Antifungal activity of green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis L.) sampled in different harvest time


ALADAĞ H., ERCİŞLİ S., Yesil D. Z., GÖRMEZ A., Yesil M.

PHARMACOGNOSY MAGAZINE, vol.5, no.20, pp.437-440, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 5 Issue: 20
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Journal Name: PHARMACOGNOSY MAGAZINE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
  • Page Numbers: pp.437-440
  • Keywords: Antifungal activity, Camellia sinensis, flavonoids, seasonal variation
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Antifungal activity of green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis L.), sampled 3 different harvest time (May, July and September) from Rize region in Turkey, against a number of fungi (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida kruseii, Candida parapsilosis and Candida dubliensis) has been investigated. In addition, the catechin-based flavonoids in green tea leaves such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC) and epicatechin (EC) were determined. All methanol extract of green tea samples showed a broad-spectrum antifungal activity against all Candida species in broth microdilution bioassays. However maximum activity of methanol extract (>17 mm inhibition zone) was observed against Candida albicans at 3rd harvest time. In general, antifungal activity increased from 1 (st) harvest time to 3 (rd) harvest time. Catechin-based flavonoids have also increased from 1st harvest to 3rd harvest indicating a correlation with antifungal activity.