Study on the Production Process of Powder and Instant Tea from Extracts of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms

01/07/2025

The small-leaved Polyscias fruticosa (scientific name: Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms) has long been widely used in traditional medicine to enhance health and support cerebral blood circulation. Several pharmacological properties of its extracts have been validated, including immune system enhancement, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-dysenteric, diuretic, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic effects. Numerous studies have shown that the plant—particularly its root—contains bioactive compounds with health-boosting and therapeutic effects. Notably, Polyscias fruticosa contains saponins similar to those found in ginseng. In some instances, its roots are used as a ginseng substitute, being more readily available in Vietnam. According to the Ministry of Health's list of medicinal plants with commercial potential (issued January 4, 2012), this plant is among the 40 species with high potential for exploitation and market development.

The cultivation area for Polyscias fruticosa in Tra Vinh province has been expanding steadily. However, the rapid increase in planting area is leading to an oversupply of raw materials, posing a risk to the sustainable development of this medicinal resource. Therefore, diversifying products derived from Polyscias fruticosa along a value chain is essential for the region. In response to this situation, and upon the proposal of local enterprises and consensus of Tra Vinh authorities, the project titled "Study on the Production Process of Powder and Instant Tea from Extracts of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms", code UDNGDP.04/21-22, was initiated. The project is a collaboration between Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and Tra Vinh province, led by MSc.Tran Thi Linh Giang from Institute of Tropical Biology (now Institute of Life Science).

Polyscias fruticosa Herbal Powder and Soluble Powder from Extract

Instant Tea from Extract and Brewed Instant Tea Appearance

The study successfully developed an extraction process for Polyscias fruticosa herbal powder to obtain the highest yield of triterpenoid saponins using maceration. Parameters included: raw material particle size of 0.25 mm, 80% ethanol as solvent, a material-to-solvent ratio of 1:10 (g/mL), extraction time of 24 hours, and two extraction cycles.

Subsequently, the team developed a process to produce soluble powder using the automatic spray dryer TPS-3, with a pneumatic spray system operating at a capacity of 3 kg/hour. Process parameters included extract concentration at 15°Bx, 10% maltodextrin as carrier, spray-drying temperature of 200°C, and feed rate of 1500 mL/h.

The formulation of instant tea was further refined to include soluble powder of Polyscias fruticosa with the following composition (%): mannitol: 2; maltodextrin: 40; PEG 4000: 51.97; aerosil: 4; potassium sorbate: 2; and 0.03 preservative. The resulting tea powder exhibited high quality and complied with maximum permissible limits for biological and chemical contaminants in food.

Polyscias Ginseng Tea (Instant Tea with Polyscias fruticosa Extract)

The instant tea powder is light yellow, fluffy, and free from clumping. When brewed, the tea is pale yellow, clear, and has the characteristic aroma of Polyscias. It offers a mildly bitter flavor balanced with the subtle sweetness of mannitol, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. Moisture content: 2.4%; ash content: 4.2%; packet uniformity: 9.9–10.1 g; completely soluble in warm water. Qualitative analysis revealed light purple chromatographic spots matching the herbal standard and oleanolic acid in both Rf value and coloration. Total triterpenoid saponins: 37.35–38.35 mg/sachet; oleanolic acid: 3.28–3.45 mg/sachet. Total aerobic bacteria count: ≤10⁴ CFU/g; absence of pathogens (Salmonella, Escherichia coli); yeast and mold count: ≤10² CFU/g; no detectable heavy metals. The instant tea meets established quality standards.

Based on the finalized tea formulation, the project carried out a pilot-scale production of instant tea containing Polyscias powder, reaching a batch size of 10,000 sachets (10g/sachet). The product remained stable over a 90-day observation period.

The project's outcomes contribute to product diversification and aim to foster stable and sustainable development of the Polyscias cultivation sector through a value chain approach, thereby improving household incomes and promoting rural development in Tra Vinh province.

Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version

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