The active component in specialty tea, "water-soluble tea polyphenols

The active component in Taiwan's specialty tea, "water-soluble tea polyphenols," has potential in the medical and health markets.

The core of this research lies in identifying the parts of tea leaves that are rich in active components and establishing a precise extraction process in the laboratory. After numerous adjustments, the research team successfully scaled up the production process, achieving the purification and concentration of the tea's main pharmacologically active ingredients—namely, water-soluble tea polyphenols. These polyphenols include catechins, theaflavins, thearubigins, and theabrownins, all of which are considered to possess significant medicinal value.

This technological breakthrough not only enhances the added value of Taiwanese tea but also brings new opportunities to the health food market. Water-soluble tea polyphenols are believed to offer potential benefits in preventing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. They may also aid in improving sleep, relieving constipation and menstrual pain, alleviating hangovers, reducing symptoms of hepatitis B, protecting liver health, easing post-COVID-19 symptoms, and improving the quality of life for severe cases.

As global demand for health products continues to grow, this research achievement is poised to attract widespread attention in international markets.
This breakthrough in Taiwan’s tea extract biotechnology represents not only a scientific success but also a model of integration between traditional tea culture and modern technology—positioning Taiwanese tea to play a significant role in the global health food industry.