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Background Herbal tea residue (HTR) is generally considered to be the waste of herbal tea beverage production while it still retains rich nutrients and active substances. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of fermentation technology on improving the quality of HTRs, and focus on the fermented HTR-induced alleviation of summer heat stress in fattening cattle. Results In this study, the waste HTR was fermented and then fed to a total of 45 fattening cattle that were divided into 3 groups (fermented HTR replaced 0, 15, 30% of the forage component of the diet), and the feeding experiment was lasted for 40 days. The physiological indexes, growth performance and fecal microbiota of fattening cattle were evaluated and results showed that fermented HTR could effectively reduce the respiratory rate and rectal temperature of fattening cattle under heat stress, increase the daily feed intake and daily gain, and improve the antioxidant content and blood immune index. In addition, we studied the fecal microbiota composition of 6 fattening cattle in control and 30% HTR substitution groups and found fermented HTR significantly changed the composition of fecal microbiota and increased microbial diversity, and correlation analysis suggested that the bacteria were closely related to fecal SCFA levels of fattening cattle under heat stress. Conclusions In this study, fermented HTR replaced 30% of the forage component of the diet that can change the intestine microorganisms, maintain health and alleviate the heat stress of fattening cattle.

The study aims to analyze the profile of non-essential and essential amino acids in the peels and herbal tea products made from red and green melinjo peels. The processing of melinjo seeds into chips in Pandeglang Regency in Banten Provence, produces large amounts of melinjo peels waste. The processed tea from red and green melinjo peels contains polyphenol compounds, antioxidants, protein and amino acids that are good for health. The processing stages of the melinjo peel tea by sorting the peels for red and green melinjo peels, then washed, made them into thin slices, and dried using an oven blower at 65oC of temperature for 4 hours. Both green and red melinjo peels tea were analyzed for the amino acid profile using the UPLC method. Based on the results of the analysis, it was found that the amino acid content of melinjo peels and melinjo peels tea, both green and red, consisted of 7 non-essential amino acids and 8 essential amino acids. L-glutamic acid and L-aspartic acid are the highest amino acid components which can give melinjo peels tea a characteristic aroma and taste. Keywords: Amino acids, Melinjo peel, Tea, UPLC

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.) H. Robinson) leaves is traditionally consumed as herbal tea in many countries including Indonesia. This plant's antidiabetic properties have been extensively researched, but studies on the responsible active compound identification are scarce. Information on the active compounds is critical for the consistency of Yacon herbal tea quality. The aim of this study was to identify α-glucosidase inhibitors in Indonesian Yacon leaves grown in two different locations using FTIR- and LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics in combination with in silico technique. Yacon leaves ethanol (50 and 95%) and water extracts were tested for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with the 95% ethanol extract being the most active. Geographical origins were found to have no major impact on the activity. In parallel, chemical profile of Yacon leaves extract was determined using FTIR and LC-MS/MS. Orthogonal Projection to Latent Structure (OPLS) was used to analyze both sets of data. OPLS analysis of FTIR data showed that compounds associated to α-glucosidase inhibitor activity included those with functional groups -OH, stretched CH, carbonyl, and alkene. It was consistent with the result of OPLS analysis of LC-MS/MS data, which revealed that based on their VIP and Y-related coefficient value, nystose, 1-kestose, luteolin-3'-7-di-O-glucoside, and 1,3-O-dicaffeoilquinic acid isomers, strongly linked to Yacon's α-glucosidase inhibitor activity. In silico study supported these findings, revealing that the four compounds were potent α-glucosidase inhibitors with docking score in the range of - 100.216 to - 115.657 kcal/mol, which are similar to acarbose (- 115.774 kcal/mol) as a reference drug.

The growing public awareness of the dangers regarding chemicals used in traditional agriculture has led to consumers seeking valuable and contaminant-free products. Ecological agriculture has become synonymous with high health value and product safety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and the total polyphenolic content of infusions of herbal tea bags and loose teas from traditional crops, as well as infusions of loose teas from ecological crops. Raw material comprised dried flowers of Matricaria chamomilla and Tilia cordata, as well as dried leaves of Urtica dioica, Melissa officinalis and Mentha piperita. Herbal infusions were prepared using three brewing times: 5, 10 and 20 min. The analysis of antioxidant potential was performed using in vitro methods such as DPPH, ABTS and FRAP. The polyphenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity of the studied tea infusion depended on the method by which the plants were cultivated and the brewing time. The ecological agriculture conditions seem not to stimulate the synthesis of antioxidants. However, the possibility to obtain other beneficial properties of the studied plants is an indication to carry out ecological cultivation.

The present study aims to develop an herbal tea formulation from leaves of Moringa oleifera incorporating with rhizomes of Alpinia galanga and the inflorescence of Elsholtzia communis with an insight to improve its sensory attributes and also enhancing the nutritional value. The ingredients were processed and three herbal teas HT1, HT2, HT3 were formulated by mixing them at different levels of incorporation. Acceptability trials for color, aroma, taste and overall aceptability revealed that HT2 was the most liked infusion with highest scores for color (7.8), taste (8.04) and overall acceptability (7.96). The total antioxidant capacity of HT2 was determined by the DPPH scavenging activity test by the method of Blois. The methanolic extracts of the herbal tea sample showed 76.12% radical scavenging activity whereas the sample extracted with DMSO showed a lower antioxidants capacity of 62.45%. The shelf life of the herbal tea was studied by storing in different packaging materials. HDPE Zip loc bags, tea bags (packed in paper cartons) and HDPE containers stored the product without spoilage over a period of six months. The developed herbal tea has a good market potential with significant health benefits.

Degenerative diseases have been reported as the main causes of mortality number in Indonesia. An unhealthy lifestyle, including lack of exercise combined with low of fiber and antioxidants diet, is believed as the main triggering factor. Functional foods which offer several benefits, including its built-in nutrition, the pharmacological effects, as well as the practical uses, is considered as one of the effective solutions to supply the antioxidant deficiency. Euphorbia hirta is an herbaceous plant that has been reported to have several important pharmacological activities, including in the prevention of some degenerative diseases through its antioxidative capacity. A type of functional food enriched with antioxidant has been formulated from the leaves of E. hirta and black tea (Camellia sinensis); however, the feasibility analysis of its processing industry has not been carried out. This study was aimed to analyze the marketing, technical, management, and financial feasibility of establishment of functional food industry of E. hirta herb combined with black tea. The feasibility was analyzed by considering the marketing aspects, technical aspects (process technology and plant layout), management aspects, and financial aspects as measured by the NPV, Net B/C, IRR, PBP, and BEP values. The financial analysis showed that the NPV was Rp81,520,549.00 with 1.30 of Net B/C, 27.64% of IRR, and 2.6 years of PBP. Based on the results, the planned industry is declared to be feasible especially in the aspects of marketing, technic, management, and financial.

The aim of this study was to use dried corn silk powder variety of VL Baby corn-1 for formulation of flavoured herbal tea with different combination of Thyme (Trachyspermum ammi), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Cinnamon powder (Cinnamomum verum), Timur (Zanthoxylum alatum), Tulsi (Holy basil) (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Gandraini (Achillea millefolium), Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), Blend (Clove + Timur + Gandraini), and one only corn silk without any other herbs and to know antioxidant properties of developed tea. Result of sensory evaluation experiment showed that all combinations were liked moderately. Lemon grass flavour followed by cinnamon and clove blend obtained highest score. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant activity for all flavour are analyzed and reported. Results on DPPH free radical scavenging activity indicated that corn silk tea had 81.215 ± 0.75 µg/mL whereas blend with Timur had significant highest value and Thyme blend had lowest value 64.20 ± 0.40 among all eight different blends with corn silk. The values for total antioxidant capacity blends with Timur (Zanthoxylum alatu) in corn silk showed significantly (P

Increasing the body's resistance to various environmental pollutants' adverse effects is one of medicine's essential tasks. In this regard, an active search for antimutagens to eliminate or weaken mutagens' effect in the body is currently underway. One of the promising sources of antimutagenic compounds is the medicinal plant Rosa majalis Herrm (rosehips). The genotoxic and antigenotoxic activity of rosehips was studied on cells of bone marrow, spleen, liver, and kidneys of laboratory mice using an alkaline variant Comet assay. It was found that rosehip infusions in various concentrations (infusion, diluted infusion and herbal tea) do not have a genotoxic effect on the cells of the studied organs of laboratory animals. The medicinal rosehip's combined action with classical mutagen MMS significantly reduced (p

Shehla Wasim Haque,1 Vidya-Saraswathi Muliya,1 Krishnaraj Somayaji,1 Kalyana-Chakravarthy Pentapati2 1Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India; 2Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, IndiaCorrespondence: Vidya-Saraswathi MuliyaDepartment of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, IndiaTel +91 944-825-2360Email vidya.saraswathi@manipal.eduObjective: To compare the color stability of the newer glass ionomer cements (GIC) when exposed to “Green tea” (GT), “Tulsi tea” (TT), and “Areca tea” (AT) using spectrophotometric analysis.Materials and Methods: We selected commercially available GC Fuji IX GP EXTRA and Ketac Universal for this study. Eighty disc-shaped samples were made using a mold, which were immersed in the freshly prepared test solutions (distilled water, GT, TT, and AT) for 15 minutes per day for 60 days. The color estimation was done using a spectrophotometer.Results: GC Fuji IX samples had a significantly higher mean difference in ΔE value than Ketac Universal when immersed in GT, AT, and control (P< 0.001, 0.018, and < 0.001), respectively. With GC Fuji IX, GT and AT stained more than TT and control solutions. Samples of Ketac Universal showed a significantly higher mean difference in ΔE values when immersed in AT, followed by GT, TT, and control.Conclusion: Within the study’s limitations, we conclude that both the GICs exhibited staining over time on exposure to all the test solutions. Ketac Universal demonstrated lower staining potential than GIC Fuji IX GP Extra for GT and AT.Keywords: staining, glass ionomer cement, dental, tea

Aspalathin (2′,3,4,4′,6′-pentahydroxy-3′-C-β-D-glucopyranosyldihydrochalcone) is a natural C-linked glucosyl dihydrochalcone present in Aspalathus linearis (Burm.f.) R.Dahlgren (rooibos), a South African endemic plant, popularly consumed globally as a herbal tea. Aspalathin is reported to possess potent anti-oxidant properties that are believed to be responsible for the health benefits of rooibos. Other pharmacological properties ascribed to the molecule include antidiabetic, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities. The role of aspalathin in limiting the progression of metabolic disorders and preventing diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications has been reported. The aforementioned potential health benefits of aspalathin have rendered it a popular natural ingredient that is incorporated in various nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products for protection against different conditions. Percutaneous permeation studies revealed some degree of absorption through the skin, supporting its use in cosmetic preparations. To perform an in-depth assessment of the scientific literature available on aspalathin, a bibliometric analysis was carried out on publications for the period 1965–2020, using the Scopus database. A total of 140 articles were retrieved, indicating that South African authors are major contributors to aspalathin research. The most common areas of investigation were identified as anti-oxidation, chemistry/chemical profiling, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities. A comprehensive literature search showed that there are currently only two available reviews on aspalathin. Hence, the present review aims to explore the history and fill gaps with regards to collating aspects of the synthesis, quality control, metabolism and various biological activities of the molecule.

Herbal tea is one of the types of drinks that is in demand by the public because herbal tea is one of the functional food types that has many benefits. In addition, herbal teas are also made from natural ingredients so that it is safe and easy to consume. Herbal tea is a term for beverage products made from ingredients other than tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). Therefore, there are many natural ingredients in the surrounding environment that can potentially be processed into herbal tea products. One of them is by utilizing moringa leaves, cinnamon, roselle and secang that known for it beneficial health effect.To increase the benefits for health also added fish collagen that can support the antioxidant and protein content in this moringa leaf herbal tea product. The purpose of this study is to find out which additional ingredients have the highest antioxidant activity and are best suited to support the content in moringa leaf herbal tea and to know the best concentration of fish collagen added.From the results of the study obtained the formulation of herbal tea drinks moringa leaves which is the best treatment in this study is the formulation of moringa: cinnamon (75:25) as well as the addition of fish collagen by 3% with a total phenol yield of 10.52 mgTAE/g; antioxidant activity of DPPH method 92.16%; antioxidant activity method FRAP 9,92 mgAAE/g; total dissolved protein 16.32%, taste value 1.95 and calcium content 94.29 ppm.

To optimize the benefits of herbal processed products, especially in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, an evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial functional properties of herbal teas has been carried out. The ginger and temulawak herbal tea products in this study showed the quality that met the qualifications of the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 3836:2013, with low levels of metal and microbial contamination and high antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium. In general, the ginger and temulawak teas produced have a distinctive taste, aroma, color, and texture, with a water content of 7.26-7.61%, ash 6.12-6.71%, water-soluble ash 95.48-97.01%, acid insoluble ash 0.160-0.275%, crude fiber 4.63-14%, phenolic 66.15– 95.58%, flavonoids 36.53–67.10%. © 2021, Rasayan Journal of Chemistry, c/o Dr. Pratima Sharma. All rights reserved.

Herbal teas composed of locally occurring plant species have long been used as the primary form of health care in Qingtian County, Zhejiang Province, China. However, large-scale emigration overseas and an aging population threaten the conservation of traditional knowledge of these herbal teas. Traditional knowledge about the plants used for these herbal teas is not well documented in Qingtian, despite their widespread use. The aim of this study was to assess the plant-cultural diversity of plants used as herbal teas, and to point out the prospective value of herbal teas used by Qingtian people. This study was conducted using semi-structured interviews, as well as field and market surveys. Forty-three local informants were interviewed. We recorded plant resources, plant parts used, local names, and medicinal uses. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including cognitive salience (CS), frequency of citation (FC), index of informant consensus (Fic) and use value (UV), were calculated to analyze the level of representativeness and relative importance of plants used in herbal teas. One hundred and twenty-nine species belonging to 75 families and 113 genera were reported to be used in herbal tea, with Compositae being the richest family. Whole plants are most commonly used to make herbal teas (66.7%). In this study, informants reported that 92.2% of plant species used in herbal teas are wild. The most utilized herbal preparation form is dry/fresh. Informants reported that herbal teas are used to treat 31 ailments. Our results show that the highest representativeness, based on CS and FC, was recorded for species Actinidia eriantha. Based on UV, the top five most used species are Goodyera schlechtendaliana, Plantago asiatica, Prunella vulgaris, Lophatherum gracile and Leonurus japonicus. The highest Fic was cited for dental medicine. This study helps document the status of current herbal teas in Qingtian. The use value and traditional knowledge of herbal teas have provided basic data for further research focused on bioactivity studies and sustainable utilization of the most important species.

Mulberries are recognized botanically as Morus which is a species of blossoming plants in Moraceae family. The mulberry leaves are used as a functional food, mostly in the form of herbal tea.The drawback in the traditional method of mulberry leaf processing is the loss of antioxidant properties during drying. Hence, this manuscript focuses on different techniques used in the processing of mulberry leaves. Drying is the most important unit operation for the processing of mulberry leaves and antioxidant properties are directly dependent on drying temperature (40-70 oC). The extraction yield, solvent consumption, extraction time and quality of extracts can be improved by the use of high-pressure, microwave, ultrasound, and supercritical fluids. The encapsulation process provides the stability and improves the shelf-life of bioactive components in mulberry leaves. The leaves extract in different value added form significantly helps to lower blood sugar, inflammation levels, and fighting against heart disease.

Aims: Herbal medicines are widely used because of its health benefits and minimum side effects. There are many underutilized medicinal herbs in Sri Lanka which are not subjected to any scientific study to prove their health benefits. The present study attempted to identify the health benefits and possibility to develop herbal teas from selected herbs; Solanum trilobatum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Acalypha indica and Plectranthus amboinicus. Study Design: Complete Randomized Design was employed. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory of Uva Wellassa University, Badulla, Sri Lanka From November 2018 to March 2019. Methodology: Leaf samples of these herbs were oven dried for 12 hours at 50 . Infusions were prepared by boiling varying amounts of leaf samples from 1g to 5g in 100 ml of distilled water and tested for antioxidant activity with DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay and α-amylase inhibition activity using Dinitrosalicylic acid method. Sensory evaluation was conducted for the same infusions with ISO-3103 specifications to select the best amounts of samples for consumption. The selected amounts were subjected to chemical analysis. Results: The best antioxidant activity and α-amylase inhibition activity were observed in C.halicacabum with 7.71 mg ml-1 and 45.51 mg ml-1 IC50 values respectively. Results confirmed that all leaf infusions contain Anthocyanin (4.20-0.11mg dm-3), Polyphenols (120.49-32.93 mg dm-3 and Free Sugar (262.95-24.67mg dm-3). Conclusion: Selected herbs show positive responses towards selected biochemical properties and there is a very good potential to develop herbal teas with interesting health benefits with high customer attraction. C. halicacabum shows the best potential among selected herbs. However, it is suggested to carry out further studies to confirm these results and find out any adverse effects of overconsumption.

Ligustrum robustum (Roxb.) Blume is utilized as a traditional Chinese herbal tea with various health benefits and protective effects. Streptococcus mutans is an important cariogenic oral bacteria species. The present study aimed to assess the influence of Ligustrum robustum extract (LRE) on the biofilm formation of S. mutans and the mechanism of its action, as well as to identify its chemical components. For chemical identification, HPLC-MS and nuclear magnetic resonance were applied and four identified phytochemicals were reported (Ligurobustoside B, Ligurobustoside N, Ligurobustoside J, and Ligurobustoside C). The dose-dependent (0.5 to 2.0 μg/μL) antimicrobial toxicity of LRE against S. mutans biofilm formation and exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesis was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), Crystal violet stain, and CFU counting. The microstructure of S. mutans biofilm treated with LRE was investigated both on glass coverslips and ex vivo bovine dental enamel by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, LRE downregulated the expression of S. mutans glucosyltransferase-encoding genes gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD, and the quorum sensing (QS) factors comD and comE, suggesting its toxic mechanism. In addition, the result of CCK-8 test on human oral cells revealed an acceptable biocompatibility of LRE. These findings indicated the possible application of this daily consumed herbal tea for caries prevention.

Searching for natural and safe herbal tea with health benefits has attracted more and more attention, which is of great significance for reducing disease risk. A Chinese traditional herbal tea (HT) is rich in active ingredients extracted from natural plants. Numerous pharmacological studies showed that HT had the potential to improve health, including antidepression and antioxidant effects. In this study, we proposed a strategy to explore the role and underlying mechanism of HT in improving healthspan of a Caenorhabditis elegans model. First, we found that HT significantly prolonged the lifespan without reducing fertility in worms. Second, stress resistance (oxidative stress and heat stress) was enhanced and Aβ- and polyQ-induced toxicity was relieved significantly by HT treatment. Both fat deposition and age pigment accumulation were found to be significantly reduced in HT-treated worms. The locomotion in mid-late stages was improved, indicating that behavioral mobility was also significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the main components of HT were eighteen polyphenols and two terpenoids. Finally, it was found that this protective mechanism was positively correlated with the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling- (IIS-) dependent manner, which went through promoting the nuclear localization of DAF-16 and its downstream SOD-3 expression. These results suggested that HT had an important role in improving health, which might serve as a promising healthy tea.

Medicinal plants, which are used as drugs to prevent diseases, maintain health or cure diseases, take place in areas such as nutrition, cosmetics, body care, incense or religious ceremonies, while aromatic plants are used in different industrial areas to give fragrance and taste are used. Flora of Turkey has a rich plant diversity. Secondary metabolites such as essential oils, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins etc. are the most basic products of the industry directly or indirectly. The vast majority of medicinal and aromatic plants rich in secondary metabolites exhibit strong biological activity (antioxidant, antibacterial, etc.). Therefore, these secondary metabolites are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. The most common and practical use of secondary metabolites, which are also used as natural insecticides, is in the form of herbal tea. In recent years, the more side effects of synthetic origin substances, especially the resistance of organisms against synthetic drugs used as antimicrobials, have increased the importance of natural herbal resources and medicinal plants carrying these substances. Therefore, there is no doubt that the demand for secondary metabolites, which are natural products, will increase in the future. Flora of Turkey is an important source for natural products which will be developed newly.

Summary Plants have been used to prepare herbal infusions for centuries. Production of herbal tea consists of several steps, beginning with harvesting, cleaning form residues, drying, storage of herb in a suitable material, grinding, and blending. Te plants grow in different regions and climatic conditions, varying by their physical properties. They are consumed for different purposes and due to their chemical constituents. Many of them have therapeutic effects. Besides their various benefits and even antimicrobial effects, they also carry some microorganisms. Thus, the botanical characteristics and effects on the health of frequently consumed herbal teas and recommendations on their consumption with considered microbial risks are reviewed in this article.

Sweet tea (Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehd.) has been consumed as herbal tea to prevent and manage diabetes for a long time. Recent studies indicate that sweet tea is rich in a variety of bioactive compounds, especially a class of nonclassical flavonoids, dihydrochalcones. In order to provide a better understanding of sweet tea and its main dihydrochalcones on human health, this review mainly summarizes related literature in the recent ten years, with the potential molecular mechanisms emphatically discussed. Phlorizin, phloretin, and trilobatin, three natural sweeteners, are the main dihydrochalcones in sweet tea. In addition, sweet tea and its dihydrochalcones exhibit plenty of health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects, which are associated with the regulation of different molecular targets and signaling pathways. Therefore, sweet tea, as a rare natural source of dihydrochalcones, can be processed and developed into nutraceuticals or functional foods, with the potential application in the prevention and management of certain chronic diseases.

Siraitia grosvenori fruits are used as a sweetener and in traditional medicine. Their composition is more frequently studied contrary to flowers or herbal tea made of this plant. Infusions or decoctions of S. grosvenori flowers and herbal tea, commercially available products for daily use, are ingested into our body in terms of herbal medicine with potentially health beneficial impact. Mogrosides are supposed to be responsible for biological activities of S. grosvenori; however, it is well known that polysaccharides can also exhibit interesting biological activities. Composition of purified polysaccharidic complex matrices, isolated from S. grosvenori flowers and herbal tea by infusion and decoction, was the target of our study performed mainly by GC–MS and NMR. Characteristic NMR spectral features allowed an identification of the arabinogalactan type II and acidic biopolymers, homogalacturonan and highly esterified homogalacturonan in infusions of the herbal tea and flower and decoction of flowers. In the decoction sample of herbal tea inulin was found as the dominant polysaccharide. Comparison of compositional and linkage analyses data with those of 2D NMR spectra allowed an identification of fine structural elements of arabinogalactan polymers.

Objective To compare the effect of Green, Tulsi, and Areca teas on the color stability of two composite materials on the 30th and 60th days. Materials and Methods Two light cure composite restorative materials, Brilliant EverGlow (Group 1) and Brilliant NG, (Group 2) with different resin and filler characteristics were selected. The test solutions selected were Green tea, Tulsi tea, Areca tea, and artificial saliva (control group). In total, 104-disc shaped specimens were fabricated using a custom made brass mold as per the manufacturer instructions. All specimens were put in storage for rehydration and complete polymerization at 37°C in distilled water for 24 hours. Specimens of each composite material were randomly divided into four subgroups of 13 samples. Tea solutions were freshly prepared, and specimens were immersed in the respective solutions every day for 15 minutes for 60 days. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva after the immersion regimen. The color evaluation was done before immersion, on the 30th and 60th day, using a digital reflectance spectrophotometer. Results At 30 days, Group 1 specimens immersed in Areca and Green teas showed significantly higher mean values than those in control and Tulsi tea. At 60 days in Group 1, specimens in Areca tea showed significantly higher mean value, followed by Green tea, Tulsi tea, and control. At 30 and 60 days in group 2, specimens in control had significantly lower mean values than other tea preparations. Group 1 showed a higher mean difference in ΔE than Group 2 specimens immersed in Green and Areca teas at 30 days (P=0.001 and 0.001) and 60 days (P=0.001 and

Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) is the most widely consumed citrus fruit in Côte d'Ivoire. They are rich in bioactive compound. Also, their peels or flavedo rejected during consumption have a high content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential oils. However, in Côte D'Ivoire, studies are limited to the characterization of orange peel (Citrus sinensis). Our study therefore aims to determine the phytochemical composition of herbal teas obtained from the orange peel (Citrus sinensis) in order to contribute to their valorisation as herbal teas. The Citrus sinensis zests were collected in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) in Adjamé community. An herbal tea was produced and subjected to phytochemical and physicochemical tests. The results showed that the moisture content of the different batches varies from 14.13±0.41 to 7.2%±0.2; the oven-dried batches showed the lowest value. In addition, the ash content remains statistically different between batches. The herbal teas studied had an average ash content of 6.53%. The pH values negatively correlated to acidity range from 3.92±0.2 to 3.21±0.15. Also, these herbal teas contain several secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and saponins. This study shows that herbal teas made from orange peel contain several phytochemicals including antioxidants. In addition, their high ash content suggests a high mineral content. Therefore, orange peels can be used in the form of herbal teas as a dietary supplement.

Cultivation of selected Cyclopia species, including C. subternata, is the only viable option to ensure that the current growth trajectory of the honeybush industry is maintained. Gaps in honeybush production knowledge still exist, including the optimum harvest season for production of good quality honeybush, as defined by the phenolic content of the leaves, which is related to bioactivity of extracts, as well as the sensory profile of the herbal tea. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal harvest season for achieving the maximum accumulation of phenolic compounds in the leaves of six genotypes (SGD2, SGD3, SGD6, STB1, SHL2, SKB3) under evaluation by the honeybush breeding programme of the Agricultural Research Council. The major phenolic compounds were quantified by HPLC-DAD. Plants were harvested in summer, autumn, winter and spring. The plant material was also processed to determine whether genotype and harvest season affect the sensory profile of honeybush tea as determined by descriptive sensory analysis. Both genotype and harvest season affected the phenolic content of the leaves and the sensory profile of the herbal tea. Overall, the summer harvest delivered the better product. SGD3 emerged as the genotype with the highest total phenolic content of the leaves (p

Background.Thunbergia laurifolia(TL) is a commonly used herbal medicine in Thailand and in other Asian countries. TL has been approved as a Thai traditional medicine for detoxifying poisons, and the list of possible adverse effects includes hypoglycemia. TL showed hypoglycemic effect in animals possibly due to antioxidant effect and beta-cell preservation. However, the safety of TL herbal tea and its effects on glucose homeostasis have never been investigated in humans.Methods. Twenty healthy volunteers (10 men and 10 women) drank TL herbal tea 3 times/day for 2 weeks. Ten subjects took TL herbal tea 9 grams daily. After the safety of TL herbal tea was established, 10 more subjects took TL 12 grams daily. Clinical and biochemical tests were assessed at baseline and at 2 weeks.Results. Mean age was 34.9 ± 10.2 years, and mean body mass index was 27.5 ± 5.8 kg/m2. Baseline and posttreatment plasma concentrations were as follows: fasting plasma glucose (89 ± 6 vs.89 ± 7 mg/dL), fructosamine (213 ± 32 vs.212 ± 33 μmol/L), fasting insulin (8.8 [IQR: 5.9–18.4] vs.10.4 [IQR: 7.4–15.2]μU/mL), HOMA-B (101.6 [IQR: 82.3–189.8] vs.120.4 [IQR: 93.2–153.2]), and HOMA-IR (1.1 [IQR: 0.8–2.3] vs.1.4 [IQR: 0.9–2.0]), all respectively. There were no significant changes in these parameters, including body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, and C-reactive protein. No serious adverse events were observed during the study period.Conclusions. TL herbal tea at doses of 9 and 12 grams daily had good tolerability without any significant adverse effects on fasting plasma glucose level or other glucose homeostasis parameters measured.

Background : Diets that contain lots of antioxidants will reduce the risk caused by degenerative diseases. Based on this, many people develop food or health products that contain antioxidants. Jempiring leaves ( Gardenia jasminoides Ellis) and Secang wood ( Caesalpinia sappan L.) contain bioactive and antioxidant compositions that are beneficial to health, so they are developed into herbal products. Purpose : To analyze phytochemical reserves, antioxidant capacity and conduct organoleptic tests for Ring Cang tea, describing the benefits of ring rings based on laboratory test results and literature studies on jempiring leaves and secang wood. Method : This research is a descriptive study by conducting phytochemical testing laboratory tests and DPPH antioxidant methods and conducting organoleptic tests with 15 panelists. Results : Ring tea can contain flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids and polyphenols. Ring Cang tea has an antioxidant capacity of 291.43 mg / L and IC50 1.53 μg / mL which shows the antioxidant activity of ring cang tea in the very strong category. Ring tea can be tested organoleptically accepted by panelists in terms of color, taste, and aroma, so that it can be developed into herbal teas for the community. Conclusion: Cang tea is an antioxidant tea that can be used in handling generative or degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and other diseases.

The aerial parts of Polygonum chinense L. var. hispidum are one of the key herbs in Cantonese herbal tea, which is quite a common local beverage in LingNan area of China. Previous investigation has found that this herb possesses antioxidant activity and the ethyl acetate fraction of its ethanol extract shows the strongest antioxidant activity. However, little is known about its antioxidant chemical constituents. The aim of this research was to investigate the active constituents of this plant by identifying and characterizing the chemical profile in ethyl acetate fraction using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, which can provide characteristic ultraviolet absorption, accurate molecular weight, and diagnostic tandem mass spectrometry fragment ions. As a result, 85 compounds were identified including 22 flavonoids, 12 ellagic acids, 34 ellagitannins, 16 phenolic acids, and one phenolic amide. All the phenolic compounds identified in this work, especially ethyl gallate, geraniin, chebulagic acid, and quercitrin with the higher peak areas in the ultra high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry chemical profile of this plant, could be the bioactive principles responsible for the antioxidant activity. These findings in the present study could benefit further studies involving the functions and chemicals of this plant, and provide scientific evidence for usage of Cantonese herbal tea.

Objective The aims of this study was to determine the effect of giving 14 days of African leaf herbal tea to FBG levels of prediabetes teachers. Method A quasi-experimental study using the non-randomized pretest posttest method. There were 30 samples. Levels of FBG, Anthropometry and Recall 24-hours collected had been divided into 3 study groups are dose of 2 grams (group I), 4 g (group II) and controls. Result 5.3% decreases in FBG levels of group I, 5.6% in group II, and 0.5% increase in FBG levels of control group. There was no significant difference in FBG levels before and after intervention in group I (p = 0.057), group II (p = 0.252), and control group (p = 0.928). Conclusion Consumption of 4 g of African leaf herbal tea for 14 days reduces FBG best. It is recommended to consume African leaf herbal tea to reduce blood glucose levels in patients with prediabetes.

Achillea species (Asteraceae) are important medicinal foods widely used as traditional medicine, herbal tea, and food additives. In the present study, the chemical composition, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and enzyme inhibitory activities (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, cholinesterase, and tyrosinase) of the essential oils (EOs) and ethanolic (EtOH) extracts from flowers and leaves of Achillea filipendulina were investigated. The EOs were characterized by the presence of 35 and 38 volatile constituents, representing 98.88% and 97.26% of the flowers and leaves oils, respectively. Chrysanthenyl acetate (19.11% and 16.26%), 1,8-cineole (17.18% and 12.01%), borneol (9.70% and 7.66%), and α-pinene (9.60% and 8.77%) were identified as the major compounds. Phenolics profiling showed 11 phenolic acid and flavonoids are presented in this herb flower and leaves EtOH extracts of which chlorogenic acid (214.95 and 154.54 mg/100 g extract), cinnamic acid (116.67 and 90.41 mg/100 g extract), and apigenin (204.89 and 228.28 mg/100 g extract) were the major ingredients. Moreover, the extracts contained significant amounts of total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and saponin compounds. All samples showed moderate to high inhibitory effects against key enzyme linked to Alzheimer’s and diabetes diseases. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited promising antityrosinase activity. Evaluation of antiproliferative activity exerted that flower of the plant had the highest effect on MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cell lines, while the plant essential oil didn’t have significant effect. Overall, our findings indicated that A. filipendulina has great potential for designing novel industrial formulations including pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) leaves are produced as the by product when kenaf stems were harvested. The kenaf leaves was examed for the applicable possibility as herbal tea due to their rich phenolic content. In this study, the effect of steam blanching and high temperature drying on physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and consumer acceptability of the kenaf tea leaves were studied. Results showed that steam blanching prior oven-drying improved the extractability of phenolic compounds, leading to the increase in total flavonoid content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Drying at 120 °C was able to preserve more phenolic compounds, at the same time developing better taste, mouthfeel, and overall acceptability of kenaf leaves tea. Caffeic acid, tannic acid, catechin, and chlorogenic acid in kenaf tea leaves infusion were analyzed by ultra high performances liquid chromatography. In conclusion, steam blanching prior to 120 °C oven-drying was the best process method for the production of kenaf leaves into acceptable tea type.

Fractional iron absorption (FAFe) from ferrous fumarate (FeFum) and ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) in adults is generally comparable. While FeFum is commonly used to fortify infant foods, FAFe from FeFum in young children and infants may be decreased compared with FeSO4 and this effect has not been assessed in inhibitory vs noninhibitory meals. Previous studies also reported FAFe to be strongly correlated in mother–child pairs. Our objective was to measure FAFe from fortified bread labeled with 58FeSO4 and 57FeFum in mother–child pairs with and without a commonly consumed herbal tea of Combretum micranthum (Tisane Kinkeliba, TK). Senegalese mother–child pairs (n = 17) were randomly assigned to receive, in a 2 × 2 factorial design, fortified bread with 58FeSO4 or 57FeFum consumed with TK or water. FAFe was assessed by measuring erythrocyte incorporation of stable iron-isotopes 14 days after administration. In children, relative bioavailability (RBV) from FeFum was 51 and 64% compared with FeSO4 when served with TK or water (both, P

Polyscias fruticosa belongs to Araliaceae family widely cultivated in Vietnam. It is a medical plant highly valued recently owing to its diversified therapeutic functions. It’s exploited in all parts including root, bark and leaf for medicinal purposes. In the herbal tea production, the final step is normally ended with the roasting in order to improve its flavor and aroma. There’s a concern about the detrimental effect of thermal roasting to the stability of phytochemical constituents. In this research, we attempted to evaluate the reduction of total phenolic (mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid (mg QE/100 g), DPPH radical-scavenging ability (mM TE/100 g), FRAP ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (mM TE/100 g) in root, bark and leaf of Polyscias fruticosa under different roasting conditions. All samples were steamed in vapor for 30 seconds before being dried by convective dryer at 45°C for 6 hours to final moisture content around 12%. Then these samples would be roasted in different conditions (125/15; 130/12, 135/9, 140/6, 145/3, °C/minutes). Our results revealed that roasting at 135/9°C/minutes was appropriate to preserve the most phytochemical constituents.

The Lime Basra (Citrus aurantifolia Linn., Rutaceae) plant also known as dried lime, and Limoo Omani, is used both as a spice in meals and as an herbal tea in the treatment of some diseases in the Middle East. It was aimed to determine the biological activity screening of the 70% methanol, ethanol extracts and infusion which were prepared from dried fruits. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPHBLACK CIRCLE) and 2,2MODIFIER LETTER PRIME-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS+(BLACK CIRCLE)) radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing activity, cytotoxicity on A 549, MCF 7 and L929 cell lines and alpha-amylase inhibitory effects were determined. According to the results, 70% methanol extract was more active in antioxidant activity tests and ethanol extract was more active in cytotoxicity tests. Interestingly both 70% methanol and ethanol extracts were found to have potent hypoglycemic activity. The present findings shed light on the fact that it is important to research and scientifically evaluate plants with traditional medicinal use.

Jasonia glutinosa (L.) DC., also known in Spain as "te de roca" (rock tea, RT), is an endemic plant species of the Iberian Peninsula and Southern France. Traditionally, it is used in infusions, prepared with the flowering aerial parts, as a digestive and anti-inflammatory herbal tea. Despite the traditional knowledge of this plant as a digestive after meals, there are hardly any scientific studies that support its use. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of RT extract on physiological targets related to metabolic diseases such as obesity. For this purpose, enzyme inhibition bioassays of lipase, α-glucosidase and fatty acid amide hydrolase were carried out in cell-free systems. Similarly, adipocytes derived from 3T3-L1 cells were employed to study the effects of the extract on adipocyte differentiation and triglyceride (TG) accumulation. RT extract was able to inhibit lipase, α-glucosidase and fatty acid amide hydrolase. Furthermore, the extract displayed anti-adipogenic properties in a dose-dependent manner as it significantly reduced TG accumulation during adipocyte differentiation. These results may explain from a molecular perspective the beneficial effects of RT in the prevention of metabolic-associated disorders such as obesity, diabetes and related complications.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a herbaceous plant from family Astereaceae, that has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The first written report of chamomile was found in Ancient Egypt: crushed chamomile flower-heads were used to relieve skin inflammation, prevent dermatitis, and in cosmetic preparations. The subject of this study was to examine the ethnopharmacological application of chamomile in the Pirot County of Serbia. The study was conducted in the form of a population survey on the population of four municipalities: Pirot, Babusnica, Bela Palanka, and Dimitrovgrad. This study shows that chamomile has been one of the ten best known medicinal plant species in Pirot County. The most common way of the application was a herbal tea for oral use against cold, stomach diseases, throat infection, and mild sedation. Externally, in the form of compresses, it has been used against eye swelling, skin inflammation, and infections, while the oily form was used in the treatment of wounds and burns.

Rosa canina, commonly known as the dog rose, is a deciduous shrub from family Rosaceae. The fruit of dog rose has a long tradition of culinary and medicinal use worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyze the ethnopharmacological application of rose in Pirot County (Southeastern Serbia). The study was conducted in the form of surveys among the population in four municipalities: Pirot, Babušnica, Bela Palanka, and Dimitrovgrad. It was noticed that rose is one of the ten best known medicinal plants in Pirot County. The fruit, named rosehip, is usually used in the folk medicine of the County in the form of herbal tea instead of coffee. Fresh rosehip contains a large amount of vitamin C and is thus usually consumed by the people of the Pirot County to prevent and treat colds, influenza, vitamin C deficiencies, and for disease prevention.

In this study, purple basil leaves were dried in 3 different methods (oven, microwave, and shade drying) and then infused 5 different times in hot water at 90 oC. Analyses of total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, total monomeric anthocyanin content, and color parameters were performed on tea samples. When the analysis results were evaluated, the best results were determined in the tea samples prepared from the leaves dried in the oven and in the shade, at brewing times of 10 and 15 minutes. 45 minutes was the best infusion time for the tea sample prepared from microwave dried leaves. When the three different drying methods were compared, the shade drying method gave better results than the other drying methods. According to the highest values obtained from the analysis results, the effect of the functional compounds in the purple basil leaves on the tea was calculated. It was determined that the highest percentage of phenolic compounds in tea was found in the samples prepared by the shade drying method.

Because of their attractive and colorful flowers, many species from the genus Aster serve as garden plants. Chrysanthemum owes its popularity to its ornamental and medicinal herb value. It can be used as a cut flower, potted plant, vegetable, and herbal tea. Plant breeders have attempted to identify the available species and produce new cultivars to improve the quality of chrysanthemum for commercial purposes. The use of cytogenetic studies has paved the way for identifying compatibility, ancestry, and other useful information for this undertaking. Thus, an investigation was conducted into the chromosome numbers of 23 wild Asteraceae species in Republic of Korea to determine their genetic characteristics and variations. The somatic chromosome spread has been used for chromosome counting. The results revealed that Asteraceae species have a chromosome range from 18 (diploid) to 54 (hexaploid). These findings provide primary and important information on the chromosome numbers in chrysanthemum plants that can be used to select the right variety for cultivation.

This paper discusses how to produce herbal teabags as a source of low-calorie antioxidants made from African leaves and stevia leaves. This study aims to determine the antioxidant content of herbal teabags mixed with African leaves (Vernonia amygdalina Del.) and Stevia leaves (Stevia Rebaudiana) by drying and varying drying time by 90 minutes, 110 minutes, 130 minutes, 150 minutes, 170 minutes and composition of 60:40, 65:35, 70:30, 75:25, 80:20 then the product is analyzed for antioxidants, calories, Fe, organoleptic, microbes, pH, and minerals contained in the mixture. In general, when compared with the SNI 3753: 2014 quality standard regarding teabag, the results of this study are better than the standard as it produces teabags with the highest antioxidant content characteristics at the time of drying 110 minutes with a composition of 65:35. In that condition, tea with the largest antioxidant content was 93.1005%/mg, after being brewed with water at a temperature of 700 ºC the antioxidant content dropped to 51.1345%, pH neutral 7, the organoleptic test that consumers liked was a composition of 65:35, Fe content obtained 12.07 mg/100gram. The group of diabetics who consume Sumatran tea has decreased blood sugar levels which tend to be normal. The results of calorie analysis of brewing tea are 0.2289 kcal/100 grams of sample. Sumatran tea contains minerals Na, Mg, K, Ca and has a durability of 3 months.

Leysera gnaphalodes (L.) L. (viz., Leyssera gnaphalioides L.) is an aromatic, medicinal Cape herbal tea endemic to southern Africa. The plant is known by many different vernacular names, most relating to its use as tea: geelblommetjiestee, duinetee(bossie), skilpadtee(bossie), teringtee(bossie), hongertee and geeltee. According to historical literature and recent ethnobotanical surveys in the Little Karoo, this aromatic shrublet is a treatment for numerous respiratory ailments, especially ‘tering’ (tuberculosis). Previous studies have reported the presence of several diterpenes and triterpenes, but the main essential oil compounds have remained unknown. These were identified as α-pinene, β-pinene, p-cymene, carvacrol and bicyclogermacrene. Multicellular glandular trichomes are present on the leaf surface, which may be the site of oil production and/or accumulation. Leysera gnaphalodes has been reported to exhibit significant anti-mycobacterial activity against three Mycobacterium micro-organisms. The traditional claim of its efficacy as a treatment against tuberculosis, as reflected by the common name teringtee (‘tuberculosis tea’) therefore appears plausible. This activity seems to be primarily associated with the presence of the well-known pentacyclic triterpenoids, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid.

Elsholtzia rugulosa Hemsl., a species of the Labiatae family, has a long history of use as a honey plant, herbal tea, and folk medicine in China. However, little is known about its composition and biological activities. The present study aimed to investigate the total phenol and flavonoid contents, phytochemical composition, and multiple biological activities of this plant. The total flavonoid content of the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) was higher than those of the petroleum ether fraction (PEF), n-butanol fraction (NBF), and water fraction (WF). The EAF also had much stronger antioxidant, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities than the PEF, NBF, and WF. More importantly, the IC50 values of the EAF and NBF against α-glucosidase were much lower than that of the positive control acarbose, indicating their potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. The isolation of the EAF led to the acquisition of 9 compounds, four of which (β-daucosterol, methyl rosmarinate, betulinic acid, and oleanolic acid) possessed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Maltol 6'-O-(5-O-p-coumaroyl)-β-D-apiofuranosyl-β-D-glucopyranoside and rosmarinic acid were the major phenolic compounds in the EAF according to the HPLC-DAD analysis. All these findings indicate that the EAF, NBF, and some isolated compounds have the potential to be developed as antidiabetic drugs. Moreover, the dual inhibition of AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) of certain fractions indicates their potential in the development of anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs. The present study provides a new understanding of the phytochemistry and bioactivity of E. rugulosa.

Clinacanthus nutans Lindau (Family: Acanthaceae) is a medicinal herb widely distributed in the tropic and subtropic areas of Asia. C. nutans is traditionally consumed as vegetable or herbal tea, as well as a folk medicine for anticancer and antifungal activities. However, to date, chemical constituent responsible for observed health beneficial effects of this medicinal plant is not clear. In the current study, 32 compounds (1−32), including three new megastigmanes (1–3) were isolated from the aerial parts of C. nutans. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive NMR, MS, and CD spectroscopic data analysis, as well as chemical hydrolysis. Among the isolates, cycloartane triterpenoids (9, 10, and 12) displayed moderate anti-proliferative effects against HepG2 cell growth with IC50 values ranging from 9.12 to 19.89 μM. Data obtained from flow cytometry analysis and western blotting assays revealed that compounds 9 and 12 induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells by modulating the expression of proteins associated to mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, megastigmanes 1, 2, 7, and 8 enhanced the anti-Candida albicans activity of amphotericin B (AmB), supporting the synergistic effects between megastigmanes and AmB. This is the first report of anticancer and antifungal potential of cycloartane triterpenoids and megastigmanes in C. nutans, which shed useful insights on the relationship between C. nutans's chemical constituent and its beneficial effects to health. Findings from this study support further development of this medicinal plant for potential pharmaceutical applications.

Cây sâm xuyên đá tên khoa học Myxopyrum smilacifolium (Wall.) Blume, lá cây là chất làm se, chát, ngọt, sinh nhiệt, giảm đau, dị ứng, giải nhiệt và thuốc bổ… Hiện nay, sử dụng cây sâm xuyên đá chủ yếu chỉ sử dụng thân, rễ. Vì vậy việc nghiên cứu trà túi lọc từ lá sâm xuyên đá có ý nghĩa về khoa học và thực tiễn. Nghiên cứu cho thấy lá sâm xuyên đá có độ ẩm 69,95%, tro 2,15%, tanin 1,25%. Quy trình chế biến trà túi lọc từ lá sâm xuyên đá Thái Nguyên với các thông số kỹ thuật của các công đoạn chính như sau: Nhiệt độ sấy lá sâm xuyên đá là 70ºC, nghiền nguyên liệu với kích thước 1 < d ≤ 3 mm. Để tạo ra sản phẩm có chất lượng cảm quan tốt, cỏ ngọt, lạc tiên và nhân trần được bổ sung với tỷ lệ tương ứng 5%, 10% và 8%. Sản phẩm cho vi sinh vật hiếu khí 6,3.10⁴ vi khuẩn/ g, nấm men – nấm mốc 1,5.103 khuẩn lạc/ g đạt theo TCVN 7975 – 2008 về chè thảo mộc túi lọc.

Helichrysum italicumis an aromatic plant with promising pharmacological activities. Bioactive compounds found in plants represent an important alternative treatment for weight loss and an infusion ofH. italicumcontains compounds which could have such effect. Our aim was, therefore, to investigate its acute effects on resting energy expenditure (REE) and possible differences in substrate oxidation in a pilot study. A dried, ground plant material ofH. italicumssp.italicumwas infused with hot water and chemically characterized with HPLC-MS analysis. Sensory evaluation of herbal tea was performed. A randomized, crossover, controlled pilot study was then conducted on eleven healthy male subjects. The REE and substrate oxidation were measured by indirect calorimetry at baseline and 30 and 120 min after ingestion of infusion or hot water. The expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism was examined inH. italicuminfusion-treated hepatocytes. Several phenolic classes were identified in the infusion, caffeoylquinic acids were the most abundant, followed by pyrones and flavonols. A single ingestion ofH. italicuminfusion significantly increased REE by 4% and fat oxidation by 12% compared to hot water ingestion. A significant 2-fold up-regulation of β-oxidation-related genes in HepG2 cells, exposed toH. italicuminfusion, was detected. This pilot study suggests thatH. italicuminfusion possesses bioactive substances with potential application in obesity prevention, which could, with additional studies, become an economically interesting novel application of the plant. Clinical trial registration number: NCT04818905

Equiseti herba has been traditionally indicated in bacterial diseases of the efferent urinary tract or bad healing wounds in many regions worldwide. Most of the plant material used for medical purposes comes from collections of wild growing plants. The European Pharmacopoeia requires that Equiseti herba should consist of a minimum of 95% Equisetum arvense and a maximum of 5% foreign ingredients. This includes Equisetum palustre, which is known for its potentially toxic alkaloid palustrine. However, both Equisetum species are quite common, look morphologically very similar, and share similar habitats, hence, are therefore often confused. Recently, several structurally related Equisetum alkaloids have been identified in E. palustre but not in E. arvense. We have established a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for the detection of these E. palustre-specific Equisetum alkaloids in order to quantify the contamination of Equiseti herba (E. arvense) by E. palustre plant material. In a second, independent approach, the results of the HPLC-MS/MS analysis were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, looking for the species-specific characteristics of the stoma apparatus of E. palustre. Thirty-four Equiseti herba products obtained from different pharmacies, drug stores, supermarkets, and web stores were analyzed. The majority of the products (26 out of 34) were Equisetum alkaloid positive, with contents ranging from 0.29 – 21.7 mg of Equisetum alkaloids/kg (d. w.). In addition, the transfer of Equisetum alkaloids into tea infusions was investigated, demonstrating a 42 to 60% transfer rate for cold and hot water extraction of Equisetum alkaloid-contaminated Equiseti herba, respectively.

The genus Hibiscus has more than 300 globally distributed species. This plant is well known for its bast fiber biogenesis, while its nutritional and medicinal values are largely ignored. Consequently, the nutritional properties of the Roselle variety, BJRI mesta-2, are unknown. Therefore, this study was carried out to analyze the nutritional composition of our selected Roselle tissues to support the nutritional requirements for humans in early summer in Bangladesh. Leaves were found to be a good source of calcium (2.7%), magnesium (1.6%), ash (7.34%), vitamin A (165.9%), and vitamin C (94.88%), whereas calyx was the potential source of potassium (1.9%), iron (422%), manganese (126%), and moisture (87.45%). Roselle seeds also have edible oil-producing capabilities, along with their nutritional properties. Our results indicate that BJRI mesta-2 can be an additional source of leafy vegetables, along with its herbal tea and edible oil contents.

Wedelia chinensis, which belongs to the Asteraceae family, is a procumbent, perennial herb. It has medicinal anti-inflammatory properties and has been traditionally used as folk medicine in East and South Asia for treating fever, cough and phlegm. In Taiwan, W. chinensis is a common ingredient of herbal tea. Previous studies showed that the plant leaves contain four major bioactive compounds, wedelolactone, demethylwedelolactone, luteolin and apigenin, that have potent antihepatoxic activity, and are thus used as major ingredients in phytopharmaceutical formulations. In this study, we set up optimal conditions for induction of ploidy in W.&nbsp, chinensis. Ploidy can be an effective method of increasing plant biomass and improving medicinal and ornamental characteristics. By using flow cytometry and chicken erythrocyte nuclei as a reference, the DNA content (2C) or genome size of W. chinensis was determined to be 4.80 picograms (pg) in this study for the first time. Subsequently, we developed the successful induction of five triploid and three tetraploid plants by using shoot explants treated with different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 g/L) of colchicine. No apparent morphological changes were observed between these polyploid plants and the diploid wild-type (WT) plant, except that larger stomata in leaves were found in all polyploid plants as compared to diploid WT. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify the four index compounds (wedelolactone, demethylwedelolactone, luteolin, apigenin) in these polyploid plants, and fluctuating patterns were detected. This is the first report regarding polyploidy in the herbal plant W. chinensis.