Sagarika Das at Assam’s Dibrugarh University collecting tea blossoms from the state’s tea estates. Credit: Sagarika Das
A study has measured the phytochemical levels in white-yellow flowers of the tea plant Camellia sinensis1.
A multi-institutional team collected tea blossoms across three stages of growth — from tight buds to half-opened and flowers in full bloom —from seven premium Assam tea cultivars. The state generates more than 4.6 billion kilograms of flowers annually.
Led by Tanmoy Karak at the Nagaland University, the scientists identified and quantified the bioactive compounds using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and antioxidant assays. Total polyphenols reached 15.01 mg per gram of dry weight, and terpenoid concentrations peaked at 249.27 mg per gram in fully blooming flowers.
Unopened buds had the highest levels of catechins, caffeine, and L-theanine, showing stronger antioxidant activity than mature flowers. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine delivers alertness without jitters.
Analysis revealed that cultivar type and flowering stage left a mark on the composition of these bioactives. P-126 (Panetola 126) stood out for its distinct biochemical profile. All reported cultivars show equal potential for use in developing functional health beverages.
Because the blossoms’ chemical composition closely mirrors that of tea leaves, the authors suggest they may confer similar health benefits associated with regular tea consumption. “Comprehensive clinical studies are necessary before therapeutic applications can be established,” says Karak.