The Extraction and Practical Application of Natural Components form Tea
TRI developed the first technique in China to extract and purify natural components such as polyphenol from tea, as well as successfully investigated and developed the technique of isolation and preparation of tea polyphenols. Based on the studies on the anti-oxidation activity and efficiency in scavenging free radicals, tea polyphenol was used as preservative additive in oil-containing foods such as moon-cakes and hams. A health-care product showing the beneficial effect on the prevention of cardiovascular disorders, Xin-Nao-Jian, which uses tea polyphenol as a main bioactive component, was developed by TRI and sold on markets. The technologies were transferred to several enterprises in Zhejiang, Hainan and Jiangxi provinces. The comprehensive technologies succeeded in extraction, isolation and production of active components (such as polyphenol, pigments, polysaccharide, theanine and caffeine) from one single tea material. The research achievements were awarded the second-grade National Prize for the Advancement of Science and Technology by the State, the first and third-grade Prizes by the Ministry of Agriculture.
TRI was the first in China to purify catechins by means of HSCCC (High Speed Counter Current Chromatography). Soon later a patented instrument LSCCC (Low Speed Counter Current Chromatography) of 10 litter capacity was developed to isolate EGCG and puerarin. This technology can be used to isolate and purify bioactive components form medicinal herbs. The research findings were awarded by the second-grade Prize for the Advancement of Science and Technology by the Ministry of Agriculture and conferred patents of invention and practical application.
TRI developed the first technology to isolate saponin from tea seeds in China. Saponin was used as a main component in the number of products developed by TRI, such as TS-80 paraffin emulsifier (oil-in-water type), protective agent for prawn breeding, TS－861 foam stabilizer of air-entrained concrete and shampoo. These products were successfully manufactured in factories. The technology was granted Invention Patent and received the third-grade Invention Prize from the State, the second-grade Prize from the Ministy of Agriculture and the third-grade Prize for the Advancement of Science and Technology from the ZheJiang Provincial Government.
New type edible oil extracted from camellia seeds was produced in large quantities. Its unsaturated fatty acid content is as high as 80%. A product containing hydrogenated tea oil, TO-891 was invented as a special lubricating oil to improve tea quality and reduce the occurrence of broken leaves in tea processing. These products were granted invention patents and received the fourth-grade National Invention Prize from the State and the second-grade Prize for the Advancement of Science and Technology from the Ministry of Agriculture.