Abstract:
ABSTRACT
This study examined the blood glucose level [owering ability of black tea brew (BTB) of Sri Lankan Camellia
sinensis (L.) O.Kuntze {Family: Theaceae). This was tested in normoglycaemic and streptozotocin induced diabeUc
rats using high grown Dust grade No: 1 t ea (doses used: 84 mg / m l , equivalent to 1.5 cups; 168 m g / m l , equivalent
to 3 cups; and 501 m g / m l , equivalent to 9 cups, orally). The results show that BTB possess promising and
significant (P < 0.05) hypoglycaemic (both in normoglycaemic fasted rats and non fasted rats), antihyperglycaemic
(in terms of improved glucose tolerance test), and antidiabetic (when tested in streptozotocin induced diabetic
rats) activities. BTB (only highest dose tested) also exhibited a-glu^osidase inhibitory activity (in terms of sucrose
tolerance test) inhibited glucose absorption from the lumen of small intestine and possessed marked antioxidcnt
activity in vitro (in terms of DPPH assay). On t he other hand, the highest dose failed to increase insulin output and
glycogen content in liver and skeletal muscle, it is concluded that BTB made from Sri Lankan black l e a ha:, blood
glucose lowering activity in both normoglycaemic and diabetic status.
KEY WORDS- Camellia sinensis, antidiabetic, hypoglycaemia, antihyperglycaemia,
