Quercetin glycosides-rich tea cultivars (camellia sinensis L.) in Japan

Abstract

In an effort to identify tea cultivars with high flavonol content, we measured flavonol glycoside levels in the tea infusions of cultivars in the collection of the National Institute of Vegetable and Tea Science. The cultivars 'Saemidori', 'Sofu', 'Surugawase', 'Fukumidori', and 'Asatsuyu' among others could be effective sources of quercetin compared to other tea cultivars. Quercetin glycosides in Saemidori and Sofu remained at a relatively high level (110 170 g/mL aglycone equivalent). These cultivars are indicated as effective sources of dietary quercetin, and are potential sources of quercetin-rich drinks.