Epigallocatechin gallate as an intervention for the acute treatment of cerebral ischemia

Abstract This study examined the neuroprotective effects and possible hepatotoxicity of (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (265–295 g) were treated with either 50 mg kg −1 of EGCG or saline, i.p., immediately post-ischemia and every day thereafter, in a middle cerebral artery occlusion model of stroke. Sacrifice occurred 72 h post-ischemia and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining was used to quantify neuronal infarction. Hepatotoxicity was determined by taking blood samples for plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity. Spleen, kidney, liver and testes wet weights were also recorded. Total infarct volume was significantly ( P P −1 , i.p. EGCG is non-toxic and neuroprotective. However, we also found that EGCG treatment appreciably increased (>50%) the number of animals that developed an intracerebral hemorrhage. We therefore conclude that 50 mg kg −1 EGCG is not a viable intervention for the acute treatment of cerebral ischemia, as it is likely to increase the risk of intracerebral hemorrhaging.