Bioactive Components and Antioxidant Properties of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Fresh and Processed Camellia sinensis in Alloxan-induced Albino Rats

The plant, Camellia sinensis (leaves) is popularly known for its usage as tea in many parts of the world, including Nigeria. The purpose of this study was to screen for the bioactive compositions and to determine the endogeneous antioxidant potentials of fresh and processed (tea) C. sinensis aqueous leaf extract. Phytochemicals, minerals and vitamins analysis were carried out following standard procedures. The extracts were further administered to alloxan-induced albino rats and its effects on serum Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), acetyl cholinesterase (AchASE) activity and glucose concentrations were determined following standard procedures. The rats were randomly divided in to different groups thus; Group A: Normal control, Group B; Untreated toxic, Treatment Groups were further divided into four subgroups (1, 2, 3 and 4), Group C; Metformin Treated test (MTT), Group D; Fresh Leaves Treated Test, Group E; green tea, Group F; Black tea. Results showed the presence of presence of Saponin, Tannin, Flavonoid, Steroid, Terpenoid, Quinone, Alkaloid, cardiac glycosides, Proteins and phenol, vitamin C, Ca and Zn in all the extracts. Glucose concentrations significantly (p<0.05) increased upon induction with alloxan. MDA and AChE decreased while SOD, CAT and GSH increased significantly (p<0.05) when treated with the extracts. The aqueous extracts of C. sinensis was found to be rich in bioactive compounds and possess antioxidant properties, hence its continued usage could be encouraged.