INNOVATIVE HERBAL TEA BLEND: NUTRITIONAL AND FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF CENTELLA ASIATICA (THANKUNI) AND CAMELLIA SINENSIS

Abstract

Herbal teas are gaining widespread popularity due to their perceived natural origin, safety, and potential health-promoting properties. Emerging evidence suggests that certain tea formulations can produce synergistic effects, enhancing physiological benefits, consumer appeal, and economic value. This study aimed to develop a novel herbal tea blend combining medicinal plants green tea (Camellia sinensis) and thankuni (Centella asiatica) to optimize therapeutic efficacy while ensuring a pleasant sensory experience. Green tea and thankuni leaves were dried, ground into fine powders, and used to prepare six distinct formulations with varying ratios of thankuni leaf powder (TLP) and green tea leaf powder (GTP): Type A (10% TLP, 90% GTP), Type B (15% TLP, 85% GTP), Type C (20% TLP, 80% GTP), Type D (25% TLP, 75% GTP), Type E (30% TLP, 70% GTP), and Type F (40% TLP, 60% GTP). Each formulation was evaluated for nutritional composition, bioactive content, microbiological safety, and sensory attributes. Among them, Type F demonstrated superior performance, with the highest levels of total phenolic content (TPC: 183.73 mg GAE/100g), total flavonoid content (TFC: 127.43 mg QE/100g), and antioxidant activity (26.94 mg TE/100g) (p < 0.05). It also exhibited the lowest caffeine content, while Type A showed the highest (2.9%). Microbiological analysis confirmed that all samples remained within acceptable limits, with no detectable yeast or mold contamination, indicating good hygienic quality. Sensory evaluation further revealed that Type F offered the most favorable taste and aroma, contributing to its higher consumer acceptability. In conclusion, Type F emerged as the optimal blend, striking a desirable balance between nutritional value, bioactive potency, and sensory appeal. Its enhanced antioxidant capacity, lower caffeine content, and consumer-friendly attributes support its potential as a health-promoting and socially acceptable herbal tea formulation.