Unique bioactive polyphenolic profile of guava (Psidium guajava) budding leaf tea is related to plant biochemistry of budding leaves in early dawn

Chi Huang Chang, Chiu Lan Hsieh, Hui Er Wang, Chiung Chi Peng, Charng Cherng Chyau, Robert Y. Peng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Guava leaf tea (GLT), exhibiting a diversity of medicinal bioactivities, has become a popularly consumed daily beverage. To improve the product quality, a new process was recommended to the Ser-Tou Farmers' Association (SFA), who began field production in 2005. The new process comprised simplified steps: one bud-two leaves were plucked at 3:00-6:00 am, in the early dawn period, followed by withering at ambient temperature (25-28 °C), rolling at 50 °C for 50-70 min, with or without fermentation, then drying at 45-50 °C for 70-90 min, and finally sorted. RESULTS: The product manufactured by this new process (named herein GLTSF) exhibited higher contents (in mg g-1, based on dry ethyl acetate fraction/methanolic extract) of polyphenolics (417.9 ± 12.3) and flavonoids (452.5 ± 32.3) containing a compositional profile much simpler than previously found: total quercetins (190.3 ± 9.1), total myricetin (3.3 ± 0.9), total catechins (36.4 ± 5.3), gallic acid (8.8 ± 0.6), ellagic acid (39.1 ± 6.4) and tannins (2.5 ± 9.1). CONCLUSION: We have successfully developed a new process for manufacturing GLTSF with a unique polyphenolic profile. Such characteristic compositional distribution can be ascribed to the right harvesting hour in the early dawn and appropriate treatment process at low temperature, avoiding direct sunlight.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)944-954
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
Volume93
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 15 2013

Keywords

  • Catechin
  • Ellagic acid
  • Gallic acid
  • Guava tea
  • Polyphenolics and flavonoids
  • Quercetin

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Biotechnology

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