English common name is green tea leaf from mother plant Camellia sinesnis
Contains purine alkaloids (2.5–4.2% caffeine, 0.15–0.20% theobromine, 0.02–0.04% theophylline), about 25% catechins (epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epicatechin, catechin, gallocatechin), flavonoids such as kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, and their O-glycosides, as well as flavones apigenin, luteolin, and their C-glycosides. Also contains phenolic acids such as gallic acid, theogallin, and chlorogenic acid, plus triterpene saponins (barringtogenol C = thesapogenol B as the aglycone), amino acids (1–3% theanine), about 13% polysaccharides, 0.5% chlorophyll, and 0.5–1.0% essential oil.
Used to alleviate fatigue and weakness. It may support weight reduction diets. It possibly reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and improves cognitive function.
This is a young, non-fermented leaf that has been quickly heat-stabilized and then dried. Macroscopic evaluation, according to the pharmacopoeia, is performed after immersing the leaf in hot water. The leaf is oval and pointed, with a serrated edge ending in black claws (hydathodes). The underside has abundant trichomes.
The drug is listed in the pharmacopoeia.
In pulverized drug under the microscope we can see:
Covering trichomes
Sclerenchymatous cells of characteristic shape (astrosclereids)
