Page 72 - phytotherapy_ EBOOK_2025

Phytotherapeutics for weight loss

 Green tea:

Species (Family): Camellia sinensis (Theaceae)
Part(s) Used: very young Leaves & leaves buds
Constituents:

- Tea (green & black ) contain caffeine (around 1 to 5%),
- Green tea Contains polyphenols (catechins) (non-oxidized phenolic

cpds).
- Black tea Contains polymeric compounds, theaflavins (TFs) formed

during fermentation (oxidized phenolic cpds). (TFs) are responsible for
imparting the distinctive bright orange-red coloration observed in black
tea.
Uses:
Tea is a stimulant, diuretic, astringent and antioxidant.
the stimulant and diuretic properties are due to the caffeine content
The astringent and antioxidant effects may be attributed to the polyphenols
and tannins
Green tea is used medicinally more frequently than black tea.
Tea is also antimicrobial and anticariogenic and is useful in diarrhoea.
Green tea is reputed to help weight loss. There is clinical evidence that Green
Tea is likely to be useful as a cancer preventive.

Herbal adverse events:

Precautions:
-Tea as a beverage is non-toxic in the usual amounts ingested.
-Overdosage is observed for quantities corresponding to more than 300 mg
caffeine, or 5 cups of tea as a beverage.

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