Effects of Slim Green Tea on Some Tissue Oxidative Stress Markers, Lipid Profile and Cognitive Functions in Wistar Rats

Slim green tea is a popular brand of tea that supports weight reduction and maintenance. High consumption of this tea in worldwide populations is a major concern to researchers and medical personnel, as regards its benefits or dangers to human health. Therefore the aim of research was to ascertain impact of slim green tea on some oxidative stress markers in heart and brain tissues, lipid profile, and cognitive functions in Wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats weighing between 120g and 150g were acclimatized for 2 weeks, they were separated into 5 groups; a control Group (Group 1) and Groups (2, 3, 4 and 5) which served as test groups. Various doses of slim green tea extract (50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg) and a dose of vitamin E (100mg/kg) were administered orally for four weeks to the different groups of rats (2, 3, 4 and 5) respectively, while control group received normal chaw and water ad libitum. The results indicated that slim green tea extract caused dose-dependent significant decrease (p≤0.05) on Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and a dose-dependent significant increase (p≤0.05) on Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH), and Catalase (CAT) levels in tissues of heart and brain in Wistar rats. The result showed high doses of slim green tea extract seemed more functional in increasing antioxidant properties in brain tissue than in heart tissue. Treatment of test groups with varied doses of tea extract on serum lipid profile demonstrated a dose-dependent significant decrease (p≤0.05) on total cholesterol and HDL levels in every group compared to control group. The extract equally caused a significant decrement on LDL level and an insignificant effect on triglyceride level when administered at 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg respectively, while dose of 150mg/kg increased LDL and triglyceride levels significantly. Results on cognitive assessment in brain showed slim green tea had no cognition-enhancing property. These findings suggest intake of slim green tea has beneficial effect especially as regard cardio-protection and neuro-oxidative protection but no effect on cognition.