Caffeine Extraction from Local Tea Leaves and its Estimation by Iodometric Method

Abstract

The principal constituent of tea, which is responsible for all the properties, is the alkaloid caffeine. Theanine is an amino acid found only in tea leaves, which imparts a pleasantly sweet taste to tea. It is degraded to glutamic acid and has relaxation effects in humans. Caffeine is a bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid and a stimulant drug. It is found in varying quantities in the seeds, leaves, and fruit of some plants, where it acts as a natural pesticide that paralyses and kills certain insects feeding on the plants, as well as enhancing the reward memory of pollinators. It is also found in coffee, tea, cola, guarana, mate, and other products. Caffeine - containing products have been consumed for hundreds of years for their pleasant flavour and stimulating effects. Caffeine is one of the most commonly used stimulants among athletes. In this paper we have discuss the extraction of caffeine from our local tea leaves, Namar Jongphi and Nalari Gold tea leaves available in the market. The liquid-liquid extraction method was followed for the extraction of caffeine and the estimation of the amount of caffeine was calculated and estimated by iodometric method.