Hepatic antioxidant and gut ecological modulation properties of long-term intake of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) flower extract in vivo

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) flower extract (TFE) is a new type of tea beverage. The aim of this study was to explore the possible function after intake of TFE for a fixed period. In the study, 200 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day (d) of TFE was given to mice for 14 weeks. The results showed that the levels of hepatic superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione were increased but the formation of malondialdehyde was reduced, compared to the normal control (NC) group. Meanwhile, administration of TFE contributed to the prior number of colonic goblet cells (1,505 ± 124 vs. 1,162 ± 112, per mm2) and enhancement of colonic messenger RNA expression of mucin 2 and Claudin5. Additionally, TFE intervention modulated the composition and metabolic pathways of gut microbiota with an important role in dietary metabolism. Representatively, the relative abundance of genera Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Lachnospiracea_incertae_sedis, and the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and immunoglobulin A were increased. Taken together, long-term intake of TFE could promote hepatic antioxidant and modulate gut ecological status. These results could provide a reference for the development of TFE as a functional beverage.