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Components and activity of polysaccharides from coarse tea
W Wang Dongfeng1, W Wang Chenghong, L Li Jun
1Key Laboratory of Tea Biotechnology, Agricultural Ministry of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230036, People's Republic of China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|February 15, 2001
Summary
Tea polysaccharide complex (TPS) significantly lowers blood glucose in mice and enhances immune response. This glycoprotein may explain the therapeutic effects of coarse tea in treating diabetes and arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Coarse tea is rich in polysaccharide complex, identified as tea polysaccharide complex (TPS).
- TPS is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of (10.7-11.0) x 10(4).
- Traditional use of coarse tea for diabetes treatment suggests a bioactive component.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypoglycemic and immunomodulatory effects of tea polysaccharide complex (TPS).
- To explore the potential role of TPS in the therapeutic benefits of coarse tea.
Main Methods:
- In vivo administration of TPS to normal and high blood glucose model mice.
- Measurement of blood glucose levels post-TPS injection.
- Assessment of antibody concentration and cytokine production (IL-2, IL-1) in treated mice and rats.
Main Results:
- TPS significantly reduced blood glucose levels by 13.54% in normal mice and 22.18% in model mice.
- TPS administration increased antibody concentration by 44.93% (p < 0.01).
- TPS modulated interleukin production, promoting IL-2 and inhibiting IL-1 in adjuvant arthritis rats.
Conclusions:
- Tea polysaccharide complex (TPS) exhibits significant hypoglycemic and immunomodulatory properties.
- TPS may be the active component responsible for the beneficial effects of coarse tea in managing diabetes and arthritis.
- Further research into TPS could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.