Work

Metabolomics and bioactivity of low-caffeine, high-theobromine, and high-polyphenol Camellia yungkianensis (RJC) tea

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: : Camellia yungkianensis (RJC) is a special wild tea germplasm characterized with high polyphenol and theobromine and low caffeine contents. However, the bioactive properties of RJC-derived teas remain uncharacterized. This study characterizes the metabolomic profile and bioactivity of black tea (BT) and white tea (WT) from Camellia yungkianensis (RJC) compared to conventional teas using standardized processing and analytical methods. RJC-BT and RJC-WT exhibited distinct floral and fruity aroma profiles identified via sensory evaluation. A total of 833 non-volatile metabolites across 15 structural categories were identified in metabolomic analyses, showing significant differences in metabolite abundance compared to other teas. RJC demonstrated superior antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities, demonstrated by in vitro assays. Higher theobromine, hydrolysable tannins, C, GC, and flavone levels in RJC were positively associated with elevated theobromine and flavones with these bioactivities ( p < 0.05). These findings suggest RJC's potential as a functional tea and support its development for specialized markets.

Source: LWT

DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2025.117954