Abstract
This paper describes the physiological functions of ku-ding-cha, a traditional bitter tea beverage that has been consumed in South China for a long time. Ku-ding-cha made from species in the genus Ilex, Aquifoliaceae and the genus Ligustrum, Oleaceae have been used in China as a diuretic and remedy for sore throat, weight loss and hypertension. Recent studies have demonstrated that triterpenes and triterpenoid glycosides in ku-ding-cha from the genus Ilex exhibit anti-arteriosclerosis, anti-obesity, anti-allergy and anti-cancer effects, and that phenylpropanoid glycosyl esters of phenylethanoid glycosides in ku-ding-cha from the genus Ligustrum exhibit anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective and anti-proliferative activities. Similar effects to those described above of the phenylethanoid glycosides and tea catechins are expected from ku-ding-cha of the genus Ilex, which contains a large amount of chlorogenic acids. We also demonstrated that ku-ding-cha has the ability to capture allyl mercaptan and allyl methyl sulfide in vivo. In conclusion, further investigations are necessary to more effectively use ku-ding-cha for maintaining our health.
