Hawaii Tea Society » Health Benefits

For all the tea in Hawai`i

HTS Web Admin — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:04:59 +0000

by Shannon Amidon Castille

This article was originally published last spring from UH Hilo’s College of Pharmacy’s Kawili La’au magazine.

Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary. ~Chinese Proverb

If you had a little money to invest, where should you put it? Dr. Anthony D. Wright has a suggestion: how about a tea farm?

Why? Green, First Flush, White, Oolong, Black, and hundreds of other varieties of tea all come from one plant: Camellia sinensis. And billions of people drink it.

A world leader in the study of natural products drugs discovery, this Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences says he may follow his own advice.

I’m seriously thinking about buying a piece of land to farm, he said. Hawai`i tea is an absolutely unique product, and the potential is immense for high end quality teas.

He recently shared the results of his pilot project, Investigation of Hawaiian Green Tea, at a University of Hawai`i Hilo Women’s Center and Center for Global Education and Exchange special program.

We are interested in tea because it is a natural product that has a huge commercial value. In many ways it is more valuable than pharmaceuticals. he said.

The study, conducted last summer at Mauna Kea Tea Plantation, examined the production of three compounds in the bud and first two leaves of tea plants.

Conducted in a bit less than three months, the pilot project group included CoP visiting scholars Ran Song from Yale University and Kimberly Johns from Sheffield Hallam University, CoP Post Doc Dovi Kelman and Dr. Wright. The group sought a better understanding about the effect of shade on the tea plant. We looked at the specific chemical components of tea all reported to have health enhancing pharmacological effects, explained Dr. Wright, an antioxidant (epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG), a stimulant (caffeine), and an amino-acid (theanine) reported to assist with improving memory.

And what did the study reveal?

That tea is good for you, he said, and added, in a more specific sense, our study showed that as leaves age in going from the bud to the first and second leaves, levels of caffeine and theanine decrease, while the level of EGCG increases — but in our study only when shade is considered as a variable.

People are not just drinking it (tea) either, he pointed out. Tea is found in cosmetics and over-the-counter products. I think there is an anti-viral cream available containing tea, he added. There is much more research to be done. People are researching tea but the data are very scattered, said Dr. Wright. In fact what tweaked my interest was a colleague of mine Joe-Ann McCoy (Director, Bent Creek Medicinal Germplasm Repository in North Carolina) told me, “You should really have a look at this.”

Dr. Wright hopes to offer assistance to Hawai`i tea farmers with future studies. He said, “We would like to help them with some sort of chemical validation to further add value to their products. ”

Stressed Out? Try Tea

HTS Web Admin — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:16:46 +0000

By Kelley Herring

Stressed out?
Reach for a soothing cup of black tea.

A recent study
conducted by University College London researchers evaluated the effects of
black tea on stress in the body. Seventy-five regular tea drinkers were split
into two groups. All study participants gave up their normal tea, coffee, and
caffeinated beverages. One group drank a caffeinated black tea. The control
group drank a caffeinated fake-tea placebo.

To eliminate
the "comforting" effect of drinking a cup of tea, researchers masked
the sensory cues typically associated with tea drinking. Then they had the
groups perform challenging tasks to evaluate their bodies’ stress responses as
measured by the hormone cortisol, blood pressure, blood platelets, and
self-rated stress levels.

The tasks
caused similar stress levels in both groups. However, 50 minutes after
performing the tasks, cortisol levels had dropped by an average of 47 percent
in the tea-drinking group compared with a mere 27 percent in the fake-tea
group. The researchers also found that blood platelet activation (which is
linked to blood clotting and the risk of heart attacks) was lower in the tea
drinkers. And the tea drinkers reported feeling more relaxed in the recovery
period after performing the tasks.

Because tea is
chemically complex, researchers can’t yet pinpoint the ingredients responsible
for its beneficial effects. What they do know is that enjoying a cup of black
tea may speed recovery from the daily stresses in life. And that, in turn, can
help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease.

Stock up on
healthy and delicious organic black tea. It’s calorie-free, packed with
powerful phytonutrients, and can help soothe away stress too.

[Ed. Note:
Kelley Herring is the founder and CEO of Healing Gourmet
(www.healinggourmet.com), and is editor-in-chief of the Healing Gourmet book
series.

Adding Milk to Tea May Block Health Benefits

HTS Web Admin — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 00:24:32 +0000

Adding Milk to Tea May Block Health Benefits

A German study has revealed that adding milk
to tea stops its ability to dilate blood vessels and give antioxidant
benefits, two protective factors for a healthy heart and cardiovascular
system.
The study is published online in the European Heart Journal and was conducted by a group of scientists from the University of Berlin's Charité Hospital.

CLINICAL RESEARCH:

Mario Lorenz, Nicoline Jochmann, Amélie von Krosigk, Peter Martus, Gert Baumann, Karl Stangl, and Verena Stangl
Addition of milk prevents vascular protective effects of tea

Eur. Heart J.,
Advance Access published on January 9, 2007;
doi: doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehl442

……The European Society of Cardiology 2007. All…CLINICAL RESEARCH Addition of milk prevents vascular protective effects of tea Mario Lorenz 1 Nicoline…much debate is whether addition of milk modifies the……


	Abstract

	Full Text

	PDF

The small research study was conducted on 16 healthy women volunteers
who drank half a litre of black tea with and without skimmed milk, or
just hot water as a control. Before and after drinking their tea or
water, the women were examined by ultrasound to measure the dilation of
an artery in their arm.

The results showed that the "flow mediated dilation" (FMD) of the
artery was significantly improved by black tea, but this effect was
completely "blunted" by the additon of milk.

The researchers then explored the impact of milk proteins on the aortas
of rats. They found that black tea caused the rat aortas to relax and
also stimulated the production of nitric oxide that makes this happen.
However, with milk neither of these things happened, and they suggest
that the caseins (types of milk protein) were combining with tea
catechins (antioxidants that comprise about a quarter of the dry weight
of tea) to prevent them from stimulating the nitric oxide production.

Previous studies have shown that tea protects against cardiovascular
disease, but nobody had investigated the effect of adding milk to the
drink. Scientists have been puzzled about the fact that the UK, a high
tea-consuming nation, does not report the extent of health benefits of
other tea drinking populations. This could be because most tea in the
UK is drunk with milk, the researchers say.

The researchers are not suggesting that people who have milk in their
tea suddenly switch to black tea, but they do recommend now and again
that if you are used to having it with milk, then have it occasionally
without milk because you could increase the benefit to your heart.

The UK drinks 165 million cups of tea a day, which is equivalent to an
average of 3 cups per person. Tea is consumed on a regular basis by 70
per cent of the population.

More Reviews from Oncogene regarding Tea and Cancer

HTS Web Admin — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 01:36:48 +0000

11.	Flavonoid quercetin sensitizes a CD95-resistant cell line to apoptosis by activating protein kinase Cα Maria Russo, Rosanna Palumbo, Annalisa Mupo, Mariarosaria Tosto, Giuseppe Iacomino, Annamaria Scognamiglio, Idolo Tedesco, Giovanni Galano, Gian Luigi Russo SUMMARY: We previously demonstrated that quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid with strong antioxidant properties, was able to enhance programmed cell death in HPB-acute lymphoblastic leukemia CONTEXT: …antioxidants naturally present in vegetables, fruits and beverages, such as tea and wine (Middleton and Kandaswami, 1993). Although still controversial, a large number of… Oncogene 22, 3330-3342 (22 May 2003) Original Article Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
12.	Grape seed extract inhibits EGF-induced and constitutively active mitogenic signaling but activates JNK in human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells: possible role in antiproliferation and apoptosis Alpana Tyagi, Rajesh Agarwal, Chapla Agarwal SUMMARY: A loss of functional androgen receptor and an enhanced expression of growth factor receptors and associated ligands are causal genetic events in prostate cancer CONTEXT: …serum-starved DU145 cells with epigallocatechin-3-gallate, an active compound in green tea, causes a strong increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation via an oxidative response… Oncogene 22, 1302-1316 (06 Mar 2003) Original Article Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
13.	Inhibition of ultraviolet B-mediated activation of nuclear factor κB in normal human epidermal keratinocytes by green tea Constituent (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Farrukh Afaq, Vaqar M Adhami, Nihal Ahmad, Hasan Mukhtar SUMMARY: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major constituent of green tea, possesses significant anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive properties. Studies have shown the photochemopreventive effects of green tea CONTEXT: …of UV-mediated cutaneous damages (Ames, 1983; Block, 1993; Afaq et al., 2002). Green tea is the most popular beverage consumed by more than two-thirds of the world… Oncogene 22, 1035-1044 (20 Feb 2003) Original Article Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
14.	ERK signaling pathway is involved in p15INK4b/p16INK4a expression and HepG2 growth inhibition triggered by TPA and Saikosaponin a Wu Wen-Sheng SUMMARY: The signal pathway mediating induction of p15INK4b and p16INK4a during HepG2 growth inhibition triggered by the phorbol ester tumor promoter TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate) and CONTEXT: …by antitumorigenic agents such as retinoic acid, vitamin D3, phenylacetate and green tea or cytokines such as TGF and activin were associated with the induction of various… Oncogene 22, 955-963 (20 Feb 2003) Original Article Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
15.	Involvement of nuclear factor-kappa B, Bax and Bcl-2 in induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by apigenin in human prostate carcinoma cells Sanjay Gupta, Farrukh Afaq, Hasan Mukhtar SUMMARY: Apigenin, a common dietary flavonoid abundantly present in fruits and vegetables, may have the potential for prevention and therapy for prostate cancer. Here, we CONTEXT: …is widely distributed in many fruits and vegetables, including parsley, onions, orange, tea, chamomile, wheat sprouts and in some seasonings (Birt et al., 1998; Duthie and… Oncogene 21, 3727-3738 (22 May 2002) Original Article Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
16.	The role of PI 3-kinase in the UVB-induced expression of c-fos Melissa Gonzales, G Tim Bowden SUMMARY: The role of the PI 3-kinase signaling pathway in UVB-induced c-fos gene expression was investigated in a human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. The enzymatic CONTEXT: …in the mouse epidermal cell line JB6 was inhibited by tea polyphenols. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is a specific tea polyphenol that inhibits UVB-induced c-fos and AP-1… Oncogene 21, 2721-2728 (17 Apr 2002) Original Article Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
17.	Rho regulates p21CIP1, cyclin D1, and checkpoint control in mammary epithelial cells Muriel Liberto, David Cobrinik, Audrey Minden SUMMARY: The small GTPase Rho is important for cell cycle progression and Ras transformation in fibroblasts. However, it is unclear whether Rho is needed for CONTEXT: …oncogenic Ras. We previously found that putative chemopreventive compounds in green tea had exactly the effects that would be expected of a Rho inhibitor, as the… Oncogene 21, 1590-1599 (01 Mar 2002) Original Article Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
18.	Tea polyphenols down-regulate the expression of the androgen receptor in LNCaP prostate cancer cells Fengge Ren, Shaobo Zhang, Susan H Mitchell, Rachel Butler, Charles YF Young SUMMARY: Androgens via their cognate receptor may be involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to determine CONTEXT: …showed that injections of the green tea polyphenol, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most potent component of the green tea polyphenols (GTP), rapidly reduced the… Oncogene 19, 1924-1932 (14 Apr 2000) Original Article Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
19.	EGR-1 enhances tumor growth and modulates the effect of the Wilms' tumor 1 gene products on tumorigenicity Volkher Scharnhorst, Aswin L Menke, Joline Attema, Johan Klein Haneveld, Nicole Riteco, Gert J van Steenbrugge, Alex J van der Eb, Aart G Jochemsen SUMMARY: The Wilms' tumor 1 gene (WT1) encodes a transcription factor of the zinc-finger family and is homozygously mutated or deleted in a subset of CONTEXT: …PBS and lysed in 1/2 RIPA buffer (20 mM TEA pH 7.8, 0.14 M NaCl, 0.05% DOC, 0.05% SDS, 0.05% Triton X-100) or IPB 0.7 buffer (20 mM TEA pH 7.8, 0.7 M NaCl, 0.5% NP-40, 0.2%… Oncogene 19, 791-800 (15 Feb 2000) Original Article Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
20.	Novel polymorphism in p21waf1/cip1 cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor gene: association with human esophageal cancer Rimple Bahl, Sonia Arora, Neera Nath, Meera Mathur, Nootan K Shukla, Ranju Ralhan SUMMARY: p21waf1/cip1, an important regulator of the cell cycle, binds to PCNA and acts as a mediator of the growth suppressing and apoptosis promoting functions CONTEXT: …including the consumption of red chillies, spices, polyunsaturated fats (oil), hot tea, alcohol and tobacco (chewing and/or smoking). These parameters were taken into… Oncogene 19, 323-328 (21 Jan 2000) Original Article Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link

21.

Activation of p38 MAP kinase and ERK are required for ultraviolet-B induced c-fos gene expression in human keratinocytes

Weixing Chen, G Tim Bowden

SUMMARY: The effects of p38 MAP kinase and ERK on UVB induced c-fos gene expression were studied in a human keratinocyte cell line, FL30. UVB

CONTEXT: …(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a chemoprevention agent isolated from green tea, inhibited UVB induced c-fos gene expression and AP-1 activation (Chen et al., 1999b;…

Oncogene 18, 7469-7476 (10 Dec 1999) Original Article

Abstract | Full Text | PDF | Rights and permissions | Save this link

22.

The Rel/NF-κB signal transduction pathway: introduction

Thomas D Gilmore

CONTEXT: …Indeed, many common synthetic (e.g., aspirin), and traditional (e.g., green tea, curcumin) remedies target, at least in part, the Rel/NF-B signaling pathway (Epinat and…

Oncogene 18, 6842-6844 (26 Nov 1999) Original Article

Full Text | PDF | Rights and permissions | Save this link

Reviews from Oncogene regarding Tea and Cancer

HTS Web Admin — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 01:31:59 +0000

1.	Green tea polyphenol EGCG suppresses cigarette smoke condensate-induced NF-κB activation in normal human bronchial epithelial cells D N Syed, F Afaq, M-H Kweon, N Hadi, N Bhatia, V S Spiegelman, H Mukhtar SUMMARY: Cigarette smoke is a powerful inducer of inflammatory responses resulting in disruption of major cellular pathways with transcriptional and genomic alterations driving the cells CONTEXT: …Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) comprises approximately 60% of the catechins in tea, and has been shown to have a protective effect against a variety of malignant… Oncogene (24 Jul 2006\) Original Article Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
2.	DEP-1 protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibits proliferation and migration of colon carcinoma cells and is upregulated by protective nutrients K K Balavenkatraman, E Jandt, K Friedrich, T Kautenburger, B L Pool-Zobel, A Östman, F D Böhmer SUMMARY: The transmembrane protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) DEP-1 (density-enhanced phosphatase) is a candidate tumor suppressor in the colon epithelium. We have explored the function of DEP-1 CONTEXT: …(Keane et al., 1996). Epigallocatechine-3-gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea, and related constituents have various anticancer effects, including inhibition of… Oncogene (08 May 2006) Short Communication Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
3.	The green tea catechins, (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and (-)-Epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), inhibit HGF/Met signaling in immortalized and tumorigenic breast epithelial cells R L H Bigelow, J A Cardelli SUMMARY: The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor, Met, is a strong prognostic indicator of breast cancer patient outcome and survival, suggesting that therapies targeting Met CONTEXT: …and preclinical studies have demonstrated that polyphenols derived from green tea have profound chemopreventative and antitumor effects (Lambert and Yang, 2003; Crespy and… Oncogene 25, 1922-1930 (23 Mar 2006) Original Article Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
4.	Prevention of lung cancer progression by bexarotene in mouse models Y Wang, Z Zhang, R Yao, D Jia, D Wang, R A Lubet, M You SUMMARY: Bexarotene (Targretin®, Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc.) is a synthetic high-affinity RXR receptor agonist with limited affinity for RAR receptors. Bexarotene has shown efficacy in a CONTEXT: …a higher level of expression and green indicates a lower level of expression in tea-treated samples. (C) Confirmation of microarray data by real-time RT–PCR. The figure… Oncogene 25, 1320-1329 (02 Mar 2006) Original Article Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
5.	Cancer chemopreventive activity of a mixture of Chinese herbs (antitumor B) in mouse lung tumor models Zhongqiu Zhang, Yian Wang, Ruisheng Yao, Jie Li, Ying Yan, Marie La Regina, William L Lemon, Clinton J Grubbs, Ronald A Lubet, Ming You SUMMARY: Antitumor B (ATB), also known as Zeng Sheng Ping, is a Chinese herbal mixture composed of six plants. Previously, clinical studies have shown a CONTEXT: …in rodents, such as glucocorticoids (Wattenberg and Estensen, 1996, 1997), green tea (Shi et al., 1994; Zhang et al., 2002), NSAID (Castonguay et al., 1998), and… Oncogene 23, 3841-3850 (06 May 2004) Original Paper Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link

7.	Molecular profiling of mouse lung tumors: association with tumor progression, lung development, and human lung adenocarcinomas Allison E Bonner, William J Lemon, Theodora R Devereux, Ronald A Lubet, Ming You SUMMARY: We have performed oligonucleotide array analysis on various murine lung tissues [normal lungs, lung adenomas, and lung adenocarcinomas (ACs)] using Affymetrix U74Av2 GeneChips to CONTEXT: …various roles. MAP kinase-activated protein kinase 5 is involved in cell cycle control. TEA Domain 4 (TEAD 4) is involved in cellular differentiation. BCL2/adeovirus… Oncogene 23, 1166-1176 (05 Feb 2004) Oncogenomics Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
8.	Upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 and p21 confers resistance to apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells Zhi-Min Liu, George G Chen, Enders KW Ng, Wai-Keung Leung, Joseph JY Sung, SC Sydney Chung SUMMARY: Both heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and p21WAF1/Cip1 (p21) are involved in the pathogenesis of human cancer and their functions are closely associated with apoptosis. However, CONTEXT: …of growth inhibition and apoptosis by antitumor components isolated from green tea is associated with the suppression of NF-B in human gastric cancer cells (Okabe et al.,… Oncogene 23, 503-513 (15 Jan 2004) Original Paper Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
9.	Suppression of UVB-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor kappa B by green tea polyphenol in SKH-1 hairless mice Farrukh Afaq, Nihal Ahmad, Hasan Mukhtar SUMMARY: Studies from our laboratory have shown that epigallocatechin-3-gallate, the major polyphenol present in green tea, inhibits ultraviolet (UV)B-exposure-mediated phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) CONTEXT: …cell proliferation, and oncogenesis (Dhar et al., 2002; Yang et al., 2002). Green tea, a popular beverage derived from the leaves of Camellia sinensis and consumed… Oncogene 22, 9254-9264 (18 Dec 2003) Original Paper Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link
10.	AS602868, a pharmacological inhibitor of IKK2, reveals the apoptotic potential of TNF-α in Jurkat leukemic cells Catherine Frelin, Véronique Imbert, Emmanuel Griessinger, Agnès Loubat, Michel Dreano, Jean-François Peyron SUMMARY: NF-κB transcription factors promote survival in numerous cell types via induction of antiapoptotic genes. Pharmacological blockade of the IKK2 kinase with AS602868, a specific CONTEXT: …inhibitory activity. Flavonoids like resveratrol from red wine, polyphenols from green tea, curcumin from curry block NF-B activation at different levels. However, the main… Oncogene 22, 8187-8194 (06 Nov 2003) Original Paper Abstract \| Full Text \| PDF \| Rights and permissions \| Save this link

Tea protects against Cardiovascular Disease

HTS Web Admin — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 00:59:01 +0000

J Pharm Pharmacol. 2006 Aug; 58 (8):1139-44.

Tea flavanols inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and increase nitric oxide production in human endothelial cells

Abstract:

A diversity of pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular system have been reported for Camellia sinensis:
antioxidative, antiproliferative and anti-angiogenic activity, and
nitric oxide synthase activation. The purpose of this study was to
investigate if the connection between tea and angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE) and nitric oxide (NO) might be an explanation of the
pharmacological effects of tea on the cardiovascular system. Cultured
endothelial cells from human umbilical veins (HUVEC) were incubated
with extracts of Japanese Sencha (green tea), Indian Assam Broken
Orange Pekoe (black tea) and Rooibos tea, respectively. The main
flavanols and purine alkaloids in green and black tea were examined for
their effects on ACE and NO. After incubation with green tea, black tea
and Rooibos tea for 10 min, a significant and dose-dependent inhibition
of ACE activity in HUVEC was seen with the green tea and the black tea.
No significant effect on ACE was seen with the Rooibos tea. After
10-min incubation with (−)-epicatechin, (−)-epigallocatechin,
(−)-epicatechingallate and (−)-epigallocatechingallate, a
dose-dependent inhibition of ACE activity in HUVEC was seen for all
four tea catechins. After 24-h incubation, a significantly increased
dose-dependent effect on NO production in HUVEC was seen for the green
tea, the black tea and the Rooibos tea. After 24-h incubation with
(−)-epicatechin, (−)-epigallocatechin, (−)-epicatechingallate and
(−)-epigallocatechingallate, a dose-dependent increased NO production
in HUVEC was seen. In conclusion, tea extracts from C. sinensis may have the potential to prevent and protect against cardiovascular disease.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1211/jpp.58.8.0016

Affiliations:
1:
Department of Medicine and Care, Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden

2:
National Board of Forensic Medicine, Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, Linköping, Sweden

Health Facts

HTS Web Admin — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 01:32:10 +0000

The accumulated results from research suggest that tea drinking regularly, green or black tea, will decrease the incidence of mortality from major chronic diseases.

The following is a list of the major chemical componenets found in tea leaf.

Caffeine
Stimulates wakefulness, CNS stimulant
Gives relief from fatigue, neuralgia and headaches
Acts as diuretic

Catechins (Tannin)
Lower blood triglyceride, blood cholesterol, prevents atherosclerosis
Reduces incidence of cancer
Reduces oxidation by active oxygen
Strengthen blood vessel wall, regulates their permeability
Inhibits increase of blood sugar
Inhibits increase of blood pressure
Reduces tumours
Reduces mutations
Helps in the treatment of radiation sickness
Prevents dental caries by keeping off the causative bacteria
Kills influenza virus
Beneficial in the treatment of dysentery
Prevents halitosis

Essential Amino Acids
Helps in metabolism
Maintains nitrogen equilibrium

Flavonoids
Strengthen blood vessel and blood capillary walls
Reduces oxidation by active oxygen
Acts as anti-inflammatory agent
Increases the level of catecholamines
Stimulates folic acid biosynthesis

Fluoride
Prevents dental caries

GABA
Lowers blood pressure
functioaroma

Linalool, Geraniol, Hexenal
Gives tea its fresh, green aroma

Linolenic Acid
Reduces platelet aggregation

Methylxanthine
Acts as diuretic

Polysaccharides
Lowers blood sugar

Quercetin
Acts as spasmolytic
Helps in treatment of acute diarrhoea

Salicylates
Acts as analgesic
Acts as antipyretic

Seleno Cysteine
Supports normal thyroid functioaroma

Tea Pigments
Decreases plasma fibrinogen

Theaflavin, Thearubigin
Antagonises the activity of bradykinin
Inhibits arginine and ornithine decarboxylases

Theanine
Gives tea its delicious taste
Helps in ammonia and urea metabolism
Helps in water clearance by renal tissues

Theophylline
Modulates immune response
Helps in the treatment of asthma
Salutary effects on cardiac function

Vitamin B Complex
Aids carbohydrate and fat metabolism
Helps in inter and intracellular Ca" transport
Helps in moisturisation of the skin

Vitamin E
Acts as antioxidant and regulates aging