Toxicological effects of green tea catechin extract on rat liver: Delineating safe and harmful doses

Amrouche, Zoheir; Tichati, Lazhari; Khattabi, Latifa; Messaoudi, Mohammed; Atoki, Ayomide; Fauconnier, Marie-Laure; Laribi-Habchi, Hassiba

doi:10.1515/chem-2025-0161

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Toxicological effects of green tea catechin extract on rat liver: Delineating safe and harmful doses

Amrouche, Zoheir; Tichati, Lazhari; Khattabi, Latifa et al.

2025 • In Open Chemistry

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

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https://hdl.handle.net/2268/334694

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10.1515/chem-2025-0161

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Keywords :

Camellia sinensis L.; catechins; LC-MS; liver; oxidative stress; rats; toxicity

Abstract :

[en] Purpose-Catechins, the bioactive compounds found in green tea, are known for their beneficial health effects, but overconsumption may result in adverse effects. Thus, this study aimed to examine the influence of green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) catechin extract (GTCE) on liver metabolism and structure in rats. Methods-GTCE was phytochemically characterized by LC-MS spectrometry. An in vivo study was conducted on female rats separated into four groups of five each, i.e., a control group and three catechin-treated groups D1, D2, and D3 received, respectively, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 g/kg b.w./ day of GTCE by gavage for 28 days. The effects of GTCE were monitored through the analysis of plasma lipid, oxidative stress markers, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the liver. Furthermore, histopathological examinations of liver tissue were conducted. Results-LC-MS analyses of GTCE revealed the presence of five phenolic compounds with a predominance of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) at 60.1%. Exposure to catechins with an elevated dose (0.8 g/kg) caused oxidative damage in the liver, as indicated by a considerable increase (p < 0.05) in MDA levels, a decrease in GSH content, and GPx activity (p < 0.05), along with a decrease (p < 0.05) in plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, and total lipids in comparison to the control group. These changes were confirmed by histological examination. Conclusion-Although catechins offer known health benefits, high doses may induce oxidative stress and liver damage.

Disciplines :

Agriculture & agronomy
Chemistry

Author, co-author :

Amrouche, Zoheir

Tichati, Lazhari

Khattabi, Latifa

Messaoudi, Mohammed

Atoki, Ayomide

Fauconnier, Marie-Laure ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département GxABT > Chemistry for Sustainable Food and Environmental Systems (CSFES)

Laribi-Habchi, Hassiba

Language :

English

Title :

Toxicological effects of green tea catechin extract on rat liver: Delineating safe and harmful doses

Publication date :

17 July 2025

Journal title :

Open Chemistry

ISSN :

2391-5420

Publisher :

De Gruyter, Germany

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Available on ORBi :

since 21 July 2025

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