Preventive Effects of Black Tea Theaflavins on Mouse Type I Allergy Induced by Ovalbumin

The preventive effects of black tea theaflavins, theaflavin-3-gallate (3-TF) and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TFDG), on mouse type I allergic models induced by ovalbumin were investigated. The antiallergic activities on mouse type I allergy were determined using the abdominal wall method. The oral administration of 3-TF and TFDG at 10 and 50 mg/kg body weight tended to prevent type I allergic symptoms in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with TFDG at 50 mg/kg body weight exhibited a significant antiallergic effect. Therefore, the