Abstract

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CAFFEINE IN DIFFERENT BRANDS OF TEA POWDER IN TRIVANDRUM DISTRICT BY UV VISIBLE SPECTROSCOPY AND HPLC

Drisya Rajan B.*, Varanya S. B., Sruthi Prasad J. and Dr. Seena H.

ABSTRACT

Caffeine is a methylxantine alkaloid with purine structure. It acts on the central nervous system (CNS). It is chemically related to adenine and guanine basis of DNA and RNA respectively. Caffeine containing drinks such as tea, coffee and cola are consumed globally in high volumes. Caffeine has both positive and negative health effects. It has apprehensive effect against certain disorders, including Parkinson's disease. Some people experience sleep disruption, anxiety when they consume caffeine, also it can cause a moderate form of drug dependence. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the amount of caffeine in different tea samples which are regularly used by common people in Trivandrum district. Here in our study, we selected tea powder brands which is commonly available such as AVT, Kanan Devan, and specifically available in local market of Trivandrum district such as Nilgiri and D1. By using UV visible spectroscopy and HPLC methods we determined the caffeine content in selected tea powder. Additionally we have checked the pH of tea powder to determine its taste. The aim of our study was to determine and compare the caffeine content in selected brands of tea powders and compare it. By comparing the selected brands of tea powders such as AVT, Kanan Devan, Nilgiri and D1 we found that Kanan Devan tea powder has higher percentage yield of caffeine when compared to other samples. But as it falls in the range specified by FDA and it is not harmful or does not produce any side effects to human health.

Keywords: Caffeine, tea powders, UV visible spectroscopy, HPLC.