Bioactive and nutrient composition of Camellia sinensis (Tea plant) leaves

Abstract

Clinical studies have shown the benefits that plant products can offer to health by recognizing the specific nutrients and chemicals in the plants linked with these benefits hence the bioactive and nutritional composition of Camellia sinensis leaves were evaluated in this study. The result of the phytochemical content of the aqueous extract and methanol extract showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, other phenolic compounds and anti-nutrients. Only the aqueous extract had tannins as part of its composition.The proximate analysis showed that fibre had the lowest concentration and carbohydrate had the highest concentration. The most abundant vitamin and element are vitamin C and potassium respectively. The most abundant essential and non-essential amino acids are threonine and arginine respectively. The limiting amino acid is tryptophan. Camellia sinensis can be explored to be both a food and a medicinal plant.