Effect of green tea on angiotensin II level and myocardial microstructure in spontaneous hypertensive rats

Effects of green tea on blood pressure, level of plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) and ultrastructure of left ventricular tissue in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) were investigated. Intragastric administration at dosages 0.2 and 1.0 g kg(-1) d(-1) green tea significantly decreased blood pressure and plasma Ang II level, accompanying the improvement of ultra structures of left ventricular mitochondrion and myofibrillae. It is considered that the effect of green tea on hypertension might be related to its inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme.