Anti-ulcer effect of the hot water extract of black tea (Camellia sinensis).

The effect of the hot water extract of black tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze, Theaceae) on ulceration induced by various ulcerogens and by cold restraint stress (CRS) was investigated in albino rats. While prior administration of tea extract for 7 days significantly reduced the incidence of ulcer, ulcer number and ulcer index produced by aspirin, indomethacin, ethanol, reserpine and CRS, it failed to inhibit the ulcers induced by serotonin and histamine. Tea extract also favourably altered the changes in acid and peptic activity of gastric secretion induced by aspirin, indomethacin, ethanol, reserpine and CRS. The observations suggest that the hot water extract of black tea possesses anti-ulcer activity, probably mediated through prostaglandins.