Cytoprotective effect of white tea against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in vitro

Abstract The protective effect of water extracts of white tea (WEWT) on oxidative stress in vitro is investigated. WEWT, like water extracts of green tea (WEGT) and water extracts of Pu-erh tea (WEPT), demonstrates a marked inhibition of the oxidation of liposome, albumin and LDLmodel systems. WEWT protects against H 2 O 2 -induced cytotoxicity, in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of ROS generation and MDA formation by WEWT in H 2 O 2 -induced Clone 9 cells parallels the effects on cell viability. Moreover, GSH and antioxidant enzymes may play an important role in the protective effect that is associated with H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress. The HPLC-DAD and HPLC–MS/MS analysis, shows that sixteen bioactive compounds are present in WEWT, which may partially account for its protective effect against oxidative insult. These results suggest that the mechanism of the protective actions of WEWT is related to its antioxidant potential and the maintenance of the normal redox status of the cell.