Tea catechins protect red blood cells subjected to oxidative stress during human aging. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Protective role of tea catechins on erythrocytes subjected to oxidative stress during human aging.
Nat Prod Res. 2009;23(12):1072-9. PMID: 18846469
Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, India.
Antioxidant effect of tea catechins has been shown in many epidemiological studies. In the present study we report the protective mechanism of tea catechins (EGCG, ECG, EGC, EC) on various oxidative stress parameters, which are elevated during aging in humans. We hereby report the in vitro effect of tea catechins on erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and on membrane sulphydryl (-SH) group in humans. Results show an age-dependent increase in erythrocyte MDA level and a decrease in GSH and membrane-SH group concentration. We report that tea catechins show significant protection to erythrocyte against oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). The effect was more pronounced in older age group compared to lower age group. The findings suggest a possible role of tea catechins as anti-aging compounds.