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Updated: Jan 20, 2025

Camellia sinensis

Camellia sinensis, also known as the tea plant, is a shrub native to Asia that has been used for centuries to produce tea leaves.

The health benefits of Camellia sinensis include reducing inflammation, improving cardiovascular health, and possessing antioxidant properties that may help prevent certain diseases. The bioactive constituents of this plant include flavonoids, such as catechins and theaflavins, as well as amino acids like L-theanine, which contribute to its medicinal properties.

The most common herbal preparations made with Camellia sinensis are black, green, white, and oolong teas, which are produced through varying levels of oxidation and processing.

classification

Camellia sinensis is classified as a species of flowering plant in the tea family (Theaceae). It is a part of the Camellia genus, which consists of about 200 species. The Camellia sinensis species is further divided into several cultivars and varieties, including Camellia sinensis var. assamica and Camellia sinensis var. sinensis. These cultivars differ in their leaf shape, size, and flavor profile, which ultimately affect the taste and quality of the tea produced. The classification of Camellia sinensis is essential for understanding its characteristics and uses in different parts of the world.

medicinal uses

Camellia sinensis, the plant from which tea is derived, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Its leaves are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce the risk of certain diseases. In some cultures, Camellia sinensis is used to treat fever, headaches, and other minor ailments. The plant's leaves also contain catechins, which have been shown to have potential anti-cancer properties. Additionally, Camellia sinensis has been used to support heart health and may help to lower cholesterol levels.

health benefits

Camellia sinensis, the plant from which tea is derived, has been extensively studied for its numerous health benefits. Regular consumption of Camellia sinensis has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Its high antioxidant content may also contribute to improved cognitive function and a lower risk of age-related diseases. Additionally, Camellia sinensis has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Overall, incorporating Camellia sinensis into one's diet may have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.

therapeutic properties

[{'name': 'antioxidant', 'mentions': 20, 'confidence_score': 188, 'total_score': 3760}, {'name': 'anti-inflammatory', 'mentions': 20, 'confidence_score': 168, 'total_score': 3360}, {'name': 'cardioprotective', 'mentions': 20, 'confidence_score': 162, 'total_score': 3240}, {'name': 'antimicrobial', 'mentions': 20, 'confidence_score': 152, 'total_score': 3040}, {'name': 'neuroprotective', 'mentions': 19, 'confidence_score': 131, 'total_score': 2489}, {'name': 'antiviral', 'mentions': 16, 'confidence_score': 92, 'total_score': 1472}, {'name': 'anticancer', 'mentions': 12, 'confidence_score': 75, 'total_score': 900}, {'name': 'analgesic', 'mentions': 9, 'confidence_score': 46, 'total_score': 414}, {'name': 'antihypertensive', 'mentions': 6, 'confidence_score': 40, 'total_score': 240}, {'name': 'anti-diabetic', 'mentions': 6, 'confidence_score': 31, 'total_score': 186}, {'name': 'anti-cancer', 'mentions': 5, 'confidence_score': 31, 'total_score': 155}, {'name': 'antidiabetic', 'mentions': 4, 'confidence_score': 26, 'total_score': 104}, {'name': 'antipyretic', 'mentions': 4, 'confidence_score': 23, 'total_score': 92}, {'name': 'immunomodulatory', 'mentions': 4, 'confidence_score': 22, 'total_score': 88}, {'name': 'hepatoprotective', 'mentions': 3, 'confidence_score': 20, 'total_score': 60}, {'name': 'antibacterial', 'mentions': 3, 'confidence_score': 20, 'total_score': 60}, {'name': 'anti-hypertensive', 'mentions': 3, 'confidence_score': 18, 'total_score': 54}, {'name': 'cytotoxic', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 10, 'total_score': 20}, {'name': 'antioxidant (polyphenols)', 'mentions': 1, 'confidence_score': 10, 'total_score': 10}, {'name': 'antioxidant (polyphenolic)', 'mentions': 1, 'confidence_score': 10, 'total_score': 10}]

active constituents

[{'name': 'catechin', 'mentions': 19, 'confidence_score': 178, 'total_score': 3382}, {'name': 'gallic acid', 'mentions': 19, 'confidence_score': 134, 'total_score': 2546}, {'name': 'epigallocatechin gallate (egcg)', 'mentions': 13, 'confidence_score': 119, 'total_score': 1547}, {'name': 'epicatechin', 'mentions': 15, 'confidence_score': 117, 'total_score': 1755}, {'name': 'caffeine', 'mentions': 13, 'confidence_score': 115, 'total_score': 1495}, {'name': 'theaflavin', 'mentions': 12, 'confidence_score': 102, 'total_score': 1224}, {'name': 'thearubigin', 'mentions': 12, 'confidence_score': 100, 'total_score': 1200}, {'name': 'quercetin', 'mentions': 14, 'confidence_score': 93, 'total_score': 1302}, {'name': 'l-theanine', 'mentions': 10, 'confidence_score': 86, 'total_score': 860}, {'name': 'epigallocatechin gallate', 'mentions': 11, 'confidence_score': 83, 'total_score': 913}, {'name': 'theaflavins', 'mentions': 8, 'confidence_score': 70, 'total_score': 560}, {'name': 'thearubigins', 'mentions': 8, 'confidence_score': 64, 'total_score': 512}, {'name': 'kaempferol', 'mentions': 10, 'confidence_score': 63, 'total_score': 630}, {'name': 'theogallin', 'mentions': 7, 'confidence_score': 40, 'total_score': 280}, {'name': 'quinic acid', 'mentions': 6, 'confidence_score': 37, 'total_score': 222}, {'name': 'chlorogenic acid', 'mentions': 4, 'confidence_score': 28, 'total_score': 112}, {'name': 'caffeic acid', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 16, 'total_score': 32}, {'name': 'rutin', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 13, 'total_score': 26}, {'name': 'flavonoids', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 12, 'total_score': 24}, {'name': 'vanillin', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 10, 'total_score': 20}]

medicinal parts

Camellia sinensis, the plant used to produce tea, has been found to have various medicinal properties. The leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are the primary source of its medicinal properties. The leaves contain antioxidants, flavonoids, and other compounds that have been linked to several health benefits. The roots and stems of the plant are also used in traditional medicine in some parts of Asia. The medicinal parts of the plant are used to treat various conditions, including high blood pressure, inflammation, and digestive issues.

herbal preparations

[{'name': 'white tea', 'mentions': 20, 'confidence_score': 169, 'total_score': 3380}, {'name': 'oolong tea', 'mentions': 20, 'confidence_score': 163, 'total_score': 3260}, {'name': 'green tea', 'mentions': 16, 'confidence_score': 153, 'total_score': 2448}, {'name': 'pu-erh tea', 'mentions': 19, 'confidence_score': 139, 'total_score': 2641}, {'name': 'matcha', 'mentions': 14, 'confidence_score': 130, 'total_score': 1820}, {'name': 'black tea', 'mentions': 13, 'confidence_score': 124, 'total_score': 1612}, {'name': 'tea', 'mentions': 10, 'confidence_score': 100, 'total_score': 1000}, {'name': 'yellow tea', 'mentions': 15, 'confidence_score': 98, 'total_score': 1470}, {'name': 'chai', 'mentions': 3, 'confidence_score': 21, 'total_score': 63}, {'name': 'tisane', 'mentions': 3, 'confidence_score': 19, 'total_score': 57}, {'name': 'jasmine tea', 'mentions': 3, 'confidence_score': 14, 'total_score': 42}, {'name': 'lapsang souchong', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 13, 'total_score': 26}, {'name': 'chai tea', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 11, 'total_score': 22}, {'name': 'infusion', 'mentions': 1, 'confidence_score': 9, 'total_score': 9}, {'name': 'decoction', 'mentions': 1, 'confidence_score': 9, 'total_score': 9}, {'name': 'yerba mate', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 9, 'total_score': 18}, {'name': 'genmaicha', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 8, 'total_score': 16}, {'name': 'decaf tea', 'mentions': 1, 'confidence_score': 7, 'total_score': 7}, {'name': 'infusion powder', 'mentions': 1, 'confidence_score': 6, 'total_score': 6}, {'name': 'herbal tea', 'mentions': 1, 'confidence_score': 6, 'total_score': 6}]

side effects

[{'name': 'exacerbate hypertension', 'mentions': 12, 'confidence_score': 109, 'total_score': 1308}, {'name': 'interact with medications', 'mentions': 9, 'confidence_score': 69, 'total_score': 621}, {'name': 'trigger allergic reactions', 'mentions': 8, 'confidence_score': 55, 'total_score': 440}, {'name': 'cause liver damage', 'mentions': 6, 'confidence_score': 46, 'total_score': 276}, {'name': 'increase heart rate', 'mentions': 6, 'confidence_score': 41, 'total_score': 246}, {'name': 'cause diarrhea', 'mentions': 5, 'confidence_score': 41, 'total_score': 205}, {'name': 'induce allergic reactions', 'mentions': 5, 'confidence_score': 38, 'total_score': 190}, {'name': 'induce nausea', 'mentions': 4, 'confidence_score': 37, 'total_score': 148}, {'name': 'interact with blood thinners', 'mentions': 3, 'confidence_score': 27, 'total_score': 81}, {'name': 'elevate heart rate', 'mentions': 3, 'confidence_score': 25, 'total_score': 75}, {'name': 'cause nausea', 'mentions': 3, 'confidence_score': 24, 'total_score': 72}, {'name': 'increase blood pressure', 'mentions': 4, 'confidence_score': 23, 'total_score': 92}, {'name': 'worsen anxiety', 'mentions': 4, 'confidence_score': 22, 'total_score': 88}, {'name': 'lower blood pressure', 'mentions': 3, 'confidence_score': 20, 'total_score': 60}, {'name': 'cause stomach upset', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 17, 'total_score': 34}, {'name': 'induce insomnia', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 16, 'total_score': 32}, {'name': 'lead to insomnia', 'mentions': 3, 'confidence_score': 16, 'total_score': 48}, {'name': 'raise blood pressure', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 16, 'total_score': 32}, {'name': 'elevate liver enzymes', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 15, 'total_score': 30}, {'name': 'stimulate anxiety', 'mentions': 2, 'confidence_score': 15, 'total_score': 30}]