Abstract
S-Methylmethionine (MMS, an anti-ulcer factor, Vitamin U) was determined in the extracts of various kinds of teas, such as green teas, black teas and oolong teas, using an amino acid analyzer for physiological-fluid analysis or for rapid analysis. MMS in the column eluates was confirmed to be dimethyl sulfide by a gas-chromatographic method with a flame photometric detector. The quantity of MMS obtained from the various green teas depended on the quality and the freshness, i.e. fresh, high-quality gyokuro, 15.7 to 24.5mg% ; fresh sen-cha, 7.0 to 10.3mg% ; and the other green teas 1 to 6mg%. Oolong tea and black tea did not contain MMS.
The extraction conditions for and the heat-stability of MMS were also discussed.
