In the tea culture of southern China, there's a mysterious and ancient plant known as the "King of Flavonoids"—Ampelopsis grossedentata. The young stems and leaves of this plant are used to make "vine tea," which is celebrated for its remarkable health benefits and long history. Though it may be unfamiliar to many, it is a staple on the tea tables of many families in the southern provinces. Legend has it that this tea not only offers a fragrant and refreshing drink but also serves as a natural remedy for liver protection, blood sugar regulation, and immune system enhancement. But what is the truth behind these claims? Is vine tea truly as safe and effective as its reputation suggests?
The story of Ampelopsis grossedentata dates back nearly 700 years to the Yuan Dynasty when imperial physicians first recognized its benefits and documented its uses in the ancient text "Yinshan Zhengyao." Modern scientific research has confirmed the pharmacological effects of this plant, revealing that it is rich in flavonoids and polysaccharides, which offer numerous health benefits. The safety of consuming vine tea has been verified through various scientific studies.
When you sip a cup of this clear vine tea, enjoying its unique sweetness, you're not just partaking in an ancient tea culture but also engaging with a long-standing and safe botanical friend. Ampelopsis grossedentata has quietly safeguarded the health of southern communities for centuries and is now being introduced to a broader audience. Discovering the secrets of this ancient beverage, we delve into the history, nutritional components, and safety of vine tea, uncovering how it has become an integral part of modern health practices.
Botanical Background and Historical Usage
Ampelopsis grossedentata, also known as Moyeam tea, belongs to the Vitaceae family and is primarily found in the mountainous regions of southern China, including Hunan, Hubei, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Jiangxi. The tea made from its young stems and leaves is known as "vine tea." In different regions and ethnic groups, vine tea is known by various names, such as "Dragon Boat Festival tea," "Mildew tea," "Sweet tea," "Longevity vine," and "White tea cake."
Vine tea is particularly notable for its high content of total flavonoids, which can reach up to 47% in dried stems and leaves, earning it the moniker "King of Flavonoids."
Nutritional Composition
The leaves of Ampelopsis grossedentata are rich in water-soluble proteins, free amino acids, and essential minerals. The protein content ranges from 11.8% to 16% of dry weight, while free amino acids account for 2.0% to 5.0%. The leaves contain 17 free amino acids, including GABA and methionine, both of which are vital for health. GABA is a significant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, promoting sleep and protecting against brain aging, while methionine is an essential amino acid crucial for protein synthesis.
The leaves are also rich in inorganic elements, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, chromium, cobalt, and iodine. Particularly in selenium-rich regions, the selenium content in the leaves can reach 0.21 mg/kg or higher, classifying them as selenium-enriched tea according to Chinese agricultural standards.
Active Compounds
The health benefits of Ampelopsis grossedentata are primarily attributed to its high content of flavonoids and polysaccharides. The young stems and leaves contain between 30% and 47.2% total flavonoids, with dihydromyricetin (DHM) being the predominant compound, constituting 70% to 80% of the total flavonoid content. DHM is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver-protective properties, as well as its ability to enhance immunity, lower blood viscosity, reduce blood sugar levels, and inhibit certain cancer cells.
Additionally, the tea contains significant amounts of polysaccharides, which have been shown to possess antioxidant properties and can inhibit inflammatory responses in macrophages.
Safety and Toxicity
Vine tea has been consumed for centuries, with a long history of safe use. Modern toxicological studies have further confirmed its safety. Acute toxicity studies in mice have shown no toxic effects, and long-term studies in rats have demonstrated no significant toxic effects from consuming total flavonoids extracted from vine tea.
The National Health and Family Planning Commission of China approved Ampelopsis grossedentata leaves as a new food ingredient in 2013, with no specific restrictions on consumption. This approval indicates that vine tea is safe for consumption by all population groups without special precautions.
Applications and Development
1.Health Products: Due to its physiological functions, Ampelopsis grossedentata can be developed into health products with claims such as throat-clearing, liver protection, immune enhancement, lipid-lowering, antioxidant, and blood sugar-lowering effects.
2.Herbal Medicine: Vine tea has been included in various herbal medicine standards in several Chinese provinces, allowing it to be sold as a medicinal herb.
3.Feed Additive: DHM can be used as a natural antioxidant in animal feed, replacing synthetic antioxidants like BHT and TBHQ, which can have side effects.
4.Plant Growth Regulator: DHM has shown potential as a plant growth regulator, improving seed germination rates and crop yield.
Conclusion
Vine tea, derived from Ampelopsis grossedentata, is a safe and beneficial herbal beverage with a rich history and a wide range of applications. Its high flavonoid content, particularly DHM, provides significant health benefits, making it a valuable addition to modern health practices. As scientific research continues to explore its potential, vine tea is poised to become a popular choice for those seeking natural health solutions.
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