Effect of Benifuuki tea on Cytochrome P450-mediated Metabolic Activity in Rats

BACKGROUND/AIM: Benifuuki tea has recently been used as an alternative therapy for pollinosis, and it may be consumed with pharmaceutical drugs. This study aimed to examine cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated food-drug interactions with Benifuuki tea in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inhibitory effects of Benifuuki tea and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate (EGCG3"Me) on CYP activities were evaluated in vitro. Midazolam pharmacokinetics was investigated after two treatments with Benifuuki tea. In an ex vivo study, CYP activities were determined after 1-week-treatment with the tea. RESULTS: Benifuuki tea and EGCG3"Me inhibited CYP2D and CYP3A activities in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro. However, MDZ metabolism did not change by Benifuuki treatment in vivo and ex vivo. In contrast, CYP2D activity was decreased ex vivo. CONCLUSION: Normal intake of Benifuuki tea is not likely to cause food-drug interactions by CYP3A inhibition or induction. In contrast, Benifuuki tea consumption may lead to food-drug interactions through the inhibition of CYP2D.