The young, unfermented leaves of green tea used phytotherapeutically, quickly stabilized by brief heating and then dried. Classified as a foodstuff, nevertheless HMPC monograph.
Ingredients: caffeine (2 to 4%), theobromine (0.05%) and theophylline (traces); polyphenols (up to 30%): (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG, up to 12%), (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (ECG), catechin tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, flavonoids, phenolcarboxylic acids, theanine (amino acid), ascorbic acid, triterpene saponins, minerals and fluorides.
The quality is defined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).
HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: fatigue, weakness
ESCOP: not processed.
Commission E: not processed
Commercial varieties: Sencha, Gyokuro, Gun powder.
Traditional medicine: for diarrhea, fatigue, migraine, upset stomach, performance stimulant