Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master of Science in Physiology, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Bioelectrics, School of Medical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran

4 Professor, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University Of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

5 Lecturer, Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Science, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran

6 Associate Professor of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, the effects of black tea extract of Iranian tea plant (Camellia sinensis var sinensis) and its polyphenolic pigment thearubigins were investigated on mice intestinal transit time. Method: Thearubigins were isolated by liquid-liquid fraction method. The effects of black tea extract and isolated thearubigins on intestinal propulsion were measured by charcoal propulsion test. Results: According to the obtained results, black tea extract increases intestinal motility and conesquently reduces transit time in a concentration dependent manner (P<0.01). Thearubigins, also, increase intestinal motility and decrease transit time dose dependently (P<0.01). Conclusion: Based upon these results, Iranian black tea extract and its major polyphenolic pigment, thearubigins, could be useful in the treatment of some gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Keywords