Effect of Iranian Black Tea Extract and Its Isolated Thearubigins on Intestinal Transit Time in Mice

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, the effects of black tea extract of Iranian tea plant (Camellia sinensis var sinensis) and its polyphenolic pigment thearubigins were investigated on mice intestinal transit time. Method: Thearubigins were isolated by liquid-liquid fraction method. The effects of black tea extract and isolated thearubigins on intestinal propulsion were measured by charcoal propulsion test. Results: According to the obtained results, black tea extract increases intestinal motility and conesquently reduces transit time in a concentration dependent manner (P<0.01). Thearubigins, also, increase intestinal motility and decrease transit time dose dependently (P<0.01). Conclusion: Based upon these results, Iranian black tea extract and its major polyphenolic pigment, thearubigins, could be useful in the treatment of some gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Keywords

• iranian black tea extract
• thearubigins
• mice
• intestinal transit time