Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Standardization of White Tea Leaf (Camellia sinensis L. Kuntze) Ethanolic Extracts

Background: Tea or also known as Camellia sinensis (Theaceae family) is the most popular plant and beverage in the world because of the sensory properties, prices are relatively cheap, stimulant effects, and their potential health benefits but white tea is not widely known. White tea is made from unfermented tea leaves young shoots protected from sunlight to avoid polyphenols degradation which inhibits of the chlorophyll formation and causing the white color on the leaf buds. Objective: The objective of research and development of herbal medicine is to improve the quality and safety of natural products. Materials and Methods: Macroscopical and microscopical features of the leaf have been analysis using an optical microscope and fragment analysis under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Phytochemical and physico-chemical analysis were evaluated. The observation of the FTIR spectrum profiles is done by interpreting the typical peak that appears. Results: The leaf has actinocytic stomata, unicellular trichomes, heterogenous mesophyll which is characterized by the presence of calcium oxalate crystals and sclereid cells. Phytochemical analysis indicated resources the presence of tannins, flavonoids, glycosides and saponins.The content of polyphenol from white tea leaves ethanolic extract is 35.73% with the largest concentration of catechins is 18.84% and 17.43% tannins. The derivative content of catechins is EGCG with 7.37%. FTIR analysis showed functional groups of O-H, C-H, N-H, C=O, C=C, and C-O. Conclusion: Pharmacognostic and phytochemicals features established in this study may be used as part of the pharmacopoeial standard which can play an important role in its standardization.