Optimal extraction conditions for simultaneous determination of catechins and caffeine in green tea leaves

The amount of catechins and caffeine in green tea are considered a standard of quality evaluation for green tea. The objectives of this study were to investigate the optimal conditions for simultaneous extraction of catechins and caffeine and to compare their quantity and composition within the exotic tea varieties. Moreover, 8 tea varieties of exotic origin were tested with the optimal extraction conditions found in this study. Regarding the caffeine and catechins contents, a 2 h room temperature extraction using a 2% phosphoric acid-40% EtOH solution was the most suitable simultaneous extraction method. The total catechins and caffeine contents of the tea leaves ranged 44.25–64.80 and 9.26–13.11 mg/g, respectively. The optimal extraction method of catechins and caffeine in tea leaves may be used for further studies and breeding of high quality tea plants.