Histological and biochemical markers of the liver of Wistar rats on subchronic oral administration of green tea

BACKGROUND: Few articles have linked the consumption of green tea to certain liver diseases but several articles have disputed these assertions and the consumption of green tea has been on the increase. AIMS: The effects of oral administration of green tea on the liver of Wistar rats were studied in order to compare biochemical findings with histological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 36 male and female Wistar albino rats were grouped into 6, consisting of 6 rats in each group. They were given 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% concentration of green tea in tap water for 42 days. The 6(th) group was on normal diet and received 0% of the tea. Their blood samples were analyzed for total and conjugated bilirubin, total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. The liver tissues were also processed for histological examination. RESULTS: The liver tissues were essentially normal and similar to the control tissues. The biochemical parameters studied were also normal and similar to the results obtained from the control animals. CONCLUSION: Sub chronic consumption of green tea has no injurious effects on the liver of Wistar rats.