The antioxidant activity and its protective effects of Green Tea Extract （GTE） from a Chinese green tea, Hangzhou Longjing, on acute myocardial inthrction （AMI） were investigated in rats. Blood, liver and heart were collected to perform DNA damage test, hepatic antioxidant test, gene expression as well as capillary distribution study. A well-known angiotensin II type I receptor antagonist, Losartan was used as control. It was fbund there were significant reductions in certain DNA damage products＇ levels in GTE and Losartan treated groups compared to saline-treated group. In addition, significant increases in antioxidant enzyme activities and antioxidant gene expressions were observed in GTE and Losartan treated groups. Molphological study also demonstrated the cardioprotective effects of GTE on AMI. In conclusion, GTE has potent and similar cardioprotective effect as Losartan that mav due to its ability to scavenge free radicals.
