Effects of green tea catechins on spatial learning abilities of wistar rats

Abstract

Introduction: Green tea has drawn much attention because of the increase in the number of studies describing its potential health benefits which are attributed to Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Recent studies have also shown that in addition to antioxidant effects, green tea catechins modulates cell cycle signaling, generates non amylodogenic APP, enhances activity in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex etc. Materials and Method: The study was done in 18 male albino Wistar rats and divided in three groups of six. The spatial learning ability of rats were assessed by their behavior in 8 arm radial maze. Results: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22 and data analyzed using Independence sample T test, Paired T test and ANOVA. The maze study showed an improvement in spatial learning ability of rats after green tea consumption in group1 and 2 as the time taken by the animal to complete the maze was found to be decreased. Conclusion: Administration of green tea catechins improves the spatial learning abilities of rats with an improved performance in radial maze tasks. The neuroprotective effect of green tea catechins may be due to their antioxidant property and hence can be used an effective tool in delaying cognitive impairment in elderly. Keywords: Green tea, EGCG, Radial maze, Cognition