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

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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