Polyphenolics and therapeutic insights in different tissues extract and fractions of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (Kangra Tea)

Abstract Polyphenolic and therapeutic insights of tea tissues (coarse leaves, flowers, and unripe fruits) extract (75% ethanol), and fractions (Ethyl acetate, n-butanol, residual water) were studied. The total polyphenol, flavonoid content was estimated (46.25 ± 1.2–907 ± 1.7 and 8.0 ± 0.1–54.0 ± 1.3 mg/g, respectively) with predominance in leaves followed by fruits and flowers. The HPLC-based quantification of flavan-3-ols showed similar trends to polyphenols with dominance in LEA, FTEA, and FLEA (731.32 ± 6.41, 531.2 ± 7.41 & 214.1 ± 5.75, mg/g respectively). The antioxidant potential using DPPH, ABTS, and RP assays revealed the maximum activity in leaves, while FIC showed antagonistic results. Further, inhibition of bacteria, fungus, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase indicated broad scope for underutilized tea parts. The leaves and fruits showed maximum α-glucosidase inhibition (87%), while α-amylase inhibition was in the range of 45.2–98.2%. The variability in polyphenols and therapeutic competence provided a different perspective for their utilization in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors.