In vitro thrombolytic activity of Sri Lankan black tea, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze

This study examined the thrombolytic potential of black tea [Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze.] in vitro, using Sri Lankan high grown Dust grade No: I black tea and goat blood. Different concentrations of tea were made in isotonic saline (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/mL) and added to preclotted blood and the clot lysis activity was determined (in terms of weight and expressed as % of lysis) following 90 minute incubation at 37 degrees C. The results showed that tea induced mild to moderate (121-520%) and significant (p < 0.05) clot lysis activity. This effect was dose-related. However,. the clot lytic activity of black tea was markedly lower than streptokinase (0.1 mg/mL). It is concluded that Sri Lankan black tea possesses fast acting mild to moderate thrombolytic activity in vitro when tested on goat blood.