The change of epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate content in tea of different varieties, tea seasons of crop and processing method

The content of epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-mehtyl) ganate (EGCG3"Me), which h as been observed an anti-allergic action in vitro and in vivo (mouse) and p resent in tea leaves, was determined in different tea varieties, at differe nt cropping seasons and upon various processing methods. Benihomare and two of its offsprings, Benifuuki and Benifuji contained as much as 1% of EGCG3 "Me in their green teas and slightly less in their semi-fermented teas. Sur prisingly, EGCG3"Me was absent in Izumi, a third offspring of Benihomare. A higher concentration of EGCG3"Me was found on or after the second crop in Benihomare and Benifuji. Furthermore, EGCG3"Me was not detected in black te a (fermented tea) manufactured from Benihomare and Benifuji. Thus, to benef it the anti-allergic effect of EGCG3" Me, green or semi-fermented teas, mad e from Benihomare, Benifuuki and Benifuji at second crop onwards, should be consumed.