EFFECT OF CATECHIN ON CARBOHYDRATE-METABOLISM

Effect of varying concentrations of catechin on blood glucose levels w as examined in male rats. Catechin exerted maximum hypoglycemic action at a dose of 10 mg/kg BW/day. Above this dose, the activity decreased gradually and blood sugar returned to almost normal levels at a conce ntration of 100 mg/kg BW/day. At optimum dose of catechin there was in crease in the hepatic glycogen levels. Incorporation of [C-14] glucose into glycogen in vitro was also increased. Glycogen synthase activity was found increased significantly whereas glycogen phosphorylase show ed a decrease showing that hypoglycemic effect of catechin is due to i ncreased glycogenesis and decreased glycogenolysis.