Regeneration of coenzyme Q9 redox state and inhibition of oxidative stress by Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) administration in carbon tetrachloride liver damage

The effect of rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) on liver antioxidant status and oxidative stress was investigated in rat model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage. Synthetic antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was used for comparison. Administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 10 weeks decreased liver concentrations of reduced and oxidized forms of coenzyme Q9 (CoQ9H2 and CoQ9), reduced -tocopherol content and simultaneously increased the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) as indicator of lipid peroxidation. Rooibos tea and NAC administered to CCl4-damaged rats restored liver concentrations of CoQ9H2 and alpha-tocopherol and inhibited the formation of MDA, all to the values comparable with healthy animals. Rooibos tea did not counteract the decrease in CoQ9, whereas NAC was able to do it. Improved regeneration of coenzyme Q9 redox state and inhibition of oxidative stress in CCl4-damaged livers may explain the beneficial effect of antioxidant therapy. Therefore, the consumption of rooibos tea as a rich source of natural antioxidants could be recommended as a market available, safe and effective hepatoprotector in patients with liver diseases.