Herbal Tea Research Articles

An In Vitro Study on the Antioxidant Properties of Cistus incanus Extracts

This paper concerns the evaluation of the antioxidant activity (AA) of extracts obtained from cistus herbs grown in Albania and Turkey. The extracts were prepared in a Soxhlet apparatus, as well as by the maceration and infusion methods, similar to the home method of preparing herbal teas. AA was determined using the DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and β-carotene methods. It was proven that the AA of extracts depends not only on the extraction technique and AA assessment method but also on the place of plant cultivation. The smallest activity was determined using the β-carotene bleaching method, while the highest values were obtained using the FRAP method. On the other hand, the ABTS method showed a greater activity of the Albanian herb prepared using the Soxhlet technique. In addition, the antioxidant properties of extracts were compared with those of rutin standard solutions, showing that this characteristic component of cistus is not the only one that determines AA of extracts. As a result, the rutin content is not an indicator of the antioxidant properties of extracts. The other polyphenolic compounds, although occurring at lower concentration levels compared to rutin, modify the resultant AA of extracts. These studies confirmed the biological activity of cistus as a valuable source of polyphenolic compounds in the human diet.

Influence of Soursop Fruit Tea Concentration on the Fermentation and Quality Attributes of Water Kefir Beverages

Soursop is a seasonal and highly perishable fruit with a short shelf life after harvest. Therefore, fermentation with water kefir could be a great combination to develop a novel probiotic and dairy-free alternative beverage with distinctive flavors all year round. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate and characterize fermented beverages utilizing soursop fruit tea and water kefir microorganisms. An evaluation of physical parameters, antioxidant capacity, microbiological profiles, and sensory attributes was conducted after the fermentation process of the soursop water kefir. The result indicated that pH and Brix values remained in the acceptance range for consumption. According to microbiological results, all water kefir samples provided a high number of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts, although no significant differences were observed in microbial counts. Furthermore, the organoleptic acceptability of the fruit water kefirs was encouraging, particularly at a 1% initial soursop fruit tea concentration, with favorable ratings for taste and overall acceptability.

Jing-Si Herbal Tea Suppresses H2O2 -Instigated Inflammation and Apoptosis by Inhibiting Bax and Mitochondrial Cytochrome C Release in HIG-82 Synoviocytes.

Inflammation is an intrinsic protective mechanism against various forms of cellular injuries in humans; however, its undesired activation results in tissue damage and cell death. The onset of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are the key characteristics of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), for which an effective treatment is yet to be developed. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of a novel herbal preparation, Jing-Si herbal tea (JS), against H2O2-induced inflammation and cellular damage in HIG-82 synoviocytes. We found that JS did not show any significant alterations in cell viability at <188 μg/mL; however, a cytotoxic effect was observed at 188-1883 μg/mL concentrations tested. We found that expressions of inflammation associated extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading proteases MMP-13, ADAMTS-2, -8, and -17 were abnormally enhanced under H2O2-induced pathological oxidative stress (ROS) in HIG-82 cells. Interestingly, JS treatment not only reduced the ROS levels but also significantly repressed the protein expressions of collagen degrading proteases in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with JS showed enhanced cell viability against H2O2-induced toxic ROS levels. The expressions of cell protective aggrecan, Collagen II, and Bcl-2 were increased, whereas MMP-13, ADAMTS-2, Cytochrome C, and cleaved Caspase 3 were decreased by JS under inflammatory agents H2O2, MIA, LPS, and TNF-α treatment, respectively, in HIG-82 cells. Interestingly, the cytoprotective effect of JS treatment was attributed to a decreased mitochondrial localization of Bax and a reduction of Cytochrome C release into the cytoplasm of H2O2-treated HIG-82 cells. Collectively, our results suggest a novel protective mechanism of JS for RA treatment, which could be potentially applied as a complementary treatment or as an alternative therapeutic approach to mitigate inflammatory diseases.

UTILIZATION OF HERBAL POWDER TO INCREASE THE ECONOMY IN NURUL HUDA ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOL, SIDOARJO

In the context of global economic contestation, the presence of an independent Islamic boarding school economic community will become social capital and inspiration for the community so that the local community's economy is not defeated and displaced by global players. The Nurul Huda Islamic boarding school is included in the category of Islamic boarding schools that do not yet have a business unit, even though the Nurul Huda Islamic boarding school has vacant land that can be utilized by students by managing herbal plants. Implementation of the community service program is carried out through several activities: 1) Providing material about various kinds of herbs and their benefits 2) Demonstration and practice of formulating and making various kinds of herbal powders 3) Demonstration and practice of formulating and making various kinds of herbal drinks 4) Demonstration and practice of formulation and making herbal granules 5) Demonstration, practice of formulation and making herbal effervescent powder 6) Packing and labelling practices for marketing 7) Making a website for product marketing. This community service produces output in the form of: 1) Publication in the Sinta 4 journal, namely the Abdinus journal / Journal of Indonesian Service 2) Publication on online news media. The results of implementing this activity were able to increase the knowledge and skills of students at Nurul Huda Islamic boarding school.

Response surface methodology-based optimization of Inonotus hispidus' liquid fermentation medium and evaluation of its exopolysaccharide activities.

Inonotus hispidus, commonly referred to as the Sanghuang mushroom, is a species that is consumed as a tea. To date, this is the only species of the same fungus that has been successfully cultivated. A single-factor test was conducted using Inonotus hispidus MS-5 and MS-9 as test materials. The response surface methodology was adopted to design and optimise the liquid fermentation medium for them. As indicated in the results, the optimum fermentation conditions for MS-5 include 24.09 g/L glucose, 7.88 g/L yeast extract, 0.99 g/L dandelion powder, 1.5 g MgSO4, 2 g KH2PO4, 0.01 g vitamin B1, and 1 L deionized water; the optimum fermentation conditions for MS-9 include 24.64 g/L glucose, 7.77 g/L yeast extract, 0.98 g/L dandelion powder, 1.5 g MgSO4, 2 g KH2PO4, 0.01 g vitamin B1, and 1 L deionized water. Under such conditions, the mycelial biomass (dry weight) values were able to reach 16.02 g/L and 14.91 g/L for MS-5 and MS-9, respectively, which were 1.6 and 1.54 times those measured before optimization. As revealed in the antioxidant and anticancer experiment, Inonotus hispidus exopolysaccharides has corresponding functional effects at the cellular level. This research optimised the liquid culture formulation of Inonotus hispidus and demonstrated that the function of it as a traditional Sanghuang herbal tea is well-documented.

Biochemical and functional groups characteristics of tea blends from Ficus capensis and Justicia secunda

Tea is one of the most consumed drinks in the world, second only to water, and is renowned for its wide range of health benefits.This study examined the development of tea blends from blends of Ficus capensis, and Justicias ecunda leaves. Dried leaves of F. capensis and J. Secunda were milled, sieved, and processed into tea using a three-level factorial design. The process was modelled and optimized. The tea was evaluated for physicochemical, phenolic compounds profile, antioxidants, and functional groups using standard procedures. The blood-boosting potentials of the herbal tea blends were investigated through animal experiment and haematological evaluations were carried out on the fed animals. The results gave the optimal extracts blends of 48 g/100 g of F. capensis and 52 g/100 g of J. secunda. Antioxidants showed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazl value of 6464.95 ± 1.97 µmol Trolox equivalents/100 g, ferric reducing power (40.13 ± 0.07 mmol Fe2+/100 g), and metal chelating (57.40 ± 0.62%). Physicochemical property showed total dissolved solids value of 6.51 ± 0.11 mg/g, *L (78.35 ± 0.42), *a (3.14 ± 0.09), and*b (13.57 ± 0.12). Phenolic compounds profile showed the presence of epicatechin (115.63 ± 0.052 mg/100 g), which have been associated with ability to improve healthy-living and lower the risk of some degenerative health issues. The in vivo results showed that developed tea was able to recover up to 95.28% of the packed cell volume, red blood cell (94.78%), and haemoglobin (97.52%), which compared well with the commercial product. The study showed the potential application of F. Capensis and J. Secunda leaves extracts in the formulation of functional beverage. The formulation procedures is scalable and has domestic and industrial applications. The tea blend could serve as a functional food ingredient and beverage to improve human health.Graphical

Strategi Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Melalui UMKM Kelompok Wanita Tani Kenanga Desa Tanjung

The Women Farmers Group is also a forum for self-development for working age women, especially housewives in Tanjung Village, Banyusari District. The Kenanga Women's Farmers Group (KWT) received assistance and assistance from the UPTD of the Banyusari District Agriculture Service and PT. Pertamina. Assistance from the Banyusari District Agriculture Service. The products produced by KWT Kenanga vary, such as herbal food and herbal drinks. The informants in this research were the chairman of KWT Kenanga, members of KWT Kenanga, and the Tanjung Village Community. Based on the research results, the strengths of KWT Kenanga are greater than its weaknesses, namely the overall strength coefficient value is 2.27 and its weaknesses are 1.67 in IFAS, so KWT Kenanga's opportunities are also greater than its threats. According to EFAS, the overall score is 3.14 for opportunities and 1.24 for threats. Based on the results, the SWOT chart of KWT Kenanga indicates its position in quadrant I, indicating a highly favorable situation. The strategy applied in the first quadrant supports an aggressive growth policy (growth-oriented strategy). The situation at KWT Kenanga reinforces the SO strategy, which leverages internal strengths by exploiting external opportunities.

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Selected Herbal Drinks Sold in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Their Toxicological Risk Assessment

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Selected Herbal Drinks Sold in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Their Toxicological Risk Assessment

Prospective Approaches of Herbal Novel Delivery System with Special Reference to the Herbal Nanosciences

: Medicinal and culinary uses of plants date back centuries. Projects on a global scale are conducting laboratory research to identify plants with therapeutic properties, with the ultimate goal of developing such compounds into medicines with acceptable drug delivery mechanisms and bringing them to market. Non-synthetic medications derived from plant or herbal sources have attracted a lot of interest because of their high tolerability and low likelihood of adverse medication reactions. All diseases, the theory goes, can be cured by something found in nature. Medicines can be taken in a wide variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, semi-liquid extracts, tinctures, decoctions, medicinal teas, solutions, and more. Longer release, patient adherence, and other objectives necessitate adjustments to herbal medications. Researchers into novel drug delivery systems had hitherto overlooked herbal remedies due to a lack of scientific validation and the challenges inherent in processing, standardizing, extracting, and identifying them. Transdisciplinary research and cuttingedge isolation, purification, and identification techniques have led to the development of novel herbal compositions. Bioactive plant extracts and phytoconstituents are used in a wide variety of Nano- Emulsions, microspheres, transferosomes, implants, and ethosomes. Compared to herbal remedies, novel formulations fared better. Among these advantages are increased solubility, bioavailability, toxicity, pharmacological activity, stability, delivery duration, and resistance to physical and chemical degradation. As a result, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of herbal medications can be enhanced by the use of novel drug delivery systems, making them safer and more effective. : This article aims to provide a concise description of the many new drug delivery techniques that have been created for the administration of herbal medications. The ultimate goal is to increase the efficacy of therapies and to learn more about their significance and worldwide appeal.

Efficacy of jing Si herbal tea in functional dyspepsia: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

BackgroundFunctional dyspepsia (FD) is prevalent worldwide and is associated with gastrointestinal inflammation, mucosal anomalies, and shifts in microbiota metabolites like short chain fatty acids. This study assesses the efficacy of Jing Si herbal tea (JSHT) in alleviating FD symptoms, psychological distress, and influencing metabolites. MethodsAdults with FD based on Rome IV criteria were included. Participants underwent physical and psychological evaluations, pre-treatment blood sampling, and were randomly assigned to JSHT or placebo groups for four weeks. Post-treatment, evaluations and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for gut metabolites were done. Successful response was defined by a 50% symptom reduction. Symptom intensity, sleep, depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using questionnaires. Results26 patients (median age 55.5 years, range 22–77 years, 60.6% female) were studied. Both JSHT and placebo groups were similar at baseline. JSHT showed a higher response rate (69.2%) than placebo (23.1%, P = 0.018). JSHT recipients experienced notable reduction in upper gastrointestinal symptoms and anxiety (P = 0.005; P = 0.037). Increased serum butyrate was observed in improved patients (P = 0.01), whereas no major changes were detected in the placebo group. ConclusionFour weeks of JSHT treatment ameliorated FD symptoms and anxiety, potentially linked to increased serum butyrate. This study suggests that JSHT has potential therapeutic role in patients with FD.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Corn Silk Extract on Carbonated Alcoholic Herbal Beverages Induced Hepatoxicity in Adult Wistar Rats

Corn silk is the long shiny fibers at the top of an ordinary ear of corn (Zea mays). Corn silk contains phytochemicals of medical benefit such as flavonoids compounds which act as antioxidant agents and has been widely reported possess hepatoprotective effect. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of corn silk extract on carbonated alcoholic herbal beverages (CAHB) induced hepatoxicity in adult Wistar rats. A total of forty five adult Wistar rats weighing between 200g and 250g were randomly assigned into nine groups of five rats each in a group. Group A was the normal control group (no CAHB administration). Groups B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I were the CAHB intoxicated groups and treated with corn silk extract at different doses. After administering a carbonated alcoholic herbal beverage, there was a substantial increase (p≤0.05) in the mean concentration of liver enzymes (ALP, ALT, ALT), total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin. While those characteristics reversed to values similar to the control after being treated with varying doses of corn silk extract The oxidative stress parameter (SOD, GPX, Catalase, MDA) shown significant increase in group. Histological examination of the liver revealed infiltrate of inflammatory cells, vascular ulceration, periportal infiltration of inflammatory cell, and vascular congestion in a group treated with carbonated alcoholic herbal beverages (CAHB). The only group exhibiting normal hepatocyte morphology and kupffer cell activity was the one administered 200 mg/kg of maize silk extract. Group D showed a similar and more powerful hepatic architecture after receiving only 600 mg/kg of maize silk extract. The hepatoprotective and anti- oxidative effects of corn silk extract were confirmed by the treatment groups (200 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg), which displayed normal hepatocytes with minor vascular congestion, respectively. Corn silk administration lowers a number of the harmful effects of in vivo carbonated alcoholic herbal beverage administration in the liver of Wister rats, according to the findings in this study.

Rapid determination of phenolic composition in chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids are the main responsible of the antioxidant activity of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.). Traditional methods for the analysis of the phenolic content in vegetables often suffer from limitations such as being expensive, time-consuming, and complex. In this study, we propose, for the first time, the use of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for the rapid determination of the main components of the polyphenolic fraction in chamomile. Results demonstrate that SERS can serve as an alternative or complementary technique to main analytical strategies for qualitative and quantitative determination of polyphenol compounds in plant extracts. The method can be proposed for quasi real-time analysis of herbal teas and infusions, facilitating rapid screening of their main antioxidant components.

Potential active fractions and constituents in the flowers of Trollius chinensis Bunge responsible for treating acute pharyngitis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTrollius chinensis Bunge has a long history of use in China as traditional Chinese medicine and functional tea for the treatment of respiratory infections, such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis and bronchitis. Pharyngitis can impact the entire throat and adjacent lymphoid tissues, and may lead to significant systemic complications. However, the active components and mechanism of Trollius chinensis Bunge for treating acute pharyngitis remains unclear. Aim of the studyTrollius chinensis Bunge is recognized in China both as a medicinal herb and a functional tea. Research into its properties aimed to establish its effectiveness against pharyngitis and to pinpoint the active components and mechanism. Materials and methodsA 70% ethanol extract from the herb was prepared, which was refined using chromatography through a column containing D101 macroporous resin and varying ethanol solutions. The efficacy of the initial and refined extracts was tested using a rat model of ammonia-induced acute pharyngitis. Pathological examination, HE staining and ELISA were applied to screen activity fraction. The compounds were isolated by silica gel, sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC chromatography from active fraction. All of the isolated compounds were assessed for anti-inflammatory activity by acting on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells in vitro. Cytotoxicity of compounds was detected by CCK-8 assay. The Griess reaction was applied to evaluate the inhibitory effects of isolated compounds on NO production in RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS. TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and PGE2 levels in macrophage supernatant were detected by ELISA. Molecular docking and western blot analysis were applied to study the anti-inflammatory mechanism of active compound. ResultsThe fraction extracted with 30% ethanol proved particularly effective, significantly reducing pharyngitis symptoms. This was evidenced by decreased levels of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and PGE2) and visible improvements in the pharyngeal tissue histology. In pursuit of pharyngitis treatments, 23 phenolic acids and 13 flavonoids were isolated from the 30% ethanol fraction and identified using spectral analysis. Of these, three were newly discovered compounds and eight were first-time isolates from the Trollius genus. These compounds were further investigated for their ability to suppress nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells triggered by lipopolysaccharide. Compounds 3, 19, and 26 exhibited strong anti-inflammatory properties. HPLC analysis of the 30% ethanol fraction revealed that orientin was the predominant component, accounting for 44.4% of this fraction. Western blot analysis demonstrated that orientin reduced the expression levels of the protein p-p65 relative to p65, p-IκBα relative to IκBα and iNOS, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect potentially through the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. ConclusionThe finding of this study provided strong support for the use of T. chinensis as a potential functional food for treating pharyngitis.

Lipidomics of herbal tea revealed their potential lipid nutrients including novel fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids

Lipidomics of herbal tea revealed their potential lipid nutrients including novel fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids

The effect of addition of mint leaves (Mentha piperita. L) on the characteristics of coffee leaf herbal tea

The effect of addition of mint leaves (Mentha piperita. L) on the characteristics of coffee leaf herbal tea

Anatomic and Phytochemical Investigation of Herbal Tea Bags Sold as Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in the Market

Melissa officinalis L., an ethnobotanically valuable plant, has been used for the treatment of several diseases since ancient times. However, different plants with the same name are sold instead of lemon balm in markets that sell herbal products in Turkey. For this purpose, 15 different brands of tea bags in crushed form, sold as lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in markets, were analyzed. The total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant capacities of the hydroalcoholic extracts of these tea samples along with the stomatal structure were investigated. Additionally, chemical compositions and rosmarinic acid contents were determined by the high-performance thin layer chromatography method. Among the samples examined, S1, S2, S9 and S12 tea samples were found to meet the eligibility criteria. The leaves of these samples had diacytic stomata and the rosmarinic acid ratio in their phytochemical composition was over 2%. Furthermore, caffeic acid was detected in these samples.

MANAJEMEN PENINGKATAN VALUE ADDED BUAH OKRA MENJADI PRODUK KHAS OLAHAN TEH DAN KOPI DI KBUPATEN JEMBER

The Okra plant is a herbal plant that contains various benefits and is one of the plants produced in large quantities in the Jember Regency area. One of the benefits of okra fruit is to prevent diabetes. However, even though it has various benefits, this fruit is often underestimated and is not even known by various groups in Jember or other areas. Therefore, this research is intended to improve the management of okra fruit so that it can provide high added value as a superior herbal product in Jember Regency. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods. The data used are primary and secondary data, as well as data collection techniques carried out by observation, interviews and literature reviews. The research results show that good management of okra fruit can make the fruit a processed herbal tea and coffee product which has a high selling price and is useful for health.

Plant-based traditional foods of Mogoditshane, Mmopane and Metsimotlhabe villages, Botswana: nutritional and bioactive compounds potential, processing, values, and challenges

Documentation of resources used in the indigenous diets are important for preservation of cultural heritage, biodiversity conservation, sustainability, and food systems resilience. In view of this, edible plants list, processing, values, and challenges associated to indigenous foods/dishes, and beverages of Mogoditshane, Mmopane and Metsimotlhabe villages, Botswana were investigated through face-to-face interview and focus group discussion (FGD). Fifty-four (54) wild edible plants, most available after rains were documented. Fruits, roots, tubers, nuts, and leaves of wild edible plants are used in different forms some as diet recipes, snacks, herbal tea, substrates, and as an inoculum source for fermented products. For some, medicinal value was reported. Among the domesticated crops, beans, maize, sorghum, watermelon, cooking melons, sweet reed, ditloo, letlhodi, makgomane, groundnuts, morogo and millets were mentioned. Among indigenous beverages, bojalwa ja setswana (traditional sorghum beer) and khadi were widely mentioned. To some products, food safety and taboos challenge indicated. Because of high temperature and low rainfall, availability of some edible plants was indicated scarce. To some products mould spoilage from inadequately dried products, presence of insects/pests and soil impurities were challenging. Some beans and cereal grains were taking long time to cook leading to consumption of energy. In Mogoditshane village, because of conurbation to Gaborone city, limited land for farming, crop production was low resulting into life-style changes toward western culture diets. Reluctance to collect wild foods from bush was challenging for young generation. Most indigenous diets consumed are low in sugar and fat, but are wholesome like (whole grains, with dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals) with high potential for diet diversifications. Even though, most indigenous foods/beverages are still consumed, there are worries that young generation has limited knowledge and skills to process. The communities have indicated that unlike old days relying on indigenous foods, these days they buy imported processed foods and beverages from supermarkets.

Assessing the potential fasting and postprandial mechanisms involved in the acute hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic effects of four selected plants from Iran used in traditional Persian medicine

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn traditional Persian medicine (TPM), people often use herbal infusions as a dosage form to treat diseases related to hyperglycemia, known as 'dam-kardeh'. Traditionally, herbal preparations of Eryngium bungei Boiss. (E. b), Tragopogon buphthalmoides (DC.) Boiss. (T. b), Salvia hydrangea DC. ex Benth. (S. h), and Juniperus polycarpos K. Koch. (J. p) are used to manage diabetes in Iran. However, there is no evidence of their effectiveness in controlling glucose levels and their mechanisms remain unclear.Aim of the study: This study aimed to investigate whether traditional doses of plant infusions can have hypoglycemic and/or anti-hyperglycemic effects during fasting and/or postprandial states and establish the basis for future research on their potential mechanisms of action. Materials and methodsThe effects of traditional doses of herbal extracts on blood glucose levels in STZ-NA-induced hyperglycemic rats were investigated in 2-h acute tests during fasting and postprandial states (with a glucose load). In addition, the potential inhibitory effect in vitro of enzymes involved in relevant pathways, such as gluconeogenesis (fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, FBPase and glucose-6-phosphatase, G6Pase), carbohydrate breakdown (intestinal α-glucosidases), and insulin sensitivity (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, PTP-1B) was evaluated. Acute toxicity tests were carried out and HPLC-SQ-TOF was used to analyze the chemical profiles of the plant extracts. ResultsIn the fasting state, T. b, S. h, and E. b were as effective as glibenclamide in lowering blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic rats. Moreover, all three suppressed G6Pase and FBPase enzymatic activity by 90–97% and 80–91%, respectively. On the other hand, significant postprandial hypoglycemic efficacy was observed for E. b, S. h, and T. b. Based on the AUC values, T. b caused a reduction comparable to the therapeutic efficacy of repaglinide. When investigating the possible mechanisms of action involved in this activity, E. b, S. h, and T. b showed significant inhibition of PTP-1B in vitro (>70%). Finally, all plant extracts showed no signs of acute toxicity. Several compounds that may contribute to biological activities were identified, including phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides. ConclusionsThe present study supports the traditional use of T. b, E. b and S. h for the control of diabetes in the fasting and postprandial state. Moreover, these plants were found to be rich in bioactive compounds with hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activities. On the other hand, J. p, showed a modest effect only in the fasting state and after 90 min. Further studies are needed to expand these results by analyzing the chemical composition and using complementary experimental models.

Comprehensive assessment for species authenticity, pesticide residual, and fungal contamination characteristics of Panax herbal tea

Adulteration, pesticide residues, and fungal contamination are the three key factors affecting herbal medicine safety. Herbal tea is a healthy beverage containing bioactive molecules and is one of the derivatives of medicine food homology herbal medicine. However, these three factors are often ignored in the herbal tea industry. In this study, 171 commercially available Panax herbal tea products were tested. The findings revealed that the target Panax ingredient in the herbal tea products was adulterated by Platycodon grandiflorum or the mixed-using of Panax genus species, with an adulteration rate of 25.1%. The pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) pesticide residue rate was 78.4% in the 171 Panax herbal tea products. Two samples demonstrated obvious fungal contamination. Among the 171 Panax herbal teas, 98 samples were qualified with the correct species, qualified pesticide residues, and no fungal contamination (eyeballing). The present investigation not only sheds light on the three key factors exerting a significant impact on herbal tea safety but also provides a reference for the comprehensive evaluation of herbal tea, thereby facilitating the development of this industry.