Chemical Composition Analysis and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Astragali Radix-Aged White Tea

GAO Jianjian; JIANG Huimin; HAN Xinyao; WANG Ying; LIN Zhiyuan; HU Zhengyan; ZHOU Mengxue; LIN Zhi; DAI Weidong

doi:10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2026.04.005

PDF(963 KB)

Journal of Tea Science ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (4) : 731-746. DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2026.04.005

Research Paper

Chemical Composition Analysis and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Astragali Radix-Aged White Tea

GAO Jianjian^1,2, JIANG Huimin^1,2, HAN Xinyao^1,2, WANG Ying¹, LIN Zhiyuan¹, HU Zhengyan³, ZHOU Mengxue^1,*, LIN Zhi¹, DAI Weidong^1,*

Author information +

History +

Abstract

This study systematically investigated the quality characteristics and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Astragali Radix-aged white tea. The tea was prepared from Fuding aged Shoumei white tea and Hunyuan Astragali Radix and evaluated using sensory assessment, conventional physicochemical analyses, non-targeted metabolomics, and in vivo anti-inflammatory assays. Sensory evaluation shows that the tea retained the sweet and mellow flavor of white tea while exhibiting a moderate herbal aroma, with overall good sensory harmony. Physicochemical analyses indicates that the moisture content, free amino acids, tea polyphenols, and total flavonoids were all within typical ranges. Non-targeted metabolomic profiling identified 155 compounds, including common tea polyphenols, flavonoids, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone-substituted flavanols, amino acids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, along with several characteristic triterpene saponins and isoflavones derived from Astragali Radix. The results of animal experiments show that the water extract of Astragali Radix-aged white tea significantly reduced xylene-induced ear swelling in mice at both low (0.30 g·kg^-1) and high (0.60 g·kg^-1) doses, with inhibition rates of 47.60% and 41.90%, respectively. This is comparable to the positive control aspirin (41.90%). In addition, notable anti-inflammatory activity was exhibited by the extractin both the carrageenan-induced paw edema model and the cotton pellet-induced granuloma model in rats, with low (0.21 g·kg^-1) and high (0.42 g·kg^-1) doses inhibiting granuloma formation by 35.61% and 33.78%, respectively. Overall, these findings provided a detailed characterization of the chemical composition and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Astragali Radix-aged white tea, supporting its potential development as a functional food-medicinal tea product.

Key words

Astragali Radix-aged white tea / chemical composition / metabolomics / liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry / anti-inflammatory effect / homology of medicine and food

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

GAO Jianjian, JIANG Huimin, HAN Xinyao, WANG Ying, LIN Zhiyuan, HU Zhengyan, ZHOU Mengxue, LIN Zhi, DAI Weidong. Chemical Composition Analysis and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Astragali Radix-Aged White Tea[J]. Journal of Tea Science. 2026, 46(4): 731-746 https://doi.org/10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2026.04.005

References

[1] 戴伟东, 解东超, 林智. 白茶功能性成分及保健功效研究进展[J]. 中国茶叶, 2021, 43(4): 1-8.
Dai W D, Xie D C, Lin Z.Research progress of white tea's functional ingredients and health benefits[J]. China Tea, 2021, 43(4): 1-8.
[2] Zhou S, Zhang J M, Ma S C, et al.Recent advances on white tea: manufacturing, compositions, aging characteristics and bioactivities[J]. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 2023, 134: 41-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2023.02.016.
[3] 梅宇. 2024年中国茶叶生产与内销形势分析[J]. 中国茶叶, 2025, 47(6): 24-30.
Mei Y.Analysis of China's tea production and domestic sales in 2024[J]. China Tea, 2025, 47(6): 24-30.
[4] Gao J J, Lin Z Y, Zhou M X, et al. Recent advances in N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone-substituted flavanols (EPSFs), novel bioactivecomponents in tea: chemical structure, formation mechanism,potential health benefits [J]. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 2025, 24(3): e70195. https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.70195.
[5] Lin Z Y, Dai W D, Hu S S, et al.Stored white tea ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota and intestinal metabolites[J]. Food & Function, 2024, 15(8): 4262-4275.
[6] Gao J J, Chen D, Xie D C, et al.Investigations of the highly efficient processing technique, chemical constituents, and anti-inflammatory effect of N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone-substituted flavan-3-ol (EPSF)-enriched white tea[J]. Food Chemistry, 2024, 450: 139328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139328.
[7] Gao J J, Chen D, Lin Z Y, et al. Research progress on the antidiabetic activities of tea and its bioactive components [J]. Beverage Plant Research, 2023, 3: 32. https://doi.org/10.48130/BPR-2023-0032.
[8] 谢美, 陈岩, 侯林, 等. 基于CiteSpace和VOSviewer知识图谱分析黄芪抗炎功效的研究现状[J]. 药学研究, 2024, 43(12): 1163-1167, 1173.
Xie M, Chen Y, Hou L, et al.Research status of astragalus radix anti-inflammatory efficacy analysis based on CiteSpace and VOSviewer knowledge graph[J]. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2024, 43(12): 1163-1167, 1173.
[9] 胡妮娜, 张晓娟. 黄芪的化学成分及药理作用研究进展[J]. 中医药信息, 2021, 38(1): 76-82.
Hu N N, Zhang X J.Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Astragalus membranaceus[J]. Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2021, 38(1): 76-82.
[10] 刘蓬蓬, 张凡, 史辑, 等. UPLC-MS/MS法测定不同温度定向炮制黄芪中8种苷类和4种苷元成分的含量[J]. 中国药房, 2020, 31(3): 287-293.
Liu P P, Zhang F, Shi J, et al.Determination of 8 glycosides and 4 aglycones in directionally processed Astragalus membranaceus under different temperatures by UPLC-MS/MS[J]. China Pharmacy, 2020, 31(3): 287-293.
[11] 李搏远, 李心欣. 黄芪黄酮的化学成分及其药理作用研究进展[J]. 特种经济动植物, 2024, 27(11): 104-106.
Li B Y, Li X X.Research progress on the chemical components and pharmacological effects of astragalus flavonoids[J]. Special Economic Animals and Plants, 2024, 27(11): 104-106.
[12] 杜津. 蒙古黄芪的化学成分及抗炎、免疫活性研究[D]. 昆明: 云南中医药大学, 2022: 43-44.
Du J.Study on chemical constituents, anti-inflammatory and immune activities of Astragalus membranaceus [D]. Kunming: Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2022: 43-44.
[13] 姜慧敏, 彭佳堃, 胡争艳, 等. 不同萎凋程度厌氧处理对γ-氨基丁酸白茶化学成分及滋味品质的影响[J]. 食品科学, 2025, 46(20): 14-25.
Jiang H M, Peng J K, Hu Z Y, et al.Effects of anaerobic treatment at different withering degrees on the chemical composition and sensory quality of γ-aminobutyric acid-enriched white tea[J]. Food Science, 2025, 46(20): 14-25.
[14] 彭佳堃, 戴伟东, 颜涌泉, 等. 永春佛手茶对溃疡性结肠炎的辅助保护功能及主要成分分析[J]. 食品科学, 2022, 43(19): 129-136.
Peng J K, Dai W D, Yan Y Q, et al.Auxiliary protective effect of Yongchun Foshou tea on ulcerative colitis in mice and analysis of major components involved[J]. Food Science, 2022, 43(19): 129-136.
[15] 陈美艳, 刘芬, 林勇, 等. L-茶氨酸对CUMS抑郁大鼠海马和肠道损伤的干预作用研究[J]. 茶叶科学, 2021, 41(4): 511-524.
Chen M Y, Liu F, Lin Y, et al.Intervention effects of L-theanine on the damage of hippocampus and gut in CUMS depressed rats[J]. Journal of Tea Science, 2021, 41(4): 511-524.
[16] GB/T 22291—2017 白茶[S].
GB/T 22291—2017 White tea[S].
[17] 陈志达, 周辉, 陈兴华,等. 福鼎白茶滋味品质的量化评价[J]. 浙江大学学报(农业与生命科学版), 2020, 46(3): 334-343.
Chen Z D, Zhou H, Chen X H, et al.Taste quantitative evaluation of Fuding white tea[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University (Agriculture and Life Sciences), 2020, 46(3): 334-343.
[18] 高健健, 陈丹, 彭佳堃, 等. 基于代谢组学的云南白茶与福鼎白茶化学成分比较分析[J]. 茶叶科学, 2022, 42(5): 623-637.
Gao J J, Chen D, Peng J K, et al.Comparison on chemical components of Yunnan and Fuding white tea based on metabolomics approach[J]. Journal of Tea Science, 2022, 42(5): 623-637.
[19] Kang N X, Shen W H, Zhang Y, et al.Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties of anemoside B4 isolated from Pulsatilla chinensis in vivo[J]. Phytomedicine, 2019, 64: 152934. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152934.
[20] De Lima M N N, Guimarães B A, De Castro A L S, et al. Chemical composition and antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil of Hyptis crenata Pohl ex Benth. from the Brazilian Amazon[J]. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2023, 300: 115720. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.115720.
[21] Lim H J, Bak S G, Park E J, et al. Retrofractamide cderived from piper longum alleviates xylene-induced mouse ear edema and inhibits phosphorylation of ERK and NF-κB in LPS-induced J774A.1 [J]. Molecules, 2020, 25(18): 4058. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25184058.
[22] Eze F, Uzor P, Peter I, et al. In vitro and in vivo models for anti-inflammation: an evaluative review [J]. INNOSC Theranostics and Pharmacological Sciences, 2019, 2(2): 755. https://doi.org/10.36922/itps.v2i2.775.
[23] Di Rosa M, Giroud J P, Willoughby D A.Studies on the mediators of the acute inflammatory response induced in rats in different sites by carrageenan and turpentine[J]. The Journal of Pathology, 1971, 104(1): 15-29.
[24] Crunkhorn P, Meacock S C.Mediators of the inflammation induced in the rat paw by carrageenin[J]. British Journal of Pharmacology, 1971, 42(3): 392-402.
[25] Nag Chaudhuri A K, Karmakar S, ROY D, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of Indian black tea (Sikkim variety)[J]. Pharmacological Research, 2005, 51(2): 169-175.
[26] Dai W D, Lou N, Xie D C, et al.N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone-substituted flavan-3-ols with anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages are storage-related marker compounds for green tea[J]. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2020, 68(43): 12164-12172.
[27] 刘昌伟, 曾鸿哲, 周方, 等. 茶及其功能成分的抗炎作用研究进展[J]. 中国茶叶加工, 2022(1): 16-23.
Liu C W, Zeng H Z, Zhou F, et al.Research progress on anti-inflammatory effect of tea and its functional components[J]. China Tea Processing, 2022(1): 16-23.
[28] Dong X W, Fang W L, Li Y H, et al. Epigallocatechin-gallate: unraveling its protective mechanisms and therapeutic potential [J]. Cell Biochemistry and Function, 2025, 43(2): e70056. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbf.70056.
[29] 杨沁, 路景涛, 王斌, 等. 黄芪总甙的抗炎作用及其作用机制探索[J]. 中国临床药理学与治疗学, 2001, 6(1): 21-24.
Yang Q, Lu J T, Wang B, et al.Anti-inflammatory effect of astragalosides and its mechanisms of action[J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2001, 6(1): 21-24.
[30] 康东坤, 高外毛, 张红珍, 等. 黄芪总皂苷对脂多糖诱导的BV2小胶质细胞的抗炎机制[J]. 中国病理生理杂志, 2022, 38(2): 276-283.
Kang D K, Gao W M, Zhang H Z, et al.Anti-inflammatory mechanism of total astragalus saponins in LPS-induced BV2 cells[J]. Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology, 2022, 38(2): 276-283.
[31] 赵彩萍, 刘翠玲, 梁爽, 等. 黄芪甲苷对脂多糖诱导人胃黏膜上皮细胞GES-1的抗炎作用及机制研究[J]. 中药新药与临床药理, 2020, 31(8): 918-923.
Zhao C P, Liu C L, Liang S, et al.Anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ on human gastric mucosa epithelial cells (GES-1) induced by LPS[J]. Traditional Chinese Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacology, 2020, 31(8): 918-923.
[32] 王萌, 郭泽, 周鸿缘, 等. 黄芪总黄酮对巨噬细胞RAW264.7抗炎免疫的双向调节研究[J]. 中国预防兽医学报, 2020, 42(8): 822-829.
Wang M, Guo Z, Zhou H Y, et al.Study on the bi-directional regulation of anti-inflammatory immune response by total flavonoids of astragalus in macrophages RAW264.7[J]. Chinese Journal of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2020, 42(8): 822-829.
[33] 林海, 易金容, 饶运帷. 芒柄花素对脂多糖诱导的肺泡上皮细胞凋亡及炎症反应的抑制作用[J]. 中国药房, 2023, 34(22): 2721-2726.
Lin H, Yi J R, Rao Y W.Inhibitory effects of formononetin on lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis and inflammatory response in alveolar epithelial cells[J]. China Pharmacy, 2023, 34(22): 2721-2726.
[34] Gao J Q, Liu Z J, Chen T, et al.Pharmaceutical properties of calycosin, the major bioactive isoflavonoid in the dry root extract of Astragali Radix[J]. Pharmaceutical Biology, 2014, 52(9): 1217-1222.