The effect of (+)-catechin on the hepatic level of ATP and the lipid content of liver during experimental steatosis

Abstract

Parenteral or oral administration of chemically pure (+)-catechin increases the hepatic level of ATP in rats intoxicated with malonic acid or ethionine or in rats with liver steatosis provoked by a low protein high fat diet or by administration of orotic acid or ethanol. The accumulation of NADH and lipids in the liver tissue is also significantly lowered following treatment of the intoxicated rats with (+)-cateehin. The biochemical mechanism of these effects is discussed.