Effects of Regular Intake of Green Tea on Nutrient Absorption, Serum Albumin and Organ Sizes of Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

The effects of regular intake of green tea on nutrient absorption, serum albumin and organ sizes were evaluated on alloxan-induced diabetic rats.. The rats were grouped into five treatment groups: NC (non-diabetic group fed with rat feed and water only), DC (diabetic group fed with rat feed and water only), CON1 (diabetic group fed with rat feed and 1g/100ml of brewed tea only), CON2 (diabetic group fed with rat feed and 2g/100ml of brewed tea only) and CON3 (diabetic group fed with rat feed and 3g/100ml of brewed tea only). Feed, water and tea were provided ad libitum for the respective groups for a period of 21days. At the end of the treatment period, the apparent protein, calcium, iron and magnesium absorption of the groups were determined. The serum albumin as well as visual examination and measurement of organ sizes were also evaluated. The results showed that the diabetic groups CON1, CON2 and CON3 that took different concentrations of the green tea, did not show any significant change (P<0.05) in protein, iron and calcium absorption but had significant reduction (P<0.05) in magnesium absorption and serum albumin level when compared with the diabetic group DC that did not take the tea. There were also no significant change (P<0.05) between the organ sizes of the groups (CON1, CON2 and CON3) and that of group DC.