidation. Currently, synthetic antioxidants have been increasingly replaced by natural antioxidants or an association between synthetic and natural antioxidants is adopted by food companies. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and green tea (Camellia sinensis L) are among the vegetables that present the highest antioxidant potential. Based on the above-mentioned considerations, the objectives of this research were: a) To standardize the method of phosphomolybdenum to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of lipid fraction (CATL) egg; b)To investigate the effect of pasteurization and spray-drying on the antioxidant capacity and oxidative stability of the lipid fraction of egg; c) To assess the oxidative stability of fatty acids and the antioxidant capacity of whole egg subjected to pasteurization followed by spray-drying, stored at 5ºC for 90 days, d) To evaluate the by testing the concentration of antioxidants, oxidative stability of the lipid fraction of egg subjected to pasteurization and spray drying, added with a mixture of rosemary and green tea extracts and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole); e) To optimize the concentration of the mixture composed of rosemary and green tea extracts and BHA to be added to pasteurized liquid egg (and further subjected to spray-drying) by using Response Surface Methodology; f) To investigate the effect of the addition of this optimized mixture of antioxidants on of the lipid fraction of spray-dried egg, stored at temperatures of 5 and 25°C for 90 days. The phosphomolybdenum method CATL of egg presented analytical suitability once it presented a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0,9931), a regression equation expressed as y = 13.705 + 0.0808 x, a limit of detection of 0.005 mg α- tocopherol/mL, a limit of quantitation of 0.017 mg α-tocopherol/mL, a significant and high correlation coefficient (r = 0.9965), and the accuracy did not indicate dispersion around the mean. The CATL decreased with the progress of processing and the reverse was observed for the lipids, 7-CETO (7-ketocholesterol) and TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). The pasteurized spray-dried egg (OIPA), which was kept under ideal storage conditions, remained stable in relation to moisture content, CATL and TBARS. In order to test the concentration of antioxidants to be added to OIPA, a total of 10 mixtures (rosemary, green tea and BHA) were assayed. The addition of antioxidants resulted in a higher oxidative stability of the lipid fraction as measured by TBARS, CATL, CT-F (reduction capacity by using the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent), AGL (free fat acids) and AS-233 (substances that absorb at 233 nm). The results showed that the response surface methodology (RSM) was adequate to describe the development of free fat acids and AS-233 in OIPA, and the RSM model proposed for AS-233 can be used for prediction purposes. The optimization of the antioxidant mixture based on the mathematical model proposed for AS-233 indicated that the mixture of 150ppm of BHA, 600ppm of rosemary extract and 300ppm of green tea extract was the best combination of antioxidants. The adopted storage conditions and the addition of antioxidants to OIPA were effective to maintain the response variables stable, and the stability was higher when OIPA was stored at 5°C. It was concluded that the method of phosphomolybdenum suitability presented analytically. The pasteurization did not affect the analyzed parameters (lipids, TBARS, CATL and 7-CETO), but the spray-drying caused a significant decrease CATL, and an increase in lipids, TBARS and 7-CETO. The hydration and the oxidative stability of OIPA remained stable for 90 days at 5°C, indicating that the packaging and storage conditions were effective. The RSM models proposed for free fat acids and AS-233 could be used for predictive purposes; however, the optimization procedure was performed taken into account only the AS-233 model. The OIPA stored at 5°C for 90 days, with or without the addition of the antioxidant mixture, was more stable in relation to hydration and lipid oxidation

Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis Associated with Malassezia sympodialis by Green Tea Extracts Bath Therapy: A Pilot Study

Multiple treatment modalities, including topical and systemic corticosteroid and phototherapy, have been used in treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis. However, long-term corticosteroid therapy may have various adverse effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of bath therapy using green tea extracts for treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis. A total of four patients with atopic dermatitis were enrolled in this study. A Malassezia multiplex detection kit was used in performance of multiplex PCR on clinical isolates, which confirmed Malassezia sympodialis. Subjects underwent treatment with bath therapy using green tea extracts three times per wk for a period of 4 wk. Assessment using the scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index, the visual analogue scale for pruritus, and transepidermal water loss was performed weekly. Laboratory tests were performed before and after treatment. All patients showed marked improvement on the mean SCORAD and visual analogue scale, and a significant decrease in the mean values of serum eosinophil counts was observed after treatment. Bath therapy with green tea extract is an effective, safe, and nonsteroidal therapy for treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis associated with Malassezia sympodialis.

A comparison of anti-inflammatory activities of green tea and grapefruit seed extract with those of microencapsulated extracts

We compared the effects of grapefruit seed extract (GFSE), green tea extract (GT) and their microencapsulated extract on anti-inflammatory activities in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages cell line. In order to protect the bioactive compounds in the extracts, they were microencapsulated with maltodextrin and H2O. Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression and thiobarbiturate reactive substances (TBARS) were analyzed in LPS activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The green tea extract at the range of 100-600 microg/mL inhibited NO, PGE2 production and iNOS protein expression without cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Grapefruit seed extract had strong inhibitory effects on NO and PGE production and iNOS protein expression at the range of 5-20 microg/mL without cytotoxicity. Microencapsulation of green tea extract had further inhibitory effects on NO and PGE2 production and on iNOS protein expression, whereas microencapsulated GFSE did not show any further inhibitory effects on these parameters. Taken together, our results suggest that GSFE might be a promising candidate for preventing inflammation related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer or diabetes, and the microencapsulation of green tea extract could improve its bioactivity.

Anxiolytic Effect of a Combination of Green Tea Extract and L-theanine / 한국실험동물학회지

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the combination of green tea extract (GTE) and L-theanine has an anxiolytic effect by oral administration through behavioral tests and neurtransmitters (or hormone) anaylses. Four week oral administration of GTE (24 mg/kg), L-theanine (4 mg/kg) or their combination showed anxiety-reducing effects determined by increasing numbers of head-dips in a hole board test and reducing retention time in a rota-rod test without changing spontaneous locomotor activity. Biochemical analyses indicated that the test materials decreased dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA), corticosterone (CS) and increased serotonin (5-HT) levels in brain cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, which suggests a possible mechanism of previous behavioral tests. Although the synergistic effects of GTE and L-theanine combination were not observed on the behavioral test, its effects on neurotransmitters (NA, CS) were synergistic and comparable to diazepam (2 mg/kg i.p.) with much less muscle relaxation side effect. Therefore, a combination of GTE and L-theanine may be useful as a functional food ingredient having an anxiolytic effect.

Altered testicular morphology and oxidative stress induced by cadmium in experimental rats and protective effect of simultaneous green tea extract / Morfología testicular alterada y stress oxidativo inducido por cadmio en ratas de experimentación y el efecto protector del extracto simultáneo del té verde

Cadmium (Cd), is an environmental and industrial pollutant that affects the male reproductive system. Cd induces its effect by affecting tissue antioxidant enzyme systems. Green tea extract (GTE) is an antioxidant and free radicals scavenger and has a chelating property. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of GTE against testes damage induced by Cd. Four groups of male rats, were utilized as following: Controls, GTE treated, Cd treated and Cd + GTE, treated rats at the same doses. The rats received GTE and or Cd orally in drinking water. After 5 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and testes were removed for microscopic and Biochemical evaluation. The levels of lipid peroxides (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) were detected in the tissue homogenates of rat testes. The current study showed marked morphological changes in the form of swelling, congestion, hemorrhage and necrosis in testes of rats treated with Cd alone. However, the rats treated with Cd+GTE showed milder edema, congestion and minute foci of necrosis in the testes. The LPO levels were significantly higher as compared to control and of GSH were significantly lower in Cd-treated rats but when GTE was co-administrated with Cd, there was an effective reduction in oxidative stress as shown by a significant rise of GSH level. In conclusion, the rats received GTE + Cd could enhance antioxidant/ detoxification system which consequently reduced the oxidative stress in rat testes. The beneficial effect of GTE is thus potentially reducing Cd toxicity and tissue damage.

El cadmio (Cd), es un contaminante del medio ambiente e industrial que afecta al sistema reproductivo masculino. Cd induce su efecto por afección de los sistemas enzimáticos antioxidantes de los tejidos. El extracto de té verde (ETV) es un antioxidante y buscador de radicales libres y tiene una propiedad quelante. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto protector de ETV contra daños provocado por Cd a los testículos. Cuatro grupos de ratas macho, se utilizaron: Controles, tratados con ETV, tratados con Cd y tratados con Cd + ETV, todas las ratas tratadas con las mismas dosis. Las ratas recibieron ETV o Cd por vía oral en el agua potable. Después de 5 semanas, los animales fueron sacrificados y los testículos fueron retirados para la evaluación microscópica y bioquímica. Los niveles de peróxidos lípidos (LPO) y de glutation (GSH) fueron detectados en el tejido homogenizado de rata testículos. El estudio demostró marcados cambios morfológicos como inflamación, congestión, hemorragia y necrosis en los testículos de las ratas tratadas solamente con Cd. Sin embargo, las ratas tratadas con Cd + ETV mostraron leves signos de edema, congestión y focos de necrosis en los testículos. Los niveles de LPO fueron significativamente mayores en comparación con el control y la de GSH fue significativamente menor en las ratas tratadas con Cd, pero cuando ETV fue co-administrado con Cd, hubo una reducción efectiva en el estrés oxidativo, como lo demuestra el aumento significativo del nivel de GSH. En conclusión, las ratas recibieron GTE + Cd que podría aumentar el sistema antioxidante / desintoxicación, por tanto, reducir el estrés oxidativo en los testículos de ratas. El efecto beneficioso de GTE es reducir la toxicidad y el daño tisular causado Cd.

The Protective Effects of Green Tea Extract against L-arginine Toxicity to Cultured Human Mesangial Cells

The aim of this study was to investigate whether green tea extract (GTE) has the protective effects on excess L-arginine induced toxicity in human mesangial cell. Human mesangial cells treated with L-arginine were cultured on Dulbecco's modified eagle medium in the presence and absence of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor and GTE. The cell proliferation was determined by 3 (4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2, 5-diphengltetrqzolium bromide, a tetrazole assay. The iNOS mRNA and its protein expression were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The concentration of nitric oxide (NO) was measured by NO enzyme-linced immuno sorbent assay kit. L-arginine significantly inhibited the proliferation of human mesangial cells, and induced the secretion of NO to the media. NO production by L-arginine was significantly suppressed by GTE and iNOS inhibitor (p<0.01). The expression level of iNOS mRNA and its protein that was significantly increased by L-arginine was decreased by iNOS inhibitor but not by GTE. GTE protected the mesangial cells from the NO-mediated cytotoxicity by scavenging the NO rather than by iNOS gene expression. Therefore, we conclude that GTE has some protective effect for renal cells against oxidative injury possibly by polyphenols contained in GTE.

Effects of Vietnamese green tea extract on lipid metabolism in rabit drinked cholesterol

Green tea extract decreased lipid metabolism disorders on rabbit consuming cholesterol in experiment through the improvement of plasma TG, TC, LDL-C level. This effect depends on the doses of cholesterol and the drinking periods. The dose of 150mg/kg/day gave best effect.