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Keywords: Radical scavenging activity, Polysaccharide characterization, GC-MS profiling, antimicrobial potential, Nutraceutical development
Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, valued for its taste and health benefits. We investigated three Assam tea clones TV-17, TV-22, and Teen Ali to evaluate differences in their phytochemical composition and bioactive properties. We measured natural compounds such as caffeine, flavonoids, tannins, and polysaccharides, tested their antioxidant activity, and examined their ability to inhibit bacteria. Teen Ali exhibited the highest caffeine and flavonoid contents and showing the strongest antioxidant activity, which helps neutralize harmful free radicals. It also contained unique bioactive molecules, such as vitamin E and quercetin, known for supporting human health. While its antibacterial effect was moderate, Teen Ali’s dense polysaccharide structure may offer additional health and environmental stress benefits. The findings demonstrate substantial biochemical variation among Assam tea clones—biochemical differences among clones may significantly influence their nutraceutical potential. By identifying Teen Ali as a particularly rich source of bioactive compounds, this work opens new possibilities for developing value-added tea products and plant-based health supplements.
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Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, India