Effect of camellia sinensis on liver enzymes and electrolyte homeostasis in liver cirrhosis

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of green tea on different biochemical parameters in thioacetamide induced cirrhotic rats. For this purpose 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n=6). Group I, remained healthy control rats Group II, received thioacetamide at a dose of (200mg/kg b.w,i.p, for 8 weeks, twice a week). Group III, received thioacetamide at a dose of (200mg/kg b.w. i.p,for 8 weeks, twice a week) and green tea at a dose of (500mg/kg b.w. orally, per day for 8 weeks). Group IV, received green tea at a dose of (500mg/kg b.w. orally, per day for 8 weeks). Biochemical analysis were evaluated by serum total and direct bilirubin, serum ALT, serum ALP and GGT activity. Serum electrolyte disturbances were evaluated by serum Na⁺, serum K⁺ and serum Ca⁺⁺. Marked increase in serum total and direct bilirubin and serum ALT, ALP, and GGT activity was the indicative markers of liver cirrhosis and the disturbance in serum electrolytes activity was also observed in cirrhotic rats. Green tea supplementation markedly reduced serum total and direct bilirubin, serum ALT, ALP and GGT activity and maintained the electrolyte homeostasis. These results indicate that green tea successively attenuates the thioacetamide induced liver cirrhosis.