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Java Tea Extract

Also known as: Java Tea, Cat's Whiskers, Misai Kucing, Orthosiphon stamineus

Overview

Java Tea Extract, derived from the leaves, stems, and roots of *Orthosiphon stamineus*, is a botanical supplement native to Southeast Asia, Australia, and southern China. Traditionally used for kidney health and as a diuretic, it is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which confer significant antioxidant properties. While research on Java Tea is moderately mature, encompassing various in vitro and animal studies, high-quality human clinical trials are limited. The existing evidence base suggests potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects, with some studies highlighting its role in intestinal protection and potential benefits for cardiovascular risk factors. It is primarily consumed as a herbal tea or in extract form.

Benefits

Java Tea exhibits significant antioxidant activity, particularly in its root extracts, which are rich in polyphenols. Studies in mice and cell lines (Source 1, 4) demonstrate its ability to reduce oxidative stress in intestinal cells and protect against high-fat diet-induced intestinal injury. It improves antioxidant markers like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduces malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating protection against lipid peroxidation. Some animal studies also suggest metabolic benefits, including a reduction in blood glucose levels and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity (Source 4). While direct human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for Java Tea are scarce, related research on green tea catechins (similar polyphenols) indicates beneficial effects on lipid profiles and blood pressure in humans (Source 2, 6). However, these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to Java Tea without specific clinical trials. The strength of evidence for direct human benefits of Java Tea is currently low, primarily relying on preclinical data.

How it works

The primary biological activity of Java Tea is attributed to its high content of polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds act as potent antioxidants by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in various tissues (Source 1, 4). The extract also enhances the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduces lipid peroxidation, as evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Furthermore, Java Tea may modulate inflammatory pathways and improve intestinal barrier function, offering protection against oxidative injury, particularly that induced by high-fat diets. The absorption and bioavailability of its polyphenols occur via standard oral routes, with subsequent metabolism in the liver and interaction with gut microbiota.

Side effects

Java Tea extract appears to be generally safe in animal studies, with no significant toxicity reported at the doses investigated (Source 1, 4). However, human safety data are limited due to a lack of large-scale clinical trials. While traditional use and preliminary studies have not reported major adverse effects, common side effects are not well-documented. Due to its traditional use as a diuretic and its observed metabolic effects in animal models, there is a theoretical potential for interactions with prescription diuretics or hypoglycemic agents. Individuals taking such medications should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional. Formal studies on contraindications and safety in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women and children, are lacking, and therefore, its use in these groups should be approached with caution.

Dosage

Currently, there are no standardized dosing guidelines for Java Tea extract established from high-quality human randomized controlled trials. Animal studies have utilized extracts in a range of 50–400 mg/kg body weight, typically using ethanol or aqueous extracts. Traditional human use involves consuming brewed tea, but the concentration of active compounds in such preparations can vary widely and is not standardized. The optimal dose, timing of administration, and most effective formulation for specific health benefits in humans remain to be determined and require further rigorous clinical research. Without sufficient human data, specific upper limits or safety thresholds cannot be definitively established.

FAQs

Is Java Tea extract effective for kidney health?

Traditional use supports its role in kidney health, but rigorous clinical evidence in humans is currently limited. More research is needed to confirm this benefit.

Can Java Tea extract improve blood sugar or lipids?

Animal studies suggest potential benefits for blood sugar and lipid profiles. However, human evidence is insufficient, and these findings cannot be directly extrapolated.

Is it safe to consume Java Tea extract daily?

Based on traditional use and animal data, it is likely safe in moderate amounts. However, human safety data from large-scale trials are limited, so caution is advised.

How quickly do the effects of Java Tea extract appear?

Animal studies have shown effects within weeks of supplementation. However, human data are lacking, making it difficult to define a precise time course for effects in people.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5980324/ – This experimental study, involving animal and cell models, found that Java Tea root extract had the highest polyphenol content and that all extracts protected intestinal cells from oxidative stress induced by a high-fat diet, improving antioxidant markers. It highlights the antioxidant and intestinal protective properties of Java Tea but notes the absence of human data.
https://www.springermedizin.de/effect-of-green-tea-consumption-on-blood-lipids-a-systematic-rev/25659622 – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on green tea, not Java Tea. It concluded that green tea catechins improve lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk factors in humans, identifying dose-response relationships. While high-quality, it provides indirect evidence for Java Tea due to its focus on a different tea.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8781015/ – This systematic review and experimental study, primarily based on animal data, indicated that ethanol extracts of Java Tea enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver. It also showed that extracts scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improved cell viability under oxidative stress, providing a comprehensive overview of preclinical findings but acknowledging limited human trials.