@article {589, title = {Anti-inflammatory activity of Sri Lankan black tea (Camellia sinensis L.) in rats}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {January 2010 }, pages = {11-20}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {11}, abstract = {

This study examined the anti-inflammatory potential of Sri Lankan black tea (Camellia sinensis L. Family: Theaceae) using both acute (carrageenan-induced paw oedema) and chronic (formaldehyde-induced paw oedema and cotton pellet granuloma test) rat inflammatory models. Three dose of black tea brew (BTB) [84 mg/ml, equivalent to 1.5 cups; 168 mg/ml, equivalent to 3 cups; and 501 mg/ml, equivalent to 9 cups] were made using high grown unblend Dust grade No: 1 black tea samples and was orally administed to rats (n = 6-9/ dose/ test). The results showed that Sri Lankan BTB possesses marked and significant (P \< 0.05) oral anti-inflammatory activity against both acute and chronic inflammation. This anti-inflammatory activity was dose-dependent in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema test and cotton pellet granuloma test. Further, in the carrageenan paw oedema model, the anti-inflammatory activity of BTB was almost identical to green tea brew of both Chinese and Japanese types. Further, the BTB had significant antihistamine activity (in terms of wheal test) phagocytic cell migration inhibitory activity (in terms carrageenan-induced leucocyte peritoneal infiltration test), nitric oxide production inhibitory activity, antioxidant activity (DPPH method) and prostaglandin synthesis inhibition activity (in terms of rat enteropooling test). It is concluded that Sri Lankan black tea has marked anti-inflammatory potential against both acute and chronic inflammation which is mediated via multiple mechanisms.

}, keywords = {Camellia sinensis; Black tea; Anti-inflammatory activity; Anti-inflammation}, author = {W.D. Ratnasooriya and T.S.P. Fernando} } @article {588, title = {Diuretic activity of Sri Lankan black tea (Camellia sinensis L.) in rats}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {1}, year = {2009}, month = {January 2010 }, pages = {4-10}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {4}, abstract = {

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diuretic potential of Sri Lankan black tea (Camellia sinensis L.). This was assessed in rats using high grown Dust grade No: 1 tea, which is consumed widely by the tea drinkers worldwide. Different doses of hot black tea brew (BTB) (84, 167, 501 or 1336 mg/ml respectively equivalent to 1.5, 3, 9 and 24 cups) were made and orally administered to previously starved (24 h) but subsequently hydrated (with 15 ml of isotonic saline) rats and their urinary output was monitored cumulatively at hourly intervals for 6h. The reference drug used was frusemide (13 mg/kg). The results showed that BTB induced significant (P \< 0.05), mild to moderate and dose- dependent diuresis (starting from 167 mg/ml). This diuretic activity had a fairly rapid onset (within 2 h) and relatively short duration of action (3 h). BTB also significantly (P \< 0.05) increased the overall urinary frequency. Further, the diuretic activity of BTB was less potent to frusemide (by 45\%). Decaffeination of black tea almost completely abolished the diuresis. The diuresis of the BTB was solely due to increased (by 55 \%) urinary Na+ excretion (with no urinary K+ loss). Further, the chronic daily administration of the BTB did not develop tolerance or induce toxicity (general, renal and hepatic). It is concluded that BTB made from Sri Lankan high grown Dust grade No :1 tea has safe, mild to moderate diuretic activity with rapid onset and relatively short duration of action. Further, this study supports the claim made by Sri Lankan indigenous physicians that it is a diuretic.

}, keywords = {Black tea, Camellia Sinensis, Diuresis, Dust grade tea, Sri Lankan tea}, author = {W.D. Ratnasooriya and T.S.P. Fernando and R.A.A.R Ranatunga} }