In vitro antiglycation and cross-link breaking activities of Sri Lankan low-grown orthodox orange pekoe grade black tea (Camellia sinensis L)

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the antiglycation and cross-link breaking activities of Sri Lankan low-grown orthodox Orange Pekoe grade black tea (Camellia sinensis L) Methods: Five concentrations (6.25, 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 or 100.0 μg/ml) of Black tea brew (BTB) were made using Sri Lankan low-grown Orange Pekoe (O.P.) grade tea. Antiglycation and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) cross-link breaking activities of BTB as well as the antiglycation activity of rutin were determined in vitro on bovine serum albumin/glucose system using fluorescence spectroscopy. Results: BTB induced significant (p<0.05) antiglycation activity (IC50, 19.04 ± 5.18 μg/ml) and AGEs cross-link breaking activities (IC50, 82.89 ± 3.44 μg/ml). These effects were dose-dependent. Further, the antiglycation activity of BTB was comparable to rutin, a well-known antiglycation agent (IC50, 21.88 ± 2.82 μg/ml). Conclusion: These results show that Sri Lankan low-grown O.P. grade black tea possesses both antiglycation and AGEs cross-link breaking activities in vitro and thus provides scientific justification for the use of black tea in Sri Lankan indigenous medicine for the management of diabetic complications. © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, 300001 Nigeria. All rights reserved.