Nephroprotective and antioxidant effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) against nicotine-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and characterization of its bioactive compounds by HPLC-DAD.

Nicotine is a potential inducer of oxidative stress, through which it can damage numerous biological molecules. Natural antioxidants that prevent or slow the progression and severity of nicotine toxicity may have a significant health impact. The purpose of this study, conducted on Wistar rats, was to evaluate the beneficial effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract on nicotine treatment-induced damage on kidney. Our results showed that nicotine significantly (p < 0.01) increased serum and kidney malondialdehyde, the serum contents of urea, creatinine, and uric acid. In addition, nicotine intoxication significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the levels of vitamins E and C in serum and kidney tissue as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Interestingly, animals that were pretreated with green tea, prior to nicotine administration, showed a significant nephroprotection, revealed by a significant reduction-induced oxidative damage for all tested markers. The nephroprotective activity of green tea is mediated, at least in part, by the antioxidant effect of its constituents.