Effect of Green Tea and Green Tea Rich with Catechin on Blood Glucose Levels, Serum Lipid Profile and Liver and Kidney Functions in Diabetic Rats

Diabetes is a major health problem in the developed and developing world. This study aims at investigating the effects of continuous ingestion of green tea and green tea plus different doses of catechin in rats (with type 2 diabetes) that were not receiving insulin on the serum glucose, lipid profile and both liver and kidney functions. The results indicated that the sharpest decrease of serum glucose was observed in the group treated with green-tea plus 100 mg of powder catechin. Blood glucose level was significantly low in all treated group 2 h after the administration of green tea and green tea plus both doses of powder catechin suspension, whereas the level of blood glucose level remained high in diabetic rats. Treating diabetic groups fed on basal diet with different levels of green tea, green tea plus 30 mg of powder catechin and green tea plus 100 mg of powder catechin led to a significant decrease in the mean value of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL as compared to the positive control group. Green tea plus high dose of catechin tended to improve liver functions manifested by the reduction of the serum levels of (AST and ALT), as well as kidney functions manifested by the reduction in the serum levels of (uric acid, urea nitrogen and Creatinine). The tea supported with catechin, drunk for many weeks, may be beneficial for people suffering from moderate diabetes or hyperlipidemia, reducing its complications such as liver and kidney disorders.