RESUMO
The present study aimed at elucidating the hypochesterolemic effect of catechins [major constituents of green tea] and their possible mechanism of action. Cholestyramine, [quaternary resin] which has approved hypochesterolemic action was selected as comparative drug. In vivo and in vitro studies [mass spectrometry] were carried out. Experimental hyperchesterolemia was induced experimentally in rats which were classified into three groups. First one received catechins orally in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight daily, the second one received cholestyramine orally in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight daily, while the third one received no drugs and served as control. The experiment was lasted for 10 weeks. Twenty four hours prior to the end of the experiment, fecal residues were collected properly, and the cholesterol content was determined in these residues. Blood samples were taken and used for biochemical determination of total cholesterol [TC], triaceyglycerol [TAG] and amino transferase enzymes [ALT and AST]. Liver samples were also isolated and processed for determination of cholesterol content and histopathological examination. Fecal cholesterol level revealed significant increase while other serum parameters [TC, TAG, AST and ALT] showed significant decrease in the treated rats when compared to untreated control. From our in vitro and in vivo studies we conclude that the hypochesterolemic effect of catechins is predominatly attributed to the formation of an insoluble complex between catechins and cholesterol, thereby decreasing intestinal absorption and increasing fecal cholesterol excretion