Recent Advances in Molecular Biological Applications in Sri Lankan Tea(Camellia sinensis) Industry:An Overview on the Achievements During Last Ten Years

For tea,which is predominantly out-breeding woody perennial,genetic improvement through conventional approaches is relatively ineffective,slow and costly.As a potential tool to enhance the process,Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka(TRISL) has integrated molecular biology to supplement the conventional program and is in progress.To date,a considerable progress has been achieved in the key areas such as genetic characterization and estimation of genetic diversity,isolation and characterization of EST and genomic SSRs,construction of SSR primers,construction of genetic maps and marker assisted selection and application of genomic approaches to understand the role of secondary metabolites disease resistance in tea and in this paper,a summarized version of above studies is presented.

In vitro anti-hyaluronidase activity of Sri Lankan low grown orthodox orange pekoe grade black tea(Camellia sinensis L.)

Objective:To access the anti-hyaluronidase activity of Sri Lankan low grown orthodox orange pekoe(OP) grade black tea with a view to develop an anti-aging skin formulation.Methods:Five concentrations(0.125,0.250,0.500,1.000 and 2.000 mg/mL) of black tea brew(BTB) were made using a freeze dried sample of Sri Lankan low grown orthodox OP grade black tea which was prepared according to international organization for standardization specification.Epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG) was used as the reference agent(concentrations tested:0.012,0.025,0.050,0.100 and 0.200 mg/mL).Anti-hyaluronidase activity of BTB and EGCG in vitro were ascertained spectrometrically using hyaluronic acid(from rooster comb)and bovine testicular hyaluronidase.Results:The results revealed that BTB had moderate[IC_(50)=(1.09±0.12) mg/mL]and dose dependent(r^2=0.94) anti-hyaluronidase activity.EGCG also exhibited dose dependent(r^2=0.93,P<0.05) anti-hyaluronidase activity which was superior[IC_(50)=(0.09±0.00) mg/mL]to BTB.Conclusions:Sri Lankan low grown orthodox OP gradc black tca has promising antihyaluronidase activity in vitro and has the potential to be used as an anti-aging cosmaceutical.In addition,it may prove useful as a beverage in the management of allergy,some joint diseases and cnvenomation.

Sri Lankan black tea(Camellia sinensis L.)inhibits the methylglyoxal mediated protein glycation and potentiates its reversing activity in vitro

Objective:To evaluate inhibitory activity of methylglyoxal(MGO)mediated protein glycation and ability to potentiate its reversing activity and range of antioxidant properties of Sri Lankan low grown orthodox orange pekoe grade black tea.Methods:Freeze dried black tea brew(BTB)was used as the sample in this study.Antiglycation and glycation reversing activity was studied in bovine serum albumin(BSA)-MGO model.Antioxidant properties were studied using total polyphenolic content,total flavonoid content,2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid,1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine and ferric reducing antioxidant power in vitro antioxidant assays.Results:The results demonstrated significant(P<0.05)and dose dependant inhibition of BSA-MGO glycation[IC_(50):(164.30±4.85)μg/mL],potentiating of its reversing activity[EC_(50):(235.39±5.37)μg/mL]and marked antioxidant properties[total polyphenolic content:(119.55±9.97)mg gallic acid equivalents/g BTB;total flavonoid content:(6.04±1.26)mg quercetin equivalents/g BTB;2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid,1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine and ferric reducing antioxidant power:(3.29±0.06),(1.95±0.15)and(1.31±0.19)mmol Trolox equivalents/g BTB,respectively].No correlations were observed between antioxidant activity and BSA-MGO glycation.Conclusions:The novel properties observed for Sri Lankan orange pekoe grade black tea indicate its usefulness as a supplementary beverage in managing MGO and advanced glycation end products related diseases and ailments.