2024-03-31 16:00:37
Herbal teas have gained popularity worldwide not only because of their taste, but also because of their diverse attributed health benefits. A Japanese working group has now identified various herbal teas as a valuable source of healthy lipids for the first time.
Researchers at Hokkaido University analyzed the ingredients of common Japanese herbal teas as part of a current study. They discovered a previously little-researched group of compounds in teas: lipids with potentially health-promoting effects. The research results were recently published in the specialist journal “Food Chemistry” presented.
An in-depth look at the lipids in herbal teas
The findings mark the beginning of a new era in understanding the health effects of herbal teas. Although herbal tea has been consumed in Japan for centuries and is associated with health-promoting effects, the underlying causes for the claimed effect are still largely unexplored.
Led by Professor Siddabasave Gowda and Professor Shu-Ping Hui, the team analyzed 341 different molecular species from five lipid categories. The following four herbs, native to Japan and enjoyed as tea for their potential medicinal properties, were the focus of the research:
- Dokudami (Houttuynia cordata, newt tail, lizard tail),
- Kumazasa (Now veitchii, Zwergbambus),
- Sugina (Equisetum arvense, Ackerschachtelhalm),
- Yomogi (Artemisia princeps, Japanese mugwort).
Herbs from Japanese naturopathy
“These herbs are native to Japan and have been drunk as tea since ancient times due to their medicinal properties,” explains Professor Gowda. They are said to have, among other things, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effects as well as anti-aging effects.
Lipide im Tee?
Lipids are a diverse collection of natural substances that have the property of being insoluble in water. They include all the fats and oils that are found in many foods, but have not yet been studied as important components of teas.
Discovery of new bioactive lipids
Using advanced analytical methods, the research team managed to identify significant differences in the lipid profiles of the teas. Particularly noteworthy is the discovery of a special category of lipids, the short-chain fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (SFAHFAs), which have never been detected in plants before.
These might represent a novel source of short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining intestinal health.
The lipids discovered also include α-linolenic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and arachidonic acid, which has been linked to various health benefits.
“Far-reaching importance for health and nutrition”
“Our first study paves the way for further research into the role of lipids in herbal teas and their far-reaching importance for human health and nutrition,” concludes Gowda.
His team now wants to characterize more than 40 types of herbal tea in the same way in another study.
The results of this study highlight the potential of herbal teas as a source of health-promoting ingredients and offer exciting new perspectives for naturopathy. They invite you to rediscover and appreciate the diverse possibilities of these tried and tested medicinal drinks. (vb)
Author and source information
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This text complies with the requirements of medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Sources:
- Hokkaido University: Lipids with potential health benefits in herbal teas (veröffentlicht: 29.03.2024), global.hokudai.ac.jp
- Lipsa Rani Nath, et al. Dissecting new lipids and their composition in herbal tea using untargeted LC/MS. Food Chemistry. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138941, sciencedirect.com
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.
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