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Planta Med 2009; 75(3): 216-221
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1088378
Pharmacology
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Epigallocatechin Gallate from Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Increases Lifespan and Stress Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

Sami Abbas1 , Michael Wink1
  • 1Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: June 16, 2008 Revised: October 6, 2008

Accepted: October 21, 2008

Publication Date:
11 December 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a major green tea polyphenol with pronounced antioxidative activity. The effects of EGCG on lifespan and stress resistance in wild-type N2 and transgenic strains of Caenorhabditis elegans [hsp-16.2/GFP, mev-1(kn1), fem-1(hc17)] were investigated. The expression of hsp-16.2 (induced by the pro-oxidant juglone) and the intracellular levels of H2O2 were inhibited by EGCG treatment. Daily administration of 220 μM EGCG increased the mean lifespan by 10.14 % and 14.27 % in N2 and fem-1(hc17) strains, respectively, and 55 μM EGCG increased the mean lifespan in mev-1(kn1) by 16.11 %. The survival rate was also increased under lethal oxidative stress by 65.05 %. These findings suggest that the increased mean lifespan and stress resistance in C. elegans apparently depend, among other factors, on the antioxidant properties of EGCG.

Key words

EGCG - Caenorhabditis elegans (Rhabditidae) - lifespan - free radicals - juglone - Camellia sinensis (Theaceae)

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Prof. Dr. M. Wink

Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology

Department of Biology

University of Heidelberg

Im Neuenheimer Feld 364

96120 Heidelberg

Germany

Phone: +49-6221-54-4880

Fax: +49-6221-54-4884

Email: wink@uni-hd.de