Abstract

- Epigallocatechin is a flavonoid found in many plants especially in tea The consumption of flavonoid- rich foods tends to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and this has been attributed to nonspecific activities such as antioxidant anti- atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory properties However little is known about direct actions of - epigallocatechin on cardiac muscle The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of - epigallocatechin on electrical and contractile activities of isolated rat hearts Surface electrogram and force of contraction were recorded in isolated rat hearts in control and in increasing concentrations of - epigallocatechin from 0 001 to 3 M -Epigallocatechin tended to prolong the QRS interval but this effect is significant only at the highest concentration studied 3 M QTc was not significantly affected by the flavonoid The effects of this flavonoid on RR interval were mild and statistically significant since 0 03 M - Epigallocatechin produced a negative inotropic effect in isolated rat hearts with an IC50 of 0 03 M This flavonoid has direct actions on rat cardiac muscle