Catechins are flavonoids that have particularly attracted attention because of their relative high antioxidant capacity and their abundance in human diet. Catechins have been known to have a variety of physiological activities, such as anti-carcinogenic, anti-oxidant, anti-viral activities. However, it is unclear whether catechins improve bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxic shock. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of catechins on LPS-induced endotoxic shock in rats. The rats received 4 week-catechin-supplementation with free access to catechin-supplemented water (60 mg/dL water), and water replaced daily. Following 4 week-water or catechin-containing water supplementation, endotoxic shock was conducted by administration of LPS (5 mg/kg BW, i.p.) in rats. Results demonstrated that catechins supplementation significantly improved LPS-induced hypotension. However, catechins did not attenuate tachycardia and multiple organ failure of rats at 6 hr post LPS-administration. In conclusion, catechins supplementation can improve endotoxic hypotension, its mechanism need further investigated.
