Objective: The present study assesses the neurotoxic implications of common adulterants of Tea in drosophila system in terms of tremor behaviour and neurochemical changes. Also ascertains their presence in the tea beverages from the local shops.

Background: Tea, chief ingredient in the aromatic beverage of the same name, is the commercial name for dry/ cured dry leaves from the shrub, Camellia sinensis (Theaceae). There are different kinds of teas based on the post-harvest processing of the tea leaves viz., green tea, yellow tea, black tea. Black tea, the cure-dried Camellia leaves, are usually soaked in boiling water for a few minutes and consumed with or without sugar. Most people also add a dash of milk to black tea. Tea is the most consumed hot beverage across the globe and a proven stress buster and a neuromodulant. The beneficial effects of tea are attributed to the flavonoid variety reported from the genus. The scientific evidence continues to mount about the numerous health benefits of drinking tea. Hundreds of recent scientific research studies have found many potential health attributes associated with tea. Generally the color of the tea decides how strong the tea is. Hence, commercially interested elements find ways of increasing the tea color by additives leading to addition of unsafe adulterants. History of tea adulteration dates back to 1800s. The common adulterants of black tea are Prussian Blue, Indigo, coal tar etc.

Methods: Young (5d) and old male (40d) flies were independently exposed to adulterants of Tea (Prussian Blue, Indigo, coal tar) in DMSO vehicle at 0.01-0.05% in diet. The flies were monitored on alternate days during 21 days, for manifestation of tremors (climbing/speed). By end of the regimen, the fly brain was assessed for dopaminergic neuronal status. In addition, tea samples were collected from the local shops and tested for their tremor inducing properties among Adult Drosophila by following the similar protocol.

Results: Flies exposed to Tea adulterants significantly developed tremors at the lower concentrations of Prussian blue and Coal Tar (0.01%) and also demonstrated severe dopaminergic neuronal loss among the adult brain of Drosophila. The results were similar among the flies exposed to local tea samples which were suspected to be adulterated.

Conclusions: Our study confirms the neurotoxic effects of adulterants of Tea as well as the suspected tea samples among Drosophila. Further, studies are planned to elucidate molecular effects and gather more information before indicating the authorities.

« Back to 2018 International Congress

MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/possible-neurotoxic-hazards-of-common-adulterants-in-tea-among-drosophila-ascertainment-of-toxicity-of-tea-preparations-from-local-shops-of-an-indian-city/