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Preventive effects of black tea theaflavins against mouse type IV allergy
Author(s) -
Yoshino Kyoji,
Yamazaki Katsuko,
Sano Mitsuaki
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.4035
Subject(s) - theaflavin , oral administration , medicine , antioxidant , pharmacology , allergy , proinflammatory cytokine , catechin , ingestion , traditional medicine , chemistry , immunology , inflammation , endocrinology , polyphenol , biochemistry
BACKGROUND: Tea ( Camellia sinensis L.), one of the most popular beverages, contains various beneficial constituents. We investigated the preventive effects of black tea theaflavins, theaflavin‐3‐gallate (3‐TF) and theaflavin‐3,3′‐digallate (TFDG), on oxazolone‐induced type IV allergy in male ICR mice. RESULTS: Percutaneous administration of both 3‐TF and TFDG at 0.2 mg ear −1 showed significant preventive effects against mouse type IV allergy. Oral administration of these agents at 50 mg kg −1 body weight also showed significant preventive effects against mouse type IV allergy. Oral administration of 3‐TF and TFDG at a dose of 50 mg kg −1 body weight prevented the increases in levels of some proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐12 (IL‐12), interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), in the sera and/or ears of mice with type IV allergy. Lowering of serum antioxidant activity in mice with allergic symptoms was also prevented by oral administration of these theaflavins at a dose of 50 mg kg −1 body weight. The anti‐allergic mechanisms of action of theaflavins involve inhibition of the fluctuations of cytokines and maintenance of antioxidant status in allergic mice. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the theaflavins as well as catechins contribute to the anti‐allergic effects of black tea. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry