Anti-oxidant Potential Of Green Tea

Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease which is characterised by the degradation of arterial wall resulting in blockage of the arterial lumen with cholesterol, lipoproteins, plaques and other fibrous substances. This disease has its first impact on the endothelial cell, thus damaging its integrity. Certain drugs like acetylcholine (endothelium dependent) and sodium nitroprusside (endothelium independent) can lead to vasorelaxation. In oxidative stress condition the vasorelaxants fail to show its effect leading to oxidation of NO to form peroxynitrite (ONOO-) which is a lethal product. Oxidants like hydrogen peroxide can lead to oxidation of NO and thus suppressing the activity of Ach. Vasoconstrictor drugs like phenylephrine can lead to narrowing of the blood vessels thus causing contraction of the smooth muscle. Green tea components- epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC) and quercetin has been proved to possess anti oxidant activity to combat the effect of oxidants. This study aimed at investigating the anti oxidant potential of green tea to prevent atherosclerosis.