TEA (CAMELLIA SINENSIS) : PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH BENEFITS -- TEA CUP THAT CHEERS HAS TEARS

This review of literature paper highlights about tea (Camellia sinensis) phytochemistry, health benefits and toxicity. Assam state is the largest teagrowing region in India and is home to India’s indigenous, wild-growing tea plant variety, Camillia sinensis Assamica. Indian tea is very famous throughout the world and known for famous Assam tea, Darjeeling tea, Niligiri tea, Kodagu or Coorg tea, Chikkamagalore organic tea, Baba Budan hills tea, Kangra tea, Sikkim tea, and Mannar tea. The plant Camellia sinensis variety: Assamica or sinensis is the source of different teas (black, green, white, yellow, and oolong) consumed worldwide, which are classified by the oxidation degree of their bioactive compounds. Thus, teas are classified according to their processing, where the main variation occurs in the degree of oxidation that modifies chemical and sensory characteristics (aroma, color and flavour). Green tea and black tea are processed differently during manufacturing from Camellia sinensis, variety: Assamica or sinensis. Teas became more than simply pleasing and cultural hot drinks. Teas have prevailed for their laxative, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticarcinogenic, anti-obesity, cardiovascular and liver protection properties, especially when consumed through functional foods or food supplements in a limited quantity. However, consumption of large amounts of black or green tea may cause nutritional health problems because of the strong binding activities of tea polyphenols and the caffeine content. However, drinking even a very high dietary amount of black tea or green tea would be unlikely to cause these adverse effects in humans. Addition of milk to tea can decrease or completely inhibit tea antioxidant properties. Epigallo-catechin gallate (EGCG) is an important biochemical marker of Assam state, Northeast Indian tea as it contributes 50% of total catechins. Good quality organic tea rich in melatonin content, if consumed in the right quantity can have major positive effects on the body. This review paper updates about the achievements of Indian tea industry in the international market, and growing demand for organic tea.