Antidiabetic Activity Studies of White Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) Ethanolic Extracts in Streptozotocin-nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: The high polyphenol content of white tea exhibits antiseptic and antioxidant properties that can prevent free radicals, inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation associated with various diseases such as obesity, diabetes and other degenerative diseases. Oral administration of white tea ethanolic extract (WTE) is expected to use as an alternative in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of WTE on reducing fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. Methods: Antidiabetic activity study of white tea extract performed on diabetic Sprague-Dawley male rats induced streptozotocin-nicotinamide for 14 days of oral administration. The antidiabetic effect compared to normal control, diabetic control, and standard control groups. Results: The administration of WTE for 14 days showed decreased fasting blood glucose level in diabetic rats. The dose of 100 mg/kg BW of WTE has the highest effect on reducing fasting glucose level significantly compared to negative control group (p<0.05). The content of flavonoids, especially catechin compounds are suspected to play a role in lowering fasting blood glucose levels. Conclusion: The administration of WTE for 14 days has potentially antidiabetic activity in diabetic rats induced streptozotocin-nicotinamide.