Relative Analysis of Gallic-Acid, Theobromine, Theophylline, and Caffeine Content among 12 Bangladeshi Tea Genotypes Using Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography

Aims: The tea industry is of great economic importance worldwide, owing to its possession of both food and medicinal values. Bangladesh is among the world-renowned tea exporting countries. However, the inadequate biochemical data for most cultivated Bangladeshi tea genotypes hinders its competitiveness on the world market. This is as a result of previous research mainly revolving around conventional breeding, mutagenesis, and polyploidization. This research aims to characterise the 12 Bangladeshi tea genotypes according to their biochemical content. Such information is inevitable in driving the demand and preference of these tea products on the world market.

Study Design: The study was designed based on relevant research articles and standard laboratory procedures.

Place and Duration of Study: This research was conducted at the Molecular Biology and Protein Science Laboratory, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh, from June 2015 to September 2016.

Methodology: Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography was used to determine the composition of different tea genotypes. A mixture of 999 ml de-ionised water & 1 ml TFA was used as buffer A, and 80% acetonitrile was used as buffer B in RPLC system.

Results: We found that all the 12 tea genotypes are rich in Theophylline, Theobromine, Gallic-Acid, and Caffeine content, but with varying quantities.

Conclusion: These results indicate that some of these tea genotypes can be used to produce the decaffeinated tea, a newly introduced tea product on the market that is on high demand. To ascertain the diversity of chemical composition among the various tea genotypes, biochemical characterisation of other Bangladeshi tea genotypes should be performed. Such data will enhance the market value and demand for Bangladeshi tea on the world market.