Journal of Tea Science Research. 2015, Vol. 5, No. 3, 1-12
2
season, variety, cultivation practices, and the age of
the leaves (Graham, 1992).
During the course of the last three decades, the health
effects of tea and its catechins have been documented
in numerous scientific studies and the scientific basis
of these effects has been elaborated (Hara, 2001;
Kuroda and Hara, 2004). Research studies shows
evidence that catechins in tea serve as potential in
lowering the risk of several chronic diseases (Ghosh
Hajra, 2006). Now-a-days interest in the possible
health benefits of catechins has increased owing to
their antioxidant and free-radical scavenging abilities
observed
in vitro
. However, to achieve health benefits
only drinking tea may not provide a sufficient level of
catechins. Therefore, the use of catechins in foods is
an alternative way to supplement catechin consumption
(Vuong et al., 2011). Furthermore, catechins help in
preventing lipid oxidation (Haak et al., 2009) and also
improve flavour and colour of foods; hence, addition
of catechins can also prolong the shelf life of foods
(Vuong et al., 2011). But catechins possess a very
astringent and bitter taste (Balentine et al., 1998).
However, production processes for preparing catechin
extracts to outline the challenges that may be
encountered when using tea extracts in foods has been
described by Vuong et al. (2011).
Initially, investigations to develop industrial applications
viz. tea-based nutraceuticals, functional drinks and
tea-based health-, beauty-and body-care formulas have
been started in the research laboratories and research
centres of different companies of Japan and in China.
Tea catechin products that have practical and
industrial applications have gained wide popularity in
Japan, China, South Korea and some other countries.
In the present article diversified tea products
developed in different tea producing countries have
been described.
1 Japan
Several products with high amount of tea catechins are
produced in Japan (Figure 1). They include Polyphenon
(Mitsui Norin Co., Tokyo, Japan), Sunphenon (Taiyo
Kagaku Co., Yokkaichi, Japan), Thea-Flan (Ito-en Co.,
Tokyo, Japan) and others. As the health effects of tea
catechin are scientifically established, products
containing the chemicals have begun to appear on the
market. These are described below.
1.1 Catechin Capsules
Trend towards convenience, a variety of supplements,
capsules or powders containing tea catechins are
marketed commercially in Japan (Figure 1). It offers
all-round benefits of health maintenance and prevention
of illness. Various similar tea catechin capsules are
sold in the U.S. health care market. In addition, to
fortify the beneficial effects of tea catechins, other
desirable components like vitamin A, C, E, and/or
extracts of several plants are often included in the
catechin tablets. Sometimes it is combined with
oligosaccharides which help to maintain the intestinal
flora in good condition. Such tablets are also available
in world market (Miyazawa and Nakagawa, 2005).
1.2 Green Tea Tablet
Some people don't like the bitter taste of green tea but
want the benefits of green tea. Tablets are becoming a
very popular way to take in the health benefits of
green tea without drinking it. Some don't react well to
caffeine of green tea since they get the jitters, heart
palpitations, can't sleep etc. Tablets made with
decaffeinated green tea extract are available which are
manufactured commercially in Japan, China and other
countries.
1.3 Catechin 100
It contains 100 mg catechins/capsule. This is taken
orally in preventing viral, bacterial and other infections.
It prevents cold. This is sold in Japan and US health
care market.
1.4 Catechin 100 Plus Oligo
Intake of this tablet inhibits the growth of putrefactive
bacteria and increase of
Bifidobacteria
or
Lactobacillus
.
One tablet contains 50 mg of tea catechins and 40 mg
of galacto-oligosaccharide. It improves the bowel
modulating action (Hara, 2001).
1.5 Catechin 50
It has been introduced in Japan for long-term care
facilities since it is known to reduce unpleasant
faecal odours.
