Related Experiment Videos
Effects of black tea extract on transplantable and solid tumors in Swiss albino mice
1Environmental Carcinogenesis Division, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, M. G. Marg, P.O. Box 80, Lucknow-226001, India.
Abstract:
The chemopreventive effects of green tea and its polyphenols are well documented in the literature. Epidemiological studies have suggested that green tea consumption might be effective in the prevention of certain human cancers. About 80% of the tea is consumed as black tea. Limited studies have been carried out to assess the usefulness of black tea as anti-carcinogen. The present set of investigations were initiated to study the anti-tumorigenic potential of aqueous black tea extract (ATE) in Swiss albino mice in in vivo animal bioassay, using 7, 12 dimethyl-benzanthracene (DMBA) as carcinogen. In the experimental group, 2% ATE was given orally as sole source of drinking water, while the control were allowed to drink normal water, ad lib. The results revealed that drinking of 2% ATE could effectively inhibit the onset of tumorigenesis, cumulative number of tumors and average number of tumors per mouse. In ATE drinking group 44% animals remained tumor free till the termination of experiment, i.e. 26 weeks. In the second set of experiment the preventive efficacy of 2% ATE of different cultivars of black tea, viz orthodox, CTC and dust were tested in Ehrlich Ascites (EA) tumor bearing mice. The preventive effects of ATE were observed in terms of increased life span (ILS). All the cultivars of tea showed more than 25% increase in life span of the animals. Cytotoxic effect of various doses of all three cultivars of black tea was also observed in vitro on EA cells.
Insights
Black tea extract (ATE) shows significant anti-tumorigenic properties, inhibiting cancer development and increasing lifespan in mice. This suggests black tea
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Green tea's chemopreventive effects are established, but black tea's anti-cancer potential is less explored.
- Black tea is the most widely consumed tea globally, necessitating research into its health benefits.
- Limited studies exist on black tea's anti-carcinogenic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-tumorigenic and chemopreventive potential of aqueous black tea extract (ATE).
- To evaluate the efficacy of ATE against chemically induced tumors in an in vivo animal model.
- To assess the impact of ATE on survival and its cytotoxic effects on tumor cells.
Main Methods:
- In vivo bioassay using Swiss albino mice treated with 7, 12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) as a carcinogen.
- Administration of 2% ATE as the sole drinking source to experimental groups.
- Evaluation of tumor incidence, multiplicity, and survival rates in ATE-treated versus control groups.
- In vitro assessment of cytotoxic effects of ATE from different black tea cultivars on Ehrlich Ascites tumor cells.
Main Results:
- Oral administration of 2% ATE significantly inhibited tumorigenesis, reducing the cumulative and average number of tumors per mouse.
- In the ATE group, 44% of animals remained tumor-free throughout the 26-week experimental period.
- ATE from all tested black tea cultivars (orthodox, CTC, dust) demonstrated a significant increase in the lifespan of Ehrlich Ascites tumor-bearing mice (over 25% increased life span).
- In vitro studies confirmed the cytotoxic effects of ATE on Ehrlich Ascites cells.
Conclusions:
- Aqueous black tea extract possesses significant anti-tumorigenic and chemopreventive properties.
- Black tea consumption may offer protection against certain cancers.
- ATE demonstrates potential as a chemopreventive agent, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms and clinical applications.