Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Properties of Sour Tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa, calyx) and Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) on some Pro-oxidant-induced Lipid Peroxidation in Brain in vitro

Oxidative stress is the cause of neurodegenerative disorders such as Lou Gehrig's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease; one practical way to prevent and manage neurodegenerative diseases is through the eating of food rich in antioxidants (dietary means). This present study sought to compare the ability of aqueous extract of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa, calyx) and green tea (Camellia sinensis) to prevent some pro-oxidant [Fe (II), sodium nitroprusside, quinolinic acid]-induced lipid peroxidation in rat's brain in vitro. Aqueous extracts of both teas were prepared (1 g tea in 100 ml of hot water). Thereafter, the ability of the extracts to prevent 25 μM FeSO₄, 7 μM sodium nitroprusside, and 1 mM quinolinic acid-induced lipid peroxidation in isolated rat's brain tissue preparation was determined in vitro. Subsequently, the total phenol content, reducing power, Fe (II) chelating and OH radical scavenging ability were determined. The results of the study revealed that both teas significantly (P < 0.05) inhibit lipid peroxidation in basal and pro-oxidant-induced lipid peroxidation in the rat's brain homogenates in a dose-dependent manner. Also, the teas had high total phenol content [sour (13.3 mg/g); green (24.5 mg/g)], reducing power, and Fe (II) chelating and OH radical scavenging ability (except sour tea). However, green tea had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in both the basal and pro-oxidant-induced lipid peroxidation in rat's brain homogenates in vitro. Therefore, it is obvious from the study that both teas had high antioxidant properties and could inhibit Fe²⁺, sodium nitroprusside, and quinolinic acid-induced lipid peroxidation in brain. However, green tea had a higher inhibitory effect, which may probably be due to its high total phenol content, reducing power, Fe (II) chelating ability, and OH radical scavenging ability.