Modulation of arsenic induced cytotoxicity by tea.
Arsenic, a naturally ocurring chemical element, is considered hazardous to human health. Inorganic arsenic compounds were found to induce cytotoxicity in Chinese hamster V-79 cells in culture. The arsenite form was more toxic than arsenate. Extracts of green and two varieties of black tea, as well as their principal polyphenols, (-)-epigallocatechingallate and theaflavin, efficiently counteracted the cytotoxic effects of arsenic compounds. On the basis of the amount of tea extract that afforded 50% protection to the cells from arsenic induced cytotoxicity, black tea was found to be as effective as green tea. The protective effect was attributable to the contents of not only (-)-epigallocatechingallate but also of theaflavin, the latter being a predominant polyphenol present in black tea.
D000818:Animals; D001151:Arsenic / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000633:toxicity; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D018890:Chemoprevention; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D003603:Cytotoxins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D008297:Male; D013662:Tea
D003603:Cytotoxins; D013662:Tea; D001151:Arsenic