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Camellia sinensis teas, and tisanes derived from herbs or fruit, are rich in polyphenolic, antioxidant compounds. This study compared the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), DPPH radical scavenging capacity, and caffeine content of teas (black, green, white, chamomile, and mixed berry/hibiscus) over a range of infusion times (0.5–10 mins) at 90°C. Green, followed by black tea, respectively, had the greatest TPC (557.58 and 499.19μg GAE/g), TFC (367.84 and 325.18μg QE/g), FRAP (887.38 and 209.38μg TE/g), and DPPH radical scavenging capacity (1233.03 and 866.39μg AAE/g). Caffeine content per cup (200mL) in black, green, and white tea was 63, 51, and 49mg respectively. Changes in the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of teas were modelled using zero, first, and fractional-conversion-first-order (FCFO) kinetic models. Results fitted a FCFO kinetic model, providing useful data for maximum phytochemical preservation in the optimisation of industrial and domestic processing. As a dietary comparison, green, black, and white tea were found to have a greater phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than fresh orange and apple juice. It can be concluded that green and black teas are significant sources of dietary phenolic antioxidants.

Herbal drugs are often administered in the form of monocomponent teas or herbal tea mixtures (tea blends). In order to assess the quality of herbal drugs that are components of the monocomponent teas commercially available on marketplaces in Belgrade, we analyzed 4 samples of Melissa leaf (Melissae folium), 6 samples of Wild thyme, (Serpylli herba), 6 samples of Yarrow (Millefolii herba), 4 samples of Wormwood (Absinthii herba) and 6 samples of Juniper (Juniperi pseudo-fructus), according to the procedures given in European Pharmacopoea. Macroscopic and microscopic features of investigated herbal drugs, as well as their TLC profiles, were in agreement with corresponding data described in Ph. Eur. One sample of Melissa leaf, one sample of Wild thyme and two samples of Juniper, did not fullfil the requirements of general tests. Due to inappropriate size of cut, test on foreign matter could not be performed for some samples. Concerning specific quality, all samples of Melissa leaf, Wild thyme, Wormwood and Juniper were in accordance with Ph. Eur. Regarding the content of essential oil, Yarrow samples met the requirements of Ph. Eur., but the proazulenes content in five samples was lower than required. In conlcusion, the results of these analyses point to high medicinal potential of the most herbal drugs studied. On the other hand, unsatisfying general quality and inappropriate size of cut of several samples could be related to inadequate processing and handling of plant material.

Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, and Momordica charantia are medicinal plants that are commonly used in the form of herbal tea, which is formulated to strengthen the immune system, especially against COVID-19 infection. Excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulatory properties have been reported for their bioactive compounds, which have been shown to aid in stimulating immune systems as well as lowering the risk of severe COVID-19 such as lung injury. Yet, no bibliometric study on the subject is available. Hence, the purpose of this study is to quantitatively examine the existing articles related to the therapeutic potential of these three herbs, as well as their mechanisms of action in combating the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A total of 121 papers were retrieved from Scopus database up to 14 th March 2023. The bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer software. Based on the literature search, Z. officinale was the most researched plant. India appeared as the most prolific country, with the highest number of articles contributed by two authors from India (Rathi, R. and Gayatri Devi, R.). In terms of keywords, the plants were associated with immune modulation, management of symptoms, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. Several important bioactive compounds were responsible for these effects such as gingerol, paradol, shogaol, curcumin, calebin A, momordicoside, karaviloside and cucurbitadienol. These compounds were hypothesized to prevent and cure COVID-19 by regulating inflammatory response, downregulating oxidative stress and modulating immunostimulatory activity. This review paper therefore supports the potential of Z. officinale, C. longa , and M. charantia to be formulated as a herbal blend for treating and preventing COVID-19 infection., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) and PA-N-oxides (PANO) are a large group of secondary plant metabolites comprising more than 660 compounds. Exhibiting geno- and hepatotoxic properties, they are responsible for multiple cases of food and feed poisoning over the last 100 years. For food and feed safety reasons, relevant PA/PANO should be monitored extensively in the main sources of PA/PANO intake. In this study, a sensitive analytical method was developed for detecting a broad range of 44 commercially available PA/PANO compounds, and in-house validation procedures were performed for several (herbal) teas. Various extraction solvents and procedures, as well as solid phase extraction materials for sample clean-up and analyte concentration, were tested to establish the methods' efficiency and effectiveness. Chromatographic conditions were optimised to obtain the best possible separation of isomers for the 44 PA/PANO analytes. The final method was proven very sensitive and accurate, with detection limits ranging from 0.1 to 7.0 μg/kg and precisions between 0.7 and 16.1%. For 40 of the analytes, the recovery rates ranged from 60.7 to 128.8%. The applicability and trueness of the method were examined by analysing tea samples from a local supermarket and comparing them to a reference material. At least one PA/PANO analyte was detected in 17 of the 18 samples under investigation, and the sum contents of the samples ranged from 0.1 to 47.9 μg/kg. Knowledge of the PA/PANO composition in a sample can be used to indicate the botanical origin of the impurity and, thus, the geographical region of cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to investigate the effect of packaging materials and storage time on volatile profiles of mulberry tea. The mulberry tea samples were packaged in linear lowdensity polyethylene laminated aluminum (AL) bag and polypropylene (PP) bag and stored at 30±1°C for 18 months. The volatile profiles were monitored using a headspace solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that storage time had no significant impact on the key volatile compounds of the AL packaged samples. However, some volatiles associated with lipid oxidation like hexanal and 4-oxo-2-nonenal were observed to significantly (p<0.05) increase in the PP packaged samples with storage time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The consumption of mulberry leaf tea is popularly increasing worldwide due to its potential health benefit associated with phenolic compounds. To ensure the quality, the content of phenolic compounds of mulberry leaf tea need to be monitored throughout the storage period. OBJECTIVE: This research proposed a rapid prediction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of mulberry leaf tea using an electronic tongue (e-tongue). METHODS: Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC) and antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH) of mulberry leaf tea stored at 30–60°C for 12 months were measured by an e-tongue and conventional chemical analyses. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was applied to predict chemicals parameters by e-tongue data. RESULTS: The PLS models for TPC, TFC, FRAP, and DPPH achieved good predictability with high values of coefficient of determination (R p 2 = 0.956, 0.964, 0.926, and 0.943, respectively) and gave low mean square error of prediction. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that e-tongue can be applied as a rapid and non-destructive tool for the simultaneous evaluation of phenolics compounds and antioxidant activity to ensure the quality and health benefits of mulberry leaf tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recipes for Thai traditional herbal teas have been formulated based on Thai traditional medicine, which tries to achieve a balance of the body's elements (fire, water, wind and earth) in each season. This study aims to assess the benefits of Thai traditional herbal teas through evaluating their antioxidant properties and measuring the satisfaction levels of healthy volunteers. Antioxidant activity tests performed on 11 tea recipes and on green tea (positive control) included 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), a radical scavenging assay and a 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay. In addition, total phenolic contents were determined using a Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Tests of satisfaction were performed on volunteer subjects aged between 18 and 30 years old, using the criteria of color, flavor, taste and overall satisfaction. Among the 11 tea recipes tested, the summer recipe 1 containing Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa, Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) Bertoni, Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. and Morus alba L. demonstrated the most promising antioxidant properties (p > 0.05) and a phenolic content (p > 0.05), which was comparable to green tea. Furthermore, it got the highest satisfaction scores in every assessed category. Therefore, this study shows that Thai traditional herbal teas, developed based on the concepts of Thai traditional medicine, could be a good choice for people looking for health-promoting beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal teas are used as therapeutic vehicles in many forms of traditional medicine and are a popular global beverage. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the evidence relating to the clinical efficacy and safety of herbal teas, and to identify the main research themes and gaps in knowledge to inform further work. A scoping review methodology was followed that set out the research question and described the sourcing, selection and analysis of studies. Overall, a total of 145 research publications were retrieved from global bibliographic databases, and after applying exclusion criteria, 21 remained. These studies looked at herbal tea use in female health, diabetes, heart disease and weight loss, with plant species including lavender, chamomile, fenugreek, stinging nettle, spearmint, hibiscus, yerba maté, echinacea and combinations of herbs. Observational studies explored associations between herbal tea consumption and cancer risk, liver health, and the risks linked to the consumption of environmental contaminants in the plant material. Despite plant materials being the basis for drug discovery, and the popularity of herbal teas, the number of articles exploring clinical efficacy and safety is small. In this review we discuss how herbal teas may be beneficial in some areas of clinical and preventative health, and what further research is required to understand whether regular consumption can contribute to healthy living more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, reflected by aberrantly increased levels of various serological antibodies, has been suggested to be an early indicator of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) onset and progression. We have previously suggested that certain lifestyle and dietary factors were associated with elevated serological levels of the antibody against various EBV antigens namely VCA, Zta, EBNA1, and oral EBV DNA loads among healthy population. It remains unclear whether these potential environmental factors would also influence EBV serological antibodies in NPC patients. We conducted an epidemiological study to evaluate the associations between such environmental factors and EBV antibody levels among 1701 NPC patients in South China. Pretreatment serums were collected and examined for VCA‐IgA and EA‐IgA by immunoenzymatic assays and antienzyme rate (AER) of EBV DNase‐specific neutralizing antibody. We found that consumption of Canton‐style herbal tea was significantly correlated with increased serological antibody levels of VCA‐IgA and EA‐IgA, with adjusted ORs of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.03‐1.76) and 1.32 (95% CI: 1.01‐1.73), respectively, in the weekly intake frequency stratum, while not related to AER of EBV DNase‐specific neutralizing antibody. Smoking was found to be not only an apparent risk factor for higher antibody levels of AER in stage III‐IV patients (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.11‐2.30), but also associated closely with NPC stage at diagnosis (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.47‐3.22), with dose‐response effects. In conclusion, we found consumption of Canton‐style herbal tea and cigarette smoking were in positive associations with elevated EBV antibodies in NPC patients, which may be of public health significance for the primary prevention of EBV‐associated diseases especially NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes a survey of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in 23 green, herbal, and black tea brands widely consumed in Nigeria by determining the levels of benzo[a]pyrene, chrysene (PAH2), benzo[a]pyrene, chrysene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene (PAH4), benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, dibenz[ah]anthracene, benzo[ghi]per-ylene and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (PA-H8). Toxic equivalence factor and mutagenic equivalence factor were applied to evaluate the toxic equivalence and mutagenic equivalence quotients relative to benzo[a]pyrene. The concentrations of PAHs indicate that Regulation 835/2011/EC was not fulfilled by benzo[a]anthracene, B[a]A, benzo[a]pyrene, B[a]P, benzo[b]fluoranthene, B[b]F, and chrysene, CHR. The PAH4 levels ranged from 1.28 to 44.57, 4.34 to 11.20, and 0.76 to 34.82 µg/kg in green, black, and herbal tea products, respectively. On the other hand, the PAH8 concentration varied between 1.63 and 65.73, 5.02 and 68.83, and 12.43 and 24.92 µg/kg in green, herbal, and black tea samples. The PAH4 and PAH8 provide more reliable indicators for determination of PAH contamination and risk characterization in food than PAH2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rugosin G, an ellagitannin trimer, was isolated from the water-soluble fraction of red rose petals, and its inhibitory activity against recombinant human histidine decarboxylase was investigated. Rugosin G showed potent inhibition compared to ellagitannin monomers and a dimer with macrocyclic structure (oenothein B), suggesting the potent inhibition of rugosin G was attributed to its linear oligomeric conformation. Abbreviations: HDC, histidine decarboxylase; Me2CO, acetone; EtOAc, ethyl acetate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the effect of the aqueous extract of Ligustrum robustum on tumor growth in vitro and in vivo and explore the possible molecular mechanisms. Methods: In in vitro study, cell viabilities of human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa), human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), human prostate cancer cells (PC-3), human hepatoma cells (7721) and human colon carcinoma cells (SW480) were evaluated with cell counting kit-8. For L. robustum-treated Hela cells, early or late apoptosis were evaluated by annexin V/PI staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by staining cells with JC-1. Apoptosis was monitored by nuclear morphology based on chromatin condensation and fragmentation by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylinole (DAPI) staining. Caspase-3 and -8 activity levels were measured by a colorimetric assay. In vivo, to evaluate the possible mechanism of L. robustum-mediated antitumor effect, nude mouse xenograft study was also conducted. Results: In in vitro study, L. robustum was found to be toxic to HeLa, MCF-7, PC-3, 7721, SW480, with an half maximal inhibitory concentration value of 2–5 mg/mL (P<0.05). Moreover, externalization of phosphatidylserine, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA fragmentation and activation of caspase-3 and -8 were detected in L. robustum-treated Hela cells. Using a nude mouse model bearing Hela xenografts, we found that L. robustum reduced tumor volume and tumor weight (P<0.05), but had no effect on body weight and histological damage of important organs. Intraperitoneal injection of L. robustum caused a significant reduction in serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels (P<0.05). Furthermore, cleaved caspase-3-positive and terminal nucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells were observed in L. robustum-treated tumor tissues. Conclusions: L. robustum inhibits tumor cell growth both in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis in a caspase-dependent way without apparent hepatic toxicity and histological damage, which may offer partial scientific support for the ethnopharmacological claims of L. robustum as a herbal tea for its antitumor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BACKGROUND Rooibos represents 10% of the global herbal tea market. Shrinking production areas as a result of climate change necessitate the maximum conversion of plant biomass to product. The present study aimed to determine the potential of rooibos tea processing waste (i.e. fine dust and coarse stems) as potential flavour and herbal tea ingredients, respectively. RESULTS: Hot water extraction of soluble solids (SS) from rooibos dust was optimised and extracts from different production batches (n = 20) were prepared. Their sensory profiles were similar, although less intense than that of infusions of commercial rooibos (n = 20) when diluted to the same SS content. The turbidity and flavonoid content of the diluted extracts was mostly lower (P < 0.05) than that of commercial rooibos. An atypical and negative aroma attribute, 'planky/pencil shavings', was predominant in the stem infusions (n = 20), which contained less SS (P < 0.05) than commercial rooibos. Blends of stem infusion and extract could not effectively mask this negative aroma note (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Rooibos dust could be used to produce a rooibos flavour extract, whereas the prominent atypical, negative 'planky/pencil shavings' aroma note of the stems would limit their inclusion in commercial rooibos blends. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • C. pubescens major phenolic compounds reported for the first time. • Fourteen compounds separated and quantified using validated HPLC-DAD method. • Higher variation in phenolic content of leaves than that of stems. • Leaves contain higher phenolic content, except for two hesperetin glycosides. Abstract Increasing demand for honeybush tea (Cyclopia spp.) and the need for industry expansion have created interest in non-utilised species such as Cyclopia pubescens Eckl. & Zeyh. Very limited information is available on the phenolic composition of this species. A reversed phase core-shell biphenyl column was used to develop and validate a quantitative HPLC diode-array detection method for separation of the major phenolic compounds in C. pubescens. Eight phenolic compounds were identified and a further six tentatively identified by comparison of retention time, UV–vis and high resolution mass spectrometric characteristics with those of authentic reference standards and literature, respectively. Genotypic variation in the phenolic composition of C. pubescens was determined by analysing the leaves and stems of seedlings (n = 17) in a field gene bank. The xanthone and benzophenone present in the highest levels in the leaves were mangiferin and 3-β-D-glucopyranosyl-4-β-D-glucopyranosyloxyiriflophenone, respectively. The leaves contained higher quantities of all compounds, except hesperidin, the major compound in the stems, and a second hesperetin glycoside. Statistical analysis included hierarchical clustering to determine the degree of dissimilarity between genotypes, which provided valuable information for future breeding programs. Comparison of the dendrograms for leaves and stems indicated different clustering patterns for genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work summarises preliminary results of an ethnobotanical study in the Rhodope Mountains. The aim was to assess the traditional home use of medicinal plants for herbal tea by local people and to estimate the threats to the Balkan endemic Clinopodium dalmaticum. Semi-structured interviews with local informants from 15 localities in Central and Eastern Rhodope Mountains were performed in 2015 and 2018. As a result, the most used plant species were listed. The major source of plants was recorded as being gathered from the wild. The plants, known with the local names "wild mint" and "white mint", were identified as Clinopodium dalmaticum from dried specimens presented by informants in Central Rhodopes. A frequent collection from wild populations of C. dalmaticum in Central Rhodope Mts. (Smoljan region) was revealed along with just a few cases of cultivation close to the studied sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • LC–MS/MS method using multiple reaction monitoring has LOD of 0.2 μg/L. • LC–MS/MS method results were confirmed with accurate mass. • No caffeine was detected in rooibos or honeybush. Abstract Two endemic South African herbal teas, namely rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia spp.), are especially valued for their caffeine-free status. No recent evidence based on state-of-the-art analytical methodology with low limits of detection (e.g. below 1 μg/L) is available. The current study provides such evidence. Randomly selected samples of fermented rooibos (n = 10) and honeybush herbal teas from four species (n = 10 each), namely C. intermedia , C. subternata , C. genistoides and C. longifolia , were analysed and no caffeine detected. Similarly, no caffeine was detected in green rooibos and C. genistoides herbal teas (n = 10 each) indicating that it is absent in the plant. Method specificity was shown to be important since peaks with molecular ion [M+H]+ and product ions resembling those of caffeine were detected, although the retention time and accurate mass did not match those of an authentic reference standard for caffeine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • 12 trace elements were studied in Boldo, Chamomile, Mate and Peppermint tea. • Cd and Pb levels above Brazilian and MERCOSUR maximum limits were found. • 16% of DV for manganese can be reached by a daily intake of one cup of mate tea. Abstract In this study twelve trace elements were investigated in herbal tea commercialized in Brazil. Boldo, Chamomile, Mate and Peppermint tea samples were acquired in Brazil local markets and both herbs and their infusions were evaluated. Trace elements were classified in two groups: poorly (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb and Se) and moderately (Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn) extractable. This patterned showed that even levels above threshold established by Brazilian and MERCOSUR regulations were observed in herbal tea (Cd and Pb in 89% and 78% of mate and peppermint tea samples, respectively), their infusions did not presented toxic levels. The estimative of exposure and dietary intake revealed important values for a daily consumption of a single cup of herbal infusion and an unique composition was also verified for herbal tea samples: although age and origin was unavailable, multivariate analysis classified the samples in four distinct groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Presented are results of a study on 210Po extraction efficiency in Polish herbal teas and risk to the human consumer due to exposure from highly radiotoxic, carcinogenic decay particles emitted by 210Po. 12 most popular commercially available Polish herbal teas, as well as their infusions in tap and filtered water, were analyzed and 210Po activity concentrations were calculated. The results of 210Po activity determination in dried plants were from 2.11 ± 0.09 for milk thistle to 33.7 ± 0.4 Bq·kg−1 dry wt. for cistus what equaled 4.21 ± 0.18 for milk thistle and 43.8 ± 0.5 mBq per one teabag. The extraction efficiencies into tap water ranged from 4.93 ± 0.39 for lime to 27.4 ± 1.4% for elderberry, while for filtered water were between 7.55 ± 0.47 for lime and 20.3 ± 1.1% for elderberry. There were no statistically significant differences between both extractions and no correlation between 210Po extraction efficiency and 210Po activity in dried herbs. The studies indicated the analyzed herbal teas consumption should not contribute significantly to the annual effective radiation dose in Poland. Highlights • Highly radiotoxic 210Po activities in popular herbal teas and their infusions were analyzed. • The extraction efficiencies of 210Po from tea were estimated. • The annual effective radiation doses from 210Po decay ingested with teas were calculated. • The annual radiation risk from 210Po decay ingested with teas was assessed. • The herbal teas consumption should not contribute to the annual effective radiation dose in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, dried lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora Kunth) leaves were used for functional beverage production with addition of sucrose and/or sweeteners. Carbonated or mineral enriched versions of these beverages were also produced. The highest antioxidant bioaccessibility was obtained from sucrose added and natural mineral water enriched beverage both in FRAP (47.01 %) and CUPRAC (11.13 %) assays. In general, all beverages were rich in potassium and the mineral enriched beverages were high in magnesium and calcium. The ascorbic acid value was maximum in carbonated beverages. While energy reduced beverages were rich in total phenolics, sucrose added and natural mineral water enriched beverages showed the highest functionality in terms of bioaccessible antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A simple method for arsenic species As (III), As (V), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsonic acid (DMA) were investigated in 18 herbal tea leaves and their infusion by high performance liquid chromatography hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). The proposed method presented absence of interconversion between the arsenic species and high sensitivity, being limits of detection and quantification 11 and 38 μg L−1 for herbal tea leaves and 0.20 and 0.66 μg L−1 for their infusions, respectively. About 28% samples present total arsenic levels above Brazilian and MERCOSUR maximum limits (0.6 mg kg−1). The estimative of exposure to inorganic arsenic was made taking into account the benchmark dose lower limit (BMDL 05) considering the daily ingestion of one cup of herbal tea (200 mL) for adults (70 kg) and children (20 kg). Although this estimative demonstrates low exposure for adults (2.9% of BMDL 05), for children, however, the daily consumption of a single cup of herbal tea can reach 10.3% of BMDL 05 for inorganic arsenic. Highlights • Simple and accurate procedure for arsenic speciation in herbal tea was established. • No interconversion between the arsenic species was observed. • 28% of samples presented As levels above Brazilian and MERCOSUR thresholds. • Daily consumption of 2 cups of herbal tea by children can reach 21% of BMDL 05 for i-As. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants and vegetable are a promising natural source of hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic and antioxidant constituents. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is of considerable economic importance for farmers in Lam Dong province, Vietnam. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a vegetable rich in bioactive polyphenol compounds mainly cynarin, luteolin and chlorogenic acid flavonoids and dietary fibers, vitamins and minerals. Artichoke is difficult to store once it's harvested because of the rapid onset of rotting. Rotting is generally caused by microorganisms, especially molds that grow in high moisture conditions. Therefore, objective of this study focused on the effect of blanching temperature and time; heat pump drying temperature and storage condition to total phenolic content and sensory score of the dried artichoke (Cynara scolymus) tea. Results showed that C. scolymus should be blanched in hot water 95°C at 10 sec in ascorbic acid 0.5% and then being dried by heat pump dryer at 40°C until 8% moisture. The final herbal tea could be preserved under vacuum in PET/AL/PE bag at 4°C to maintain total phenolic content for 12 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf of Pandanus amaryllifolius, commonly known as pandan, is often used to give a refreshing, fragrant flavour. Pandan leaves extracts contain bioactive compound like tannin, alkaloids, flavonoids and polyphenols. Objective of this study focused on the effect of blanching temperature and time; heat pump drying temperature and storage condition to total phenolic content and sensory score of the dried pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) tea. Results showed that P. amaryllifolius should be blanched in hot water 100oC at 5 sec in ascorbic acid 1.0% and then being dried by heat pump dryer at 50°C until 18% moisture. The final herbal tea could be preserved under vacuum in PET/AL/PE bag at 4°C to maintain total phenolic content for 12 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parsley is a widely cultivated and used herb. Dried parsley leaves have different valuable phytochemical constituents. Objective of this study focused on the effect of blanching temperature and time; heat pump drying temperature and storage condition to total phenolic content and sensory score of the dried parsley (Petroselinum crispum) tea. Results showed that P. crispum should be blanched in hot water 100°C at 5 sec in ascorbic acid 1.0% and then being dried by heat pump dryer at 50°C until 15% moisture. The final herbal tea could be preserved under vacuum in PET/AL/PE bag at 4°C to maintain total phenolic content for 12 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) is now widely cultivated in Vietnam. Its leaf has a source of antioxidant, cytotoxic activities by acylphloroglucinol derivatives. Leaf of S. samarangense has antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-diarrheal, analgesic, antiinflammation and immunostimulant activities. Objective of this study focused on the effect of blanching temperature and time; heat pump drying temperature and storage condition to total phenolic content and sensory score of the dried wax apple (S. samarangense) herb tea. Results showed that S. samarangense should be blanched in hot water 95°C at 15 sec in ascorbic acid 1.5% and then being dried by heat pump dryer at 50°C until 18% moisture. The final herbal tea could be preserved under vacuum in PET/AL/PE bag at 4°C to maintain total phenolic content for 12 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al3+ excess in the body can cause many diseases. The development of chemosensors for the detection of Al3+ is therefore highly desirable. A hydrazide Schiff base compound containing triphenylphosphonium units (ER) was prepared and used as fluorescence turn-on sensor for the sensing of Al3+. Detection of Al3+ among various metals has been achieved successfully through the formation of Al3+-ligand coordination complexes. To detect Al3+, the “turn on” property of the fluorogenic chemosensor was investigated. Fluorescence sensing studies were carried out in CH3OH-Water (v/v, 9/1, pH 7.0) at λem = 528 nm. The LOD for sensing of Al3+ was found to be 0.129 µM. Using Job’s graph, the stoichiometric ratio of ER- Al3+ was determined to be 1:1. The binding constant was determined to be 1.7 × 107 M−1 between Al3 + and the chemosensor ER. Finally, the determination of Al3+ in real herbal teas was carried out by using the sensing function of the chemosensor ER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of six herbal teas on the color stability of two types of nanohybrid and one microhybrid resin composite. Materials and Methods: 70 disc-shaped specimens, 210 in total (7*2mm), were fabricated from each of the following materials in metal mould : Tetric N ceram, Grandio, Gradia Direct Anterior. Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours in an incubator for completion of polymerization. After baseline evaluation (L*, a*, b*CIELAB scale), the specimens were divided into seven subgroups, according to the test and control storage solutions (n=10). Randomly selected specimens from each material were immersed in 20 ml of the test solutions (Borago, Green, Hibiscus, Thyme, Black and Lemon Verbena teas) at 37˚c for 24 hours and 48 hours. Solutions were refreshed every 24 hours. All samples were polished using Soflex discs with Medium, Fine, Superfine grit after storage in herbal teas. Specimens color was measured in 24, 48 hours and after polishing. The collected data was statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance with repeated measure and Tukey’s HSD at a significance level of 0.05. Results: All samples displayed color changes after immersion in the herbal teas. Hibiscus tea induced the highest level of discoloration after 24 hours immersion in all three composites. Black tea induced highest level of discoloration in (Grandio ΔE=7.44). Hibiscus tea and Thyme tea induced highest level of discoloration in (Tetric N ceram ΔE=11.) and (Gradia Direct ΔE=14.11), respectively, after 48 hours immersion. The least discoloration was found with Borage tea in 24 and 48 hours. After re-polishing the color change was reduced. Grandio showed the greatest color reduction in Black tea. Color improvement of Tetric N ceram was better than Gradia Direct. Conclusion: All tested restorative materials showed a color shift after immersion in herbal teas, which Tetric N ceram displayed the highest color change in Hibiscus tea and Borago tea induced lowest discoloration on Grandio after 24 h immersion. Thyme tea induced the highest level of discoloration on Gradia Direct and least discoloration was found in Borago tea on Grandio after 48 hours immersion.

An aspalathin-enriched green rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) extract (GRE) was fed to male Fischer rats in two independent studies for 28 and 90 days. The average dietary total polyphenol (TP) intake was 756 and 627 mg Gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/kg body weight (bw)/day over 28 and 90 days, respectively, equaling human equivalent doses (HEDs) of 123 and 102 GAE mg/kg bw/day. Aspalathin intake of 295 mg/kg bw/day represents a HED of 48 mg/kg bw/day (90 day study). Consumption of GRE increased feed intake significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control after 90 days, but no effect on body and organ weight parameters was observed. GRE significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum total cholesterol and iron levels, whilst significantly (p < 0.05) increasing alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity after 90 days. Endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity in the liver, i.e., catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, was not adversely affected. Glutathione reductase activity significantly (p < 0.05) increased after 28 days, while glutathione (GSH) content was decreased after 90 days, suggesting an altered glutathione redox cycle. Quantitative Real Time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed altered expression of certain antioxidant defense and oxidative stress related genes, indicative, among others, of an underlying oxidative stress related to changes in the GSH redox pathway and possible biliary dysfunction.

Genus Stachys, the largest genera of the family Lamiaceae, and its species are frequently used as herbal teas due to their essential oils. Tubers of some Stachys species are also consumed as important nutrients for humans and animals due to their carbohydrate contents. Three new neo-clerodane diterpene peroxides, named stachaegyptin F-H (1, 2, and 4), together with two known compounds, stachysperoxide (3) and stachaegyptin A (5), were isolated from Stachys aegyptiaca aerial parts. Their structures were determined using a combination of spectroscopic techniques, including HR-FAB-MS and extensive 1D and 2D NMR (1H, 13C NMR, DEPT, 1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC and NOESY) analyses. Additionally, a biosynthetic pathway for the isolated compounds (1–5) was discussed. The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated diterpenoids of S. aegyptiaca in comparison to the previous reported ones from other Stachys species was also studied.

South Africa has a traditional heritage of using indigenous herbal teas, and the demand for herbal teas motivated by the functional health benefits has far exceeded global supply. This has led to worldwide interest in the sensory characteristics and volatile compound characterisation of herbal drink formulations. The objective of this study was to investigate the descriptive sensory analysis and volatile compounds of bush, special, honeybush and rooibos tea and the blend of bush tea with special, honeybush and rooibos, respectively. The trained sensory panel scored each tea sample for aroma, taste, aftertaste and mouthfeel attributes using sensory evaluation practices. Compound identification was performed by gas chromatography connected to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results of the study demonstrated that rooibos and honeybush tea had an overall sweet-caramel, honey-sweet, perfume floral and woody aroma while bush tea and special tea depicted green-cut grass, dry green herbal and astringent/dry mouth feel. The GC-MS analyses depicted the following compounds 2-furanmethanol, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, D-limonene, dihydroactinidolide, linalool, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, and phytol. The blending of bush tea with rooibos and honeybush tea toned down its astringent mouth feel. Compounds identified in this study may be useful markers for potential herbal tea sensory characteristics.

Keywords: Cyclopia maculata; herbal tea; Meloidogyne hapla; Meloidogyne javanica; plant-parasitic nematode EN Cyclopia maculata herbal tea Meloidogyne hapla Meloidogyne javanica plant-parasitic nematode 591 593 3 07/03/20 20200501 NES 200501 Root-knot nematode (RKN) I Meloidogyne i species are one of the most important plant-parasitic nematodes causing severe damage to agricultural crops worldwide. Significant yield losses often result from the feeding activities of the nematodes on plant roots, which in many cases disrupt the vascular system of the roots and may lead to plant death. Cyclopia maculata, herbal tea, Meloidogyne hapla, Meloidogyne javanica, plant-parasitic nematode. [Extracted from the article]

Tea and herbal infusions are among the major contributors of phenolic compounds, specifically flavonoids, in our daily diet. Honey is another antioxidant-rich food that is widely used as a natural sweetener. In this work, the effects of honey addition on antioxidant properties of different herbal teas were investigated. For this purpose, 2 different types of honey (flower and pine honey) were added into 9 different herbal teas (melissa, green tea, rosehip, sage, echinacea, fennel, linden, daisy, and ginger) at 4 different temperatures (55°C, 65°C, 75°C, and 85°C), and the changes in the content of total pheolics, total flavonoids, and total antioxidant capacity were determined. The total phenolic content and the total antioxidant capacity of the honey-added-tea samples were found to be increased (up to 57% for both), especially with pine honey and at higher temperatures of honey addition. The findings of this study supported the use of honey as a natural sweetener in tea in order to be able to benefit from the health-enhancing antioxidative properties of these two promising food products.

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of constitutional herbal tea for treating chronic fatigue with no diagnosed cause, which is called Mibyeong in Korea. Methods: Males and females with ages between 40 and 59 years who had complained of fatigue for 1 month consistently or for 6 months intermittently without a definite cause were recruited. At the same time, a Chalder fatigue scale (CFS) score of 19 was essential for participation in this study. Sixty five subjects completed the entire process, including blood tests and tests with medical devices. Five assessments of health status were accomplished over 8 weeks by using the CFS and the visual analogue scale (VAS). To ensure that the constitutional herbal tea was being safely used, we conducted and analyzed renal function and liver function tests. For the diagnosis of the Sasang constitution, the Sasang Constitutional Analysis Tool (SCAT) was used, and a specialist in Sasang constitutional medicine made the final diagnosis based on the SCAT result. Constitutional herbal tea was served four weeks after the first visit. The subjects took the constitutional herbal tea twice a day for one month. Results: The results are as follows: The CFS and the VAS scores were significantly improved for the subjects in the constitutional herbal tea. No abnormalities were found on the blood tests to evaluate safety after taking the constitutional herbal tea. The improvements in the CFS and the VAS scores due to the constitutional herbal tea had no significant differences according to the Sasang constitution. Conclusion: Constitutional herbal tea may be used to reduce fatigue and improve health and has no adverse effect on either the kidney or the liver.

This study aimed to investigate the unique antioxidative effects of Japanese moringa products, herbal leaf tea and stem tea, using established free radical assays, focusing on superoxide anion (O2−) radical generation systems. Hot-water extracts from moringa teas resulted in different but lower scavenging activities than Trolox in four synthetic free radical models. Interestingly, these extracts further showed higher O2− radical scavenging effects than Trolox in the phenazine methosulfate-NADH-nitroblue tetrazolium and xanthine oxidase assay systems. Incubating human neutrophils in the presence of these tea extracts rather than Trolox effectively suppressed cellular O2− radical generation. Among the eight known phenolic constituents of moringa leaves, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid may be responsible for the O2-specific radical scavenging capacity stronger than that of Trolox. These results suggest that moringa herbal teas are a good source of natural antioxidants for preventing O2− radical-mediated disorders. Abbreviations: O2−: superoxide anion; ROS: reactive oxygen species; H2O2: hydrogen peroxide; XOD: xanthine oxidase; DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl; ABTS+: 2,2′-azinobis(2-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation; CPZ+: chlorpromazine cation; PMS: phenazine methosulfate; NBT: nitroblue tetrazolium; PMA: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) methods offers new opportunities for food quality control and identification of food components using the DNA barcoding approach (metabarcoding in cases of complex mixes). However, the protocols of DNA barcoding applied to food analysis are not yet fully established; testing and optimization are required to achieve the highest accuracy and cost efficiency. We report here a comparative study of the two most widely used sequencing platforms - Illumina and Ion Torrent - for composition analysis of herbal teas, and show that both technologies yield congruent results, both qualitatively and quantitatively. They have revealed the substitution of fireweed ( Epilobium angustifolium L.) by Lythrum sp. in one of the samples. It was confirmed by classic methods of botanical analysis (anatomy and palynology). In most samples, undeclared components have been detected, such as bindweed ( Convolvulus ) and ragweed ( Ambrosia ), which are known toxic and allergy-causing plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: High cholesterol in the blood is a risk factor for atherosclerosis that causes various diseases. The main pharmacologic intervention to reduce cholesterol levels is inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. One of the genera of Garcinia, Garcinia dulcis, has potential as an anti-cholesterol. Based on chemotaxonomy, Garcinia latissima Miq. is also estimated to have a potency as anti-cholesterol. Aims: This study aims to test the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase water extract activity of G. latissima fruit flesh with different duration of infusions. Materials and Methods: Garcinia latissima Miq. mesocarp was extracted using infusion method with different duration of infusions. Each of extracts was tested the inhibitory activity of HMG-CoA reductase as well as the determination of total flavonoid and total phenol content. In addition, the simplicia of the mesocarp of G.latissima Miq. will be made as a herbal tea and a hedonic test is performed to find out the degree of liking for the tea. Result: The test results showed the inhibitory activity of 100 ppm G. latissima Miq. mesocarp water extract with infusion for 5, 10 and 15 min respectively 11.32; 29.02; 13.03%. The 10 min extract with the largest enzyme inhibition had total flavonoids content of 31.24 mg QE / gram extract and total phenol content of 4.64 mg GAE/gram extract. The result of the hedonic test for the colour, aroma, flavour of herbal tea formula A respectively 30; 30; 20% and formula B respectively for 40; 33.3; 50%. Conclusion: The water extract of G.latissima Miq mesocarp has a low potency in HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]