Abstract

CAMELLIA SINENSIS – A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON ITS HYPOGLYCAEMIC EFFECTS IN HEALTHY-INDIVIDUALS

Dr. Ravi Malhotra*

Abstract

Herbs and spices are traditionally defined as any part of a plant that is used in the diet for their aromatic properties with no or low nutritional value. However, more recently, herbs and spices have been identified as sources of various phytochemicals, many of which possess powerful antioxidant activity. Thus, herbs and spices may have a role in antioxidant defence and redox signalling. Rauwolfia serpentine, the oldest herb to have known antihypertensive action which treats schizophrenia also, are well documented. Other commonly used plants which are vastly studied for their remedial effects are pepper, turmeric and clove to name few. Camellia sinensis commonly known as green tea have anti- oxidants substances which belong group called Catechin, (water- soluble polyphenols) which have varied effects like blood glucose lowering, anti-ageing and even anti cancerous effects. All of them are well studied and to establish these facts further studies are going on. We have studied green tea (imported/ procured from Sri Lanka with phytosanitary clearance) on healthy individuals for 18 weeks for their hypoglycaemic effects. The control subjects were given standardised quantity of green tea steeped in 150 ml of boiled water for 3-5 minutes daily and their blood glucose was checked as per protocol. Same quantity of hot water was given to control group. The same process was repeated at the end of 1,3,6,9,12 and18 week. The observations were documented, which shows marked reduction, 7- 15% in blood glucose levels in individuals administered with green tea. We have chosen green tea of fine quality and studied its hypoglycaemic effects in healthy individuals.

Keywords: camellia sinensis, green tea, catechin, glucose.