Researchers at AIIMS have found that a compound present in green tea is effective in reducing kidney toxicity and damage induced by anti-cancer drug cisplatin.
This research, according to experts, may lead to the discovery of a new drug which can combat the ill-effects of cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapy drug for treatment of cancer.
"The research study has evaluated the usefulness of epicatechin gallate (ECG), a polyphenolic compound obtained from green tea, in preventing the damage of kidneys induced by cisplatin. Side effects of cisplatin may include nephrotoxicity and life-threatening damaged kidneys.
"This identification has the potential to be developed into a therapeutic drug to counter the side-effects of cisplatin," said Dr Y K Gupta, Head of Department (Pharmacology), AIIMS.
The study by AIIMS professor Jagriti Bhatia from the Pharmacology department and her team was published in 'Laboratory Investigations' journal recently.
"Approximately 30 per cent of the treated patients may develop nephrotoxicity after receiving an initial dose of cisplatin. Cisplatin causes production of free radicals inside cells in kidney which leads to oxidative stress and inflammation.
"The therapeutic procedures such as vigorous hydration with normal saline and forced diuresis have limited efficacy in reducing kidney damage. Further, at present no specific drug is available which can prevent or attenuate the kidney damage due to cisplatin," said Dr Bhatia.
"In our study, we observed that ECG obtained from green tea significantly reduced kidney injury due to cisplatin. It was most effective at the dose of 5 mg/kg and was administered to rats through injection for 10 days. Further, ECG reduced inflammation and cell death (apoptosis) in rats," she said.
Delhi Court Refers BRS leader K Kavitha To AIIMS For Medical Check-Up Is Black Salt Healthy? Expert Weighs In The Health Benefits Woman Permitted To Terminate 32-Week Pregnancy Due To Health Risk 'Entire NEET Paper Solved In 45 Minutes Before Exam?': Top Court To Centre "Had God On My Side": Donald Trump Recounts Being Shot At During Rally 32 Dead In Bangladesh Unrest, Protesters Set Fire To State TV Headquarters Google Brings AI To US Broadcast Of Paris Olympics Video: Children Jump On E-Rickshaw, Chase Foreigners For Money In Delhi "Every Time I Try To Eat Healthy" - Video Creator's Editing Skills Amaze Internet Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.