Medicinal proprieties and toxicology of therapeutic herbal tea: A review

Abstract

Herbal teas or tisanes, like all foods of plant origin, start to take an important consideration in new
product development in the recent years. This based on the increased awareness of their health
benefits. It’s widely known that large number of medicinal plants of are exist world-wide, research in
product development of herb teas is limited. However, herbal teas can exhibit also serious negative.
Therefore, consumption must be set under some sort of medical control. Other issue is the quality
control of herbal teas which govern the decision of the acceptance or rejection of the raw materials and
finished products. Quality control methods of herbal teas is not limited to traditional macroscopic and
microscopic analysis of the plant but should include new analytical methods such as high
performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
and many other new analytical tools for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the plant compounds.
The latter facilitated the study of herbal teas as well as benefits and risks of on the consumer health. The
present review aims at shedding light on the positive and negative effects of herbal teas with particular
references to those in the Algerian market.

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Bioscience Research
Print ISSN: 1811-9506 Online ISSN: 2218-3973
Journal by Innovative Scientific Information & Services Network
REVIEW ARTICLE BIOSCIENCE RESEARCH, 2020 17(2): 793-814. OPEN ACCESS
Medicinal proprieties and toxicology of therapeutic
herbal tea: A review
Leila Belfarhi1,Mustapha Mounir Bouhenna1,Yesmine Bouafir1,Ali Zineddine
Boumehira1,2,3, Amira Nebbak1,Borhane Elddine Cherif Ziani1,Khalodoun Bachari1,
Daniel Joe Dailin4, Ting Ho5 and Hesham Ali El Enshasy4,6 *
1Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques CRAPC. Zone Industrielle, BP384
Bou-Ismail, Tipaza, Algeria
2University of Algiers 1, Faculty of Sciences, LVBRN, Algiers, Algeria
3University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, FSB, LBCM, Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria
4Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor, Malaysia
5Global Agro Innovation (HK) Limited, Hong Kong
6City of Scientific Research and Technology Applications, New Burg Al Arab, Alexandria, Egypt
*Correspondence: henshasy@ibd.utm.my Received 27-02-2020, Revised: 18-05-2020, Accepted: 20-05-2020 e-Published: 03-
06-2020
Herbal teas or tisanes, like all foods of plant origin, start to take an important consideration in new
product development in the recent years. This based on the increased awareness of their health
benefits. It’s widely known that large number of medicinal plants of are exist world-wide, research in
product development of herb teas is limited. However, herbal teas can exhibit also serious negative.
Therefore, consumption must be set under some sort of medical control. Other issue is the quality
control of herbal teas which govern the decision of the acceptance or rejection of the raw materials and
finished products. Quality control methods of herbal teas is not limited to traditional macroscopic and
microscopic analysis of the plant but should include new analytical methods such as high
performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
and many other new analytical tools for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the plant compounds.
The latter facilitated the study of herbal teas as well as benefits and risks of on the consumer health. The
present review aims at shedding light on the positive and negative effects of herbal teas with particular
references to those in the Algerian market.
Keywords: Herbal teas, quality control, risks of herbal teas, benefits of herbal teas.
INTRODUCTION
Plant cells have been used as main source of
human diet based on the highly diversified
nutritional values as source of carbohydrates,
protein, and vitamins (Sarmidi and El Enshasy,
2012). In addition, plant cells are always
considered as the first source of enzymes,
essential metabolites, functional colors, and bio
therapeutic molecules (Malek et al., 2016; Aladdin
et al., 2017; El Deeb et al., 2018; Agouillal et al.,
2018; Gomaa et al., 2019; Mohamad, 2019).
Therefore, or centuries, herbs have been used for
centuries either in fresh or dried form for direct
consumption. Herbal teas have been used since
antiquity by many civilizations for their healing
roles. They were known by ancient Greeks under
the name "Ptisan". Herbal teas are classified into
two categories: simple and composed. The simple
ones contain few constituents and are for
everyday uses as cough herbal teas which
generally contain lemongrass, cumin and licorice.
There are also simple herbal teas that contain

Belfarhi et al., Medicinal Proprieties and Toxicology of Herbal Tea
Bioscience Research, 2020 volume 17(2): 793-814 794
verbena, thyme flowers, peppermint and fennel
which relieve the colon from constipation.
Composed herbal teas are for therapeutic use and
contain so-called effective medicinal plants with
many beneficial effects on major functions
(Sofowora et al., 2013). For example, the yerba
mate tea of Paraguay contains phenols that are
able to regress the proliferation of cancer. The
responsible mechanism of a such effect implies
the inhibition of topoisomerase enzyme (Gonzalez
de Mejia et al., 2005). They also have other
constituents such as cholorogenic acid, thrombin,
quercetin, kaempferole and andrutin which have
beneficial effects on the heart, nervous system,
kidneys, liver, stomach and pancreas (Heck and
De Mejia, 2007). In addition, herbal tea of Carissa
xylopicron mixed with pieces of guinea fowl wood
are used to decrease the fever engendered by
thyroid gland diseases. It can also act against
pylorus infections. Some herbal teas based on the
plant Poupartiabor bonica are used by women as
a contraceptive (Lavergne, 1989). Otherwise,
some herbal teas consist of a single plant but they
act on several organs. For example, herbal teas
based on the plant Kella, Ammi visnage, are
useful against gastric hyperacidity ulcer and
kidney lethiasis (Jan, 2014). Moreover, herbal
teas have other building functions that the body
needs in case of deficiency like cola nuts (Lim et
al., 2014). This tea was used against fatigue and
weakness by the African people due to its
richness in starch, reducing sugar, B-catechin, L-
epicatechin and theobromine.
However, the use of herbal teas must be
controlled since their components can contain
toxic elements engendering a possible risk on vital
functions especially on those of liver and kidneys
(Kane et al., 1995). In case of example, the Kusmi
tea contains pyrrolizidinic alkaloids (PA) which are
carcinogenic (Schoental, 1982). Though, the
chaste tree Vitex agnus-castus plant has
produced undesirable effects such as the
termination of lactation by its binding to the
dopamine D2 receptor of the pituitary gland,
whereas it has long been present in herbal tea
components (Hamilton et al., 2009; Jones et al.,
2008). This type of herbal teas must be controlled
to prevent their risks to consumers.
Quality control of herbal teas is a lengthy
procedure that includes inspection tests that can
prove the quality of herbal teas to satisfy the
customer. These control methods also contribute
to the decision to accept or reject the herbal tea.
There are several methods of controlling herbal
teas. Quality control methods for herbal teas
include physicochemical and biological analysis.
Biological control methods include in vivo and in
vitro tests. The purpose of these tests is to study
the therapeutic effects of herbal teas as well as
their side effects on living organisms. There are
other methods of controlling herbal teas, like
macroscopic and microscopic studies of the plant.
However, these methods have become old with
the appearance of new analytical methods such
high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC),
liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
(LC-MS), atomic absorption spectrophotometer
(AAS) analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance
(NMR). The latter facilitates the study of herbal
teas as well as the benefits and risks of their
preparations on the health of consumers.
In traditional medicine, herbal teas are
prepared on the basis of several plants to relieve
complex diseases. Some of herbal teas have
similar characteristics and functions (Li et al.,
2002). For example, the anti-stress herbal tea is
made up by both Passiflora coerulea L. and
Eschscholzia californica Cham which contains
chyrsin known to have an action against epileptic
seizures (Singh et al., 2011). Other herbal teas
are formed by the combination of plants with
different functions and characteristics so that one
improves the effect of the other (Li, 2002).
The methods of formulating herbal teas are
numerous including infusion, maceration and
decoction, some of which lead to changes in the
plant composition (JÄGER et al., 2011). Infusion
of althaea officinalis inactivates its molecules
(mistletoe lectins). The hot decoction processes of
certain herbal teas based on Acacia concentrate
antiviral molecules against the H1N5 virus. Other
types of herbal teas, like the Chinese herbal tea
"Richter", augment the blood pressure due to the
presence of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra in the
mixture (Heikens et al., 1995). Another example is
"Dr. Ming’s herbal tea" which is a slimming herbal
tea that contains anthraquinone of rubarbe plant
known for their carcinogen risks (Blömeke et al.,
1992).
In Algeria, it exists a lot of herbal tea brands
which attract more and more people searching for
alternative solutions to chemical drugs. However,
some types of herbal teas are commercialized
without controlling of their components. They
contain plants which are not included in the list of
ingredients (Derouiche and Abdennour., 2017). In
this work, we recapitulated the therapeutic effects
of existing herbal teas and their constituents. We
also shed light on the negative effects of herbal
teas with specific regard to those marketed in

Belfarhi et al., Medicinal Proprieties and Toxicology of Herbal Tea
Bioscience Research, 2020 volume 17(2): 793-814 795
Algeria in one hand, and describe methods of
control that allow the study of herbal tea
constituents and their risks on consumers, on the
other hand.
Health benefits of herbal tea consumption
Plants have long been valued by human
beings throughout the world for their medicinal
properties and tisanes were the only way to heal
in ancient times. It is the link with nature that
allowed to choose the most useful plants and the
way to prepare their herbal teas. Currently, many
societies use medicinal plant herbal teas for their
therapeutic effects especially in some rural
countries in Africa (Joubert et al., 2008). A large
gamut of animals and clinical studies suggests
that chemical constituents of herbal teas play an
important role in human health (Park et al., 2014).
Health benefits derived through the consumption
of herbal teas are summarized below.
Fight against fatigue and weakness and boost
immunity
Interesting example is herbal tea made of cola
nuts which is rich with starch, reducing sugar, B-
catechin, l- epicatechin and theobromine. The
African population used this herbal tea against
tireness and weakness (Lim, 2014). Another
example is herbal tea made of the licorce root
plant. The latter reduces the rate of cortisol and
reduces fatigue and stress (Omar et al., 2012).
There are selective herbal teas that act on fatigue
through activation of immune system. They
contain vitamin C which is essential for building up
a strong immune system. For example, "Tearaja
tea", a mixture of plants and algua such as
glycyrrhiza glabra herbs (liquorice) and spirulina
which is rich in vitamin C, in calcium and iron that
strengthens the immune system (Gershwin et al.,
2007), fights fatigue, treats anemia and restores
the body. The herbal tea made of Polygonatum
alte-lobatum Hayata is rich in flavonoids which
activate lymphocytes, increase phagocytosis,
induce interferon production (Khodadadi, 2015),
increase physical activity and fight against fatigue
(Horng et al., 2014). Another example, "HEY GIRL
Energize tea" contains Oolong tea and Green tea
displaying high levels of caffeine which increases
the body energy (Muramatsu et al., 1995). It also
contains Guarana (Paullinia cupana) which is an
effective plant against fatigue observed in cancer
patients after chemotherapy (Campos et al.,
2011).
Reduce obesity
Studies on rats demonstrated that herbal teas
made of the plant Salvia contain two diterpenes
named carnosic acid and carnosol that
significantly inhibit the pancreatic lipase activity
and delete the increase of serum triglycerides
(Hamidpour et al., 2014). Other studies conducted
on animals have shown that lavender-based tea
decreased serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low
density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density
lipoprotein (VLDL) levels (Rabiei et al., 2014).
Herbal teas used for the treatment of obesity have
replaced the role of syrurgical operations and
drugs. For example, a study in Saudi Arabia
showed that the use of herbal teas for weight loss
is high. This is due to the effectiveness of herbal
teas prepared in this region by plants such as
bran; plantain; senna; capcicum; ginger, turmeric;
fenugreek; flaxseeds and fennel (Eldalo et al.,
2017). Other studies have shown that
consumption of oolongo tea is associated with a
significant decrease in body weight after six
weeks of use (He et al., 2009). The Chinese tea
"xin-juxiao-gao-fang" is widely used in China to
lose weight. This herbal tea has a long-term effect
(after 24 weeks of consumption) and without side
effects (Zhou et al., 2014). Another study has also
shown that rhizome coptidis based herbal tea has
a berberine molecule that reduces weight, lipids
level, glycemia and inhibits adipogenesis (Xie et
al., 2011). Other studies do not agree with the use
of herbal teas because of their complications. The
consumption of herbal tea rhizome lotus, green
tea and Panax notoginseng causes irritation and
constipation problems.
Reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Ginger is among the effective herbal teas
against cardiovascular diseases. Studies showed
that ginger herbal tea is utile for relieving
symptoms of platelet atherosclerosis (Vasanthi
and parameswari, 2010). In this study, ginger was
administered to patients suffering from
atherosclerosis. It resulted in a significant
reduction of platelet aggregation induced by blood
lipids. Another example is the digital plant that
contains glycoside, which stimulates heart
contraction and treats heart failure (Reddy et al.,
2010). Another Clinical study tested the effects of
herbal tea Sarasin (Fagopyrum esculentum) on
patients with chronic venous insufficiency. The
study showed that treatment with sarasin tea is
safe and can reduce the oedema development,
the diameter of femoral veins and the permeability
of the capillaries (Ihme et al., 1996). A clinical

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study carried out on herbal teas based on
Withania somnifera (WS) has shown that it
reduces the stress incurred by the nervous
system and regulates cardiovascular
parasympathetic system. According to this study,
consumption of this tea increases physical
performance and decreases blood pressure,
promotes blood circulation and increases oxygen
consumption. In a study of an herbal tea formed
by the plant Salvia miltiorrhiza demonstrated that
it relaxes the coronary arteries, reduces the
thickness of the intima in the carotid arteries,
inhibits platelet aggregation and prevents the
oxidation of LDL (Wang, 2010). Tanshinone,
cryptotanshinone and Salvianolic acid were
isolated from S. miltiorrhiza which have protective
effects against angina of the chest and myocardial
infarction (Yong et al., 2009). Studies have shown
that these herbal teas reduce endothelial cell
apoptosis and inhibit atherogen (Ling et al., 2008).
However, other studies have found that S.
miltiorrhiza may cause side effects at high doses
such as dryness of the mouth, dizziness,
lassitude, numbness and shortness of breath
(Yong et al., 2009). Interaction of S. miltiorrhiza
with drugs such as coumadin (Warfarin) increases
anticoagulation (Yong et al., 2009). Some types of
African herbal tea molecules possess double
effect; both toxic and therapeutic at the same
time. For example, the herbal tea Nerium
oleander contains cardenolides (oleandroside and
neriin) which display beneficial effects on the
heart despite of their lethal action (van der Bijl and
van der Bijl, 2012). Another example is the herbal
tea made of the plant Drimia sanguinea which has
been used in African traditional medicine for the
treatment of cardiac oedema, but this plant is also
involved in human intoxication (van der Bijl and
van der Bijl, 2012). Herbal teas are a danger to
the heart because it is a sensitive organ to cardiac
arrest. The use of herbal teas for the treatment of
cardiac problems must be subjected to medical
control and chemical analysis of the constituents.
Heal athsma and respiratory diseases
As an example, the herbal tea based on
Syzygium cumini relieves early stages of
respiratory allergies. Studies have found that S.
cumini inhibits the release of histamine involved in
respiratory allergies (Brito et al., 2007). Another
example is the herbal tea brand "life budding" and
its ability to relieve respiratory allergies. This
herbal tea contains polysaccharides and malic
caffeic acid which possesses an anti-inflammatory
activity (Hajhashemi and Klooshani., 2013). There
are also herbal teas prepared by Dahlia plant.
They contain molecules such as two chalcones,
4,2 ', 4'-trihydroxychalcone and 3,2', 4'-trihydroxy-
4-methoxychalcone (Lam and Wrang, 1975). The
chaclone molecules reduce airway inflammation
to bronchial hyper-reactivity, suppress Th2
cytokine production from CD4 T cells and
decrease mucus production (Iwamura et al.,
2010). Studies conducted on these herbs have
unveiled several constituents that have beneficial
effects on many pathologies. For example,
combretum is useful for coughing and colds duo
to the presence of some molecules namely
genkwanin, rhamnocitrin, quercetin-5,3'-
dimethylether, rhamnazin, and 5-hydroxy-7,4'-
dimethoxy-flavone which have anti-inflammatory
activity.
Prevent Diabetes
A recent research showed that the Chinese
herbal tea "BXXD" can ameliorate diabetic
gastroparesis by adding the motilin, gastrin nitric
oxide to plasma. This herbal tea deletes
vasoactive intestinal peptide and ajusts gastric
myenteric plexus (Tian et al., 2013). The results of
another studies reveal that the Sambucus nigra
herbal tea possesses a hypoglycemic effect. This
plant is rich in polyphels that reduce the level of
cholesterol in the blood. By this action, it reduces
diabetes complications (Ciocoiu et al., 2009). The
effects of acidified methanol elderberry extracts
dietary supplementation on diabetic Wistar rats
show a reduction in serum glycemia (Salvador et
al., 2017). Another example is ginseng tea that
increases the sensivity of blood sugar to insuline
(Gui et al., 2016). Dandilion tea has been used for
a long time in China for the treatment of diabetes.
Studies have found that this plant is rich in
antidiabetic molecules such as β-carotene, which
protects cells from oxidation and cellular damage.
It also contains taraxasterol and taraxinic acid
which have antihyperglycemic effects (Wirngo et
al., 2016).
Fight against arthritis
The herbal tea based on Tripterygium wilfordii
Hook F has long been used in China to treat
rheumatoid arthritis. This herbal tea has been the
subject of several clinical studies. It was reported
that the use of this herbal tea in combination with
methotrexate has beneficial effects on the
evolution of rheumatoid arthritis (Tao et al., 2002).
Other clinical studies have found that the
decoction of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F
developed adverse effects (Cai and Guo., 1974;

Belfarhi et al., Medicinal Proprieties and Toxicology of Herbal Tea
Bioscience Research, 2020 volume 17(2): 793-814 797
Jian and Zhou, 1987). A study has shown that the
herbal tea Guianensis inhibits the tumor necrosis
factor (TNF) production involved in arthritis
(Sandoval et al., 2002). Recent studies revealed
that WS herbal tea effectively reduces arthritis
syndrome without any toxic effect. Another
example is the Cardiospermum halicacabum
herbal tea which was long used in India for the
treatment of rheumatism (Chopra et al., 1982).
This herbal tea acts on the production of pro-
inflammatory mediators like nitric oxide and TNFα
(KC and Krishnakumari, 2006).
It was reported that the use of the kinkeliba
tea produced from Combretum micranthum has
been used since 1912 in Africa. This herbal tea
was introduced into the French Pharmacopoeia
because of the importance of its medicinal virtues.
Studies have found that kinkeliba tea has an
inhibitory action on the production of nitrite
involved in the pathology of arthritis.
Cancer Treatment
The increasing use of herbal teas and
medicinal plants by cancer patients and survivors
can be seen worldwide (Chen et al., 2008; Deng
and Cassileth. They used herbal teas to improve
their physical and emotional well-beings and to
reduce cancer therapy-induced toxicity (Wong et
al., 2010; Wang et al., 2013; Zhao et al., 2014).
The chemopreventive effects of green tea intake
have been shown in many in vivo studies. For the
7,12- dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and 12-
Otetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced
skin papillomas, partial tumor regression or > 90%
inhibition of tumor growth, and marked inhibition
of tumor growth (46–89%) were observed after
administration of green tea (Wang et al., 1992).
Aqueous extract of green tea inhibited
carcinogen-induced lung tumorigenesis in mice by
63% (Wang et al., 1992). Ginseng is another well-
studied herb that shows strong chemopreventive
activities. In a lung adenoma model induced by 48
weeks of DMBA, it decreased the average
diameter of the largest lung adenomas by 23%
and the incidence of diffuse pulmonary infiltration
by 63%. In the Ginseng treatment group sacrificed
56 weeks after birth (aflatoxin B1 combined with
Ginseng), the incidence of lung adenoma (29%)
and hepatoma (75%) was decreased (Yun et al.,
1983). Oral administration of aqueous extract of
red Ginseng decreased tumor multiplicity by 36%
and the tumor load by 70% (Yan et al., 2006).
Korea White Ginseng (KWG) significantly reduced
the percentage of squamous cell carcinoma to
9.1%, compared with 26.5% in the control group.
KWG also significantly reduced the squamous cell
lung tumor area to an average of 1.5%, compared
with 9.4% in the control group (Pan et al., 2013).
Anti-tumor B (ATB), also called Zeng-Sheng-Ping,
is a Chinese herbal mixture composed of six
plants that has shown an anticancer effect in
mouse models of bladder cancer (Fan et al.,
1993), lung cancer (Wang et al., 2003; Zhang et
al., 2004) and oral cancer (Wang et al., 2013).
Preclinical studies have shown that ATB could
reduce the incidence of N-butyl-(4-hydroxybutyl)
nitrosamide (BBN)-induced bladder cancer by
90.7% (Fan et al., 1993). ATB caused a significant
reduction in lung tumor multiplicity and tumor load
(40% and 70%, respectively) (Wang et al., 2009).
In an oral squamous cell carcinoma model, ATB
decreased the incidence and multiplicity by
59.19% and 64.81%, respectively (Wang et al.,
2013).
These results suggest that Chinese herbal
medicine (CHM) could be a potential
chemopreventive agent for cancer. Moreover, the
findings from the in vivo studies have shown that
CHM can exert potent chemopreventive effects
against many types of cancer.
Herbal teas, medicinal proprieties, chemical
constituents and posology
Herbal teas are classified into two categories,
simple and composed herbal teas. The former
contains little constituents and they are for
everyday use as coughing herbs, constipation and
digestion. The second are for therapeutic use and
contain so-called effective medicinal plants. Some
constituents appear several times in herbal teas.
For example, fennel is found in sudorific, diuretic
and appetizing herbal teas (Guérin-Méneville et
al., 1837). The little holly is found in either simple
or composed herbal teas. However, herbal tea
preparations and their potential ltherapeutic
applications are summarized in table 1.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of
herbal teas in human body
The determination of the effect of herbal teas
in the body is still poorly understood.

Belfarhi et al., Medicinal Proprieties and Toxicology of Herbal Tea
Bioscience Research, 2020 volume 17(2): 793-814 798
Table 1: Herbal Teas, Chemical Constituents, Medicinal proprieties and Toxicological effects
Herbal Tea
Medicinal
plants
Preparation
and Mode of
Administration
Posology
Effects on Human
and Animal
Complication
and Side Effects
Ginseng-
like tea
(China)
Uraria crinita
Aqueous extract of
Uraria crinita
Druking water
Regulate digestive activity,
diarrhea,
Remove swelling and
its antitussive effects.
Anti-inflammatory,
Antimicrobial,
Antidiabetic effect
No reported
side effect
Thüringer 9
-Kräuter Tea»
(Germany)
Mentha piperata ,
bramble Rubus fruticosus
, camomile Matricaria
recutita,balm Melissa
officinalis, coriander
Coriandrum sativum,
sandalwood Santalum
album, Citrus aurantium,
Krameria triandra and
Pimpinella anisum.
1 filter bag for 1 cup,
pour over fresh,
bubbly boiling water
. Brewing time:
8 minutes
1.5g /day
Decrease cyclosporine
level after renal
transplantation
No reported
side effect
Sarasin tea
(China)
Fagopyrum
esculentum
Infusion
Very small
dose
Heart tonic, Reduce the oedema
development;
the diameter
of femoral veins and
the permeability of
the capillaries
No side effect
Indian winter tea
(India)
Ashwagandha
Infusion
120 mg to
2 g /day
Increases the energy and
the cardiorespiratory fitness,
Improves the number of
hemoglobin (Hb) and RBCs
Abortifacient
properties
Ma Huang &
Guarana
Guarana; éphédra
infusion
72 mg
(ephedra)
240 mg
(caffeine)/8 w
Decrease in body weight.
Reduce hip and
waist circulation.
Reduction in serum TG,
Dry mouth, insomnia,
headache.
Cardiac palpitation
and hypertension
ARALOX
A compound of Aralia
mandshurica (A) and Engelhardtia
chrysolepis (E) extracts
infusion
450mg/d
Decrease in total
body and fat weight.
Reduction in perilipin
content in adipocytes and
plasma TG. Stimulate
activity of hormone
sensitive lipase
Bofu-tsusho-san
Ephedrae Herba, Glycyrrhizae
Radix, Forsythiae Fructus,
Schizonepetae Spica
Infusion
280 mg /24 w
Exert favorable effects
on obesity-related
hypertension
Loose bowel
movements
Jiang-zhi jian-fei
yao: the refined
Rhubarb
Injected
intragastrically
Reduce food intake,
Decreased size of abdominal
adipose cells
Acceleration of
intestinal movements ;
Prolongation
of stomach evacuations
time.

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Little data on the pharmacokinetics and
pharmacodynamics of herbal teas, knowledge of
their variability, their action on the body, their
interactions as well as their mechanisms of
elimination are essential to determine in the future
their effectiveness as well as their toxicology. The
majority of pharmacokinetics studies on herbal tea
are limited to certain herbal teas like ginseng tea,
curcumin tea or other ordinary and simply herbal
teas. The majority of information on the
mecanisms of this simple herbal tea is related to
their metabolism through enzymes such as
cytochromes P450 (CYP) (He et al., 2010).
However, studies on complex herbal teas used in
popular medicine for treatment of complex
diseases are not available. It is necessary to give
importance to pharmacokinetic and
pharmacodynamic studies to explore other ways.
For exemple, analysis of the Japaneese herbal
tea yokukansan TJ-54 revealed its action on the
glutamatergic and serotonergic nervous systems.
This herbal tea also interacts with 5-
HT1A receptors. This herbal tea does not take the
metabolic way CYP 450 and is not metabolized
by the organism because of the absence of
CYP2C in human organism (Goldstein et al.,
1994). Another example is the herbal tea K-601,
widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for the
treatment of influenza. However, a study was
conducted on volunteers to determine its effects
on the body demonstrated that the herbal tea K-
601 interacts with the intestinal flora and has no
reaction with the respiratory system. This study
demonstrates that this herbal tea acts on
intestines and thus, generates secondary
metabolites like: secologanoside, emodin,
lotusine, palmatine, berberine and baicalin (Alolga
et al., 2015). Studies have shown that molecules
such as secologanoside have anti-cancer effects
(Jiménez-Sánchez et al., 2017). This
demonstrates that pharmacokenetic studies of
herbal teas can reveal the appearance of new
molecules for medical interest. The
pharmacokinetic study of the Yokukansan herbal
tea unravels other molecules such as glycyrrhizic
acid which goes through tractus intestinal and get
metabolized in the form of acid 18β-glycyrrhetinic
(Kitagawa et al., 2015). This latter induces
apoptosis of cancer cells (Lee et al., 2008)
Toxicity risk related to herbal tea consumption
Herbal teas with single effect
Herbal teas are formulated from plants which
exercise actions on the ill organs in the human
body and do not have toxic effects on healthy
ones. The tisane made of the bearberry plant
Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi possesses disinfectant
actions of urinary tract and lacks toxic effects on
other organs (de Arriba et al., 2013). Another
example is the herbal tea of Caralluma fimbriata
which acts against fats without affecting the major
function of body (Arora et al., 2015). This type of
herbal teas can be employed without having fear
of its secondary effects since their components
are tolerated by the human body.
Herbal teas with double effect
There are other types of herbal teas with
double effect which act against already ill organs
and touch healthy ones as it is the case of the
slimming herbal tea Ngamrahong. Ngamrahong
means « interior wellbeing ». It is made up the
plant Senna as a main component which is a plant
known for its richness with anthronoides (Lemli et
al., 1983). They act against mitochondria by
diminishing the production of ATP and water
retention. According to other studies,
Ngamrahong leads to an acute liver failure and
renal insufficiency and encephalopathy
(Vanderperren et al., 2005). Another example of
herbal tea risks is the herbal tea "Richter" having
licorice as a constituent. The latter increases
blood pressure and engenders complications to all
hypertensive people (Heikens et al., 1995). The
herbal tea of badiana is used in the form of
infusion of dried seeds acting against
constipation. It exists varied types such as Illicium
verum of China criticized for its toxicity and the
one of Japon which is extremely toxic. Cases of
seizures have been signaled after the use of
Illicium anisatum of Japon which contain toxic
components such as actones sesquiterpenic
anisatin, neoanisatin and pseudoanisatin
Quality control of herbal teas
Phytochemical analysis
Despite of the numerous beneficial effects of
herbal teas, mainly attributed to their polyphenolic
constituents (Sang et al., 2011), they are subjects
to some risks and contaminants that occur during
growth, development and processing and should
be monitored to ensure the safety and the quality
of these remedies.
Contaminant risks of herbal teas
The vulgarization of the herbal tea use with for
only slogan: “what is natural is harmless” induced
a poor quality of herbal products (de Andrade et

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al., 2018). However, and contrary to popular
belief, not every natural product is exempt of
dangerous hazards (Ridker, 1987). For example,
it has been demonstrated that products of Piper
methysticum and Symphytum officinale induced
serious damages in liver (Mattocks, 1980; Stickel
et al., 2003). Since herbal teas are made of roots,
leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds or even other parts
of the plant like barks, nuts…etc., they are
continuously exposed to some toxic and
pathogenic contaminants (Kosalec et al., 2009).
Thus, warranting the best quality to the consumer,
by proving their medical harmlessness and
conformity to standards, is essential. Problems
linked to the growing conditions, preparation
methods and processing including harvesting,
drying and storage can affect the final product
safety (Prchalová et al., 2017).
Figure 1: Herbal Teas exposed to several toxic contaminants
Herbal teas can be exposed to several toxic
contaminants of different nature (Figure 1). In
sum, we can categorise them into three
categories: (1) contaminants linked to the plant,
(2) contaminants that provide from environment
and (3) contaminants due to humans.
Contaminants linked to the plant
Toxic contaminants related to the plant
include toxic botanicals, microbial toxins, toxic
metabolites or even living microbes such as
bacteria, viruses, yeasts, parasites, insect larvae
and eggs and other organisms (De Smet et al.,
2004).
The misidentification of plants or the presence
of undeclared species can cause serious
problems. In certain case reports, the part of the
plant used for the herbal product contains
compounds like alkaloids of the cysteine type,
which are known to be toxic. It is the case of
Sarothamni scoparii flos that are provided from
Spartium junceum (Spanischer Ginster) rather
than Sarothamnus scoparius (Besenginster) (de
Smet et al., 1999). Also of interest, it was
demonstrated that the use of contaminated roots
by Aristolochia frangchi, in Chinese herbal teas,
containing an important amount of aristolochic
acid. This last one is known for its nephrotoxic
properties and carcinogenic effects on rodents
and humans (Wang et al., 2018; Krell, and
Stebbing, 2013; Chen et al., 2012). The
adulteration of plants with those containing acids
can cause serious problems of human health.
Unlike to synthetic materials, the use of
vegetables can be associated to microbial
contamination and subsequent adverse effects. A
recent study investigates the bacterial and fungal
contamination of 26 herbal teas and revealed the
presence of bacterial isolates like Staphylococcus
aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis,
Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcencens,
Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas

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fluorescens and Escherichia coli. Fungal isolates
were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus,
Penicilium expansum, Rhizopus stolonifer and
Fusarium solani. This study also revealed that the
highest occurrence contamination (100%) was
attributed to Bacillus subtilis for bacteria and
Aspergillus niger for fungi and the lowest one to
Salmonella typhimurium (3%) and Rhizopus
stolonifera (10%) (Omogbai and Ikenemomeh,
2013).
Viruses can surprisingly be the source of
microbial contamination. Indeed, Japanese
researchers reported the case of a man infected
by hepatitis E virus after few days passed in
China. The nucleotide sequencing suggests that
his hepatitis E was caused by infection with the
Chinese strain of the virus, via the CHM (Ishikawa
et al., 1995). The plausibility of this hypothesis
was verified since the victim confirms his trip in
China four months prior to the onset of his
symptoms. Independently to microorganism
contamination, the quality control of herbal teas
should take into account the eventual presence of
microbial toxins like endotoxins and mycotoxins
especially aflatoxin, for which several deleterious
effects are known: mutagenic, carcinogenic,
teratogenic, neurotoxic and nephrotoxic (Stević et
al., 2012). The European Pharmacopeia has
established a limit of 2 μg/ml as a limit value of
aflatoxin 1 not to exceed for some medicinal herbs
(Kosalec et al., 2009).
Contaminants that provide from environment
Many contaminants occur naturally in the
ground and the atmosphere but the most
problematic factors that provide from the
environment are heavy metals and radioactivity.
Despite of the existence of many radioactive
sources, including radionuclides, radioactivity is
not of a real concern (de Smet et al., 1999).
Heavy metals represent a group of inorganic
elements endowed of harmful risks. They are
stable in the environment and can be found in
particular high concentrations in some regions.
Heavy metals include lead, cadmium, arsenic,
chromium, copper, mercury and zinc. Some plants
have the ability to fix and accumulate these
metals and therefore, can be used as
environmental contamination markers. Heavy
metal pollution can have a natural origin and
accumulate in the soil or result from the emission
of industrial wastes like gasoline, mine tailing,
paint…etc. (Nagajyoti et al., 2010; Wuana and
Okieimen, 2011).
Accumulation of heavy metals cause
problems for all life forms (de Oliveira et al.,
2018). High concentrations of this toxic
substances in the human body induce deleterious
ailments: skin diseases (Arsenic) (Tseng et al.,
1968; Yeh et al., 1973; Schwartz, 1997),
neurological disorders and kidney damage
(Mercury) (Clarkson et al., 2003; Albers et al.,
1988), gastrointestinal effects and anaemia (Zinc)
(Broun et al., 1990; Plum, et al., 2010) brain
neurotoxicity (Lead) (Marchetti, 2003), lung
cancer, pulmonary oedema, respiratory distress,
pneumonitis, bone disorder, liver and kidney
damage (Cadmium) (Godt et al., 2006; Johri et al.,
2010). Each metal is defined by its limit value.
This one is determined by the world health
organization and is of about 1 mg/kg Arsenic, 0.3
mg/kg for Cadmium and 10 mg/kg for Lead (World
Health Organization, 1998).
Contaminants due to humans
Contamination of herbal teas can be of an
anthropogenic origin. Human use pesticides and
fumigation agents to control or eradicate pests.
Pesticides are categorised according to their
targets to insecticides, fungicides, nematocides,
ascaricides, herbicides, molluscicides…etc. and to
their chemical structures to organochlorine
(dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, DDT),
organophosphorus, nitrogen-containing
pesticides…etc.) (Kosalec et al., 2009). As
pesticides, fumigation agents including ethylene
oxide, methyl bromide and phosphine are harmful
for human health (Alavanja et al., 2004).
Overexposure to these toxic substances can
trigger to the apparition of symptoms of the
nervous system like headache, dizziness,
nausea…etc. (Abdollahi et al., 2004). The
European Pharmacopoeia has tabulated general
limits for pesticides and fumigation residues.
Methods for determinate the presence of these
compounds in herbal drugs are also set by some
Pharmacopeias (Association, 1996). It is
important not to exceed these limits and respect
the absence of unsafety levels of these toxic
substances.
Also of a great interest and independently of
the above-mentioned categories, animal
substances represent potent contaminants of
herbal products. Indeed, surprising compounds
can be found in Chinese herbal teas. It is the case
of thyroid hormones in herbal remedies with anti-
diabetic effects, suspected presence of ass hide
glue and even, toad venom rich in toxic steroids
and toxins (de Smet et al., 1999).
The quality assurance evaluation should

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warrant to the consumer a final product free from
any inadvertent contaminant like microorganisms,
toxins, heavy metals, pesticide residues…etc.
because the efficacy and the reliability of herbal
teas are closely related to their safety. Thus, it is
important to specify constituents of herbal teas,
which can be considered as markers to monitor
the quality, by using analytical methods dedicated
to this purpose.
Parameters and methods of herbal tea quality
control
Quality control is based on four axes
(Figure 2). It should investigate and have a regard
on physical, chemical, botanical and biological
aspects. Physico-chemical analysis covers the
determination of ash remaining after ignition of
herbal products, moisture content, solubility,
viscosity, foreign matter, on one hand, and the
estimation of heavy metal, pesticide residue and
mycotoxin, mentioned above, on the other hand
(Choudhary et al., 2011). Botanical evaluation of
herbal remedies includes both macroscopic and
microscopic analysis, which requires the use of
qualitative and quantitative techniques. However,
due to the modern interest given to value-added
products, macroscopic methods, based on
sensory evaluation parameters (size, shape,
odour, colour, taste and texture) and habitually
used to detect adulteration or misnaming species
become insufficient especially when the native
plant structure is destroyed. The advent of
chromatographic techniques has facilitate the
identification of herbal teas constituents and helps
to set quality standards. Also of interest is the
study of biological and pharmacological
parameters including pharmacokinetics,
pharmacodynamics, stability, dosage, toxicity
evaluation and chemical profiling of the herbal
formulations (Choudhary et al., 2011).
Figure 2: Quality control of herbal teas

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Analytical techniques aim to quantify the
amount of active substances and thus determine
their biological effects on human health. Each
technique used is defined by its strengths and
weaknesses, so before any analyse, analyst
should choose the most appropriate method
among a large panel of those available. We shall
summarize the most important of them and
highlight on their characteristics.
Electrophoresis methods
Electrophoresis dates from the seventies.
Used to isolate and identify several products
including drugs, antibiotics, coumarins, alkaloids,
flavonoids, Chinese herbal preparations…etc.,
this technique has rapidly proven its powerful
separating capacity (Isaaq, 1999). The principle is
based on the migration of particles, when an
electric field is applied. Many variants of
electrophoresis exist including gel electrophoresis,
2-D electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, high-
resolution electrophoresis, capillary electropho-
resis (CE) and many others. However, CE is
widely used in the quality control of herbal teas
because of its rapidity, versatility and high
separation efficiency. It needs only few amounts
of reagents when compared to the most popular
high performance liquid chromatography protocols
and allows analysis of either small molecules of
low molecular weight like drugs or
macromolecules like nucleic acids and proteins. It
can also be paired to chromatography and thus,
allowing to confirm obtained results. However,
enhancing the resolution of capillary
electrophoresis has been detrimental to its
reproducibility (Shulammithi et al., 2016). CE can
address the numerous issues of food authenticity
of health concern including beverages, fruit and
vegetable, meals…etc. in order to avoid
adulterations and ensure safety to consumers.
Recently, many studies have been reported
unravelling the use of such techniques in herbal
tea remedies (Liu and Sheu, 1992; Başkan et al.,
2007). As an example of application, the
determination of flavonoid amounts and inorganic
cations can be achieved using CE (Carducci et
al., 2000; Chi et al., 2009).
Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)
AAS is no longer restricted to the knowledge
of some scientists, chemists or even
astrophysicists, this technique has gained territory
and is now extended to the medical and
pharmaceutical fields. AAS is particularly
convenient for the determination of heavy metals
in a large range of matrices including biological,
environmental, clinical, geological samples and
herbal drugs. This widely used technique allows
detection of both trace (µg/mL) and ultra-trace
(subµg/mL) levels of metals (Venkatehswarlu and
Gouthami 2015). The principle is based on
measurement of the absorbed radiation, when
sample is excited by electromagnetic radiation.
There are two variants of AAS: Flame atomic
absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) and
Electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscory
(ETAAS) depending on the source of atomization
which can be flames or electrothermal atomizers,
respectively (Smichowski and Londonio, 2018).
AAS plays an important role in the analysis of
herbal remedies, however, this method suffers
from high detection limits ((Venkatehswarlu and
Gouthami 2015). In this field, AAS is especially
used in quality control and several recent studies
have used it for the evaluation of mineral or metal
content in the herbal preparations including
magnesium, calcium, sodium, cadmium, zinc,
copper and others (Prkić et al., 2018; Afieroho et
al., 2018; Al-Othman et al., 2012; Zhong et al.,
2016; Kalny et al., 2007; Cabrera et al., 2003).
Gas chromatography (GC)
Nowadays, GC continues to prove its merit
and eminence among other analytical techniques
in the field of quality control. This technique
responds to the principle of the redistribution of
compounds present in a mixture, between a
stationary phase which is a liquid, a solid or both
and a mobile phase in the form of gas, this is why
this technique is also called gas liquid
chromatography (Shulammithi et al., 2016). Main
advantages of this method are its high selectivity,
sensitivity, resolution, good accuracy and
precision. It can be also used for a wide dynamic
concentration range (Santos and Galceran, 2002).
However, the most serious disadvantage is its
lack of suitability for thermo labile and non-volatile
compounds (Shulammithi et al., 2016). GC can be
coupled to other techniques like mass
spectrometry and find applications, for instance, in
determination of the presence of volatile
pesticides residues in Chinese teas, by providing
quantitative and qualitative information (Figure 3) (
Huang et al., 2007; Lozano et al., 2012; Schurek
et al., 2008).

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Figure 3: Qualitative and quantitative determination of herbal teas by using different analytical
tools
Introduction of the two-dimensional GC in
recent years allows overcoming problems
encountered with the mono-dimensional GC
related to the difficult separation of individual
constituents of complex mixtures in some cases of
phytochemical study especially that of herbal teas
(Mondello et al., 2005). Bi-dimensional GC can, in
turn, be coupled to a mass spectrometer, and
when a high resolution time-of-flight (TOF) mass
spectrometer is used, it gives rise to a powerful
tool in the identification of bioactive compounds
present in some medicinal plants (Cao et al.,
2011). As an example of application, GC was
used for the determination of a pool of flavonoids
in Krachaidum, a Thai herb, despite of the
similarity and polarity of these compounds in this
herb. This study pointed out the efficiency and
rapidity of GC compared to HPLC in determining
and detecting flavonoids in a reasonable time
(Sutthanut et al., 2007).
High-performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC)
HPLC, also known as High Pressure
Liquid Chromatography, is one of the most
popular techniques defined by a wide spectrum of
use including clinical chemistry, pharmaceutical
industry, food and environmental analyses,
synthetic chemistry…etc. (Olsen et al., 2006;
Zotou et al., 2012). This analytical technique has
gained its popularity because of its reliability,
versatility, good repeatability, easiness to use and
non-restriction to volatile samples (Shulammithi et
al., 2016). HPLC is applied to all kinds of herbal
teas as it allows a good and reproducible
separation of caffeine, catechins, theobromine,
gallic acid and theophylline (Sharma et al., 2005).
Some techniques have been optimized in order to
gain in efficacy with a higher separation power like
reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC), which is the
most one widely used in the analysis of herbal
teas, micellar electro kinetic capillary
chromatography (MECC), high speed counter
current chromatography (HSCCC), strong anion
exchange HPLC (SAX-HPLC) and low pressure
size exclusion chromatography (SEC)
(Shulammithi et al., 2016). However, simple HPLC
is not able to provide qualitative information or
structure elucidation and must be coupled to
HPLC-Infra rouge, HPLC- Nuclear magnetic
resonance and HPLC-Mass spectroscopy.
Advances in HPLC offer a powerful tool for the
investigation of quality control of herbal teas
(Zimmermann et al., 2011). For instance, ultra
HPLC (UHPLC), using sub-2 µm particle size
column, allows analysis nine times faster than
traditional HPLC even it is costly. The most
common detection method used in HPLC analysis
is single wavelength UV detector. However, due
its inability to detect non-chromogenic
compounds, mostly present in herbal remedies,
an another method is used in a recent decade, it
is about the evaporative light scattering detection
(ELSD), which is an excellent detection method
convenient for chromogenic compounds
(Shulammithi et al., 2016).

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Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
(LC-MS)
Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is a
method for the detection of fingerprint of plants.
TLC is a simple and inexpensive method.
However, the separation and detection of
molecules by TLC are limited. LC-MS has become
the preferred method for the analysis of
multicomponents of herbal teas (Figure 3). For
example, the tea Psoralea corylifolia is widely
used in China for its anti-cancer, antioxidant and
antibacterial properties. This herbal tea was
analyzed by LC-MS which was able to identify the
identity of several molecules of this herbal tea.
Another example is the analysis of multirrhzia
salivia-based herbal tea by LC-MS, which
revealed the presence of non-polar diterpenoids
as they have beneficial effects on cardiovascular
and cerebral diseases. The use of LC-MS has
helped to prove the quality and effectiveness of
herbal teas for the treatment of brain and
cardiovascular diseases. For example, LC-MS
revealed the presence of the stemona alkaloids of
therapeutic interest in herbal teas based on
Sanicula tuberosa. This alkaloid cannot be
detected by HPLC-UV because it is not sensitive
to direct UV detection due to the absence of UV
absorbing chromophores. Another example is the
herbal tea Caulerpa racemosa largely used in
traditional medicine for the treatment of fever and
insomnia. The analysis of this tea by the HPLC-
UV is used to detect the presence of diterpenes
glucosides however analysis by LC-MS is
employed to reveal the presence of saponins in
this tea. Another example is the Naodesheng tea
which is indicated for the treatment of cerebral
arteriosclerosis and ischemic stroke. The LC-MS
analysis of this herbal tea revealed the presence
of ten types of flavones and ginsenosides. These
molecules are particularly discovered with the LC-
MS. In addition, the recent use of LC-MS has
allowed the quantification of molecules in complex
herbal teas.
Biological analysis: In vitro and in vivo tests of
herbal teas
Biological analysis tests of plants are
various. There are studies that prefer in vivo
testing while others support in vitro testing for
plant analysis. For example, China has directly
introduced traditional Chinese medicine
knowledge in hospitals. Plants are selected on the
basis of traditional medical practices and are
introduced in hospitals for in vivo clinical
evaluation (Chadwick et al., 2008). Therefore, the
in vitro studies are carried out in the research
centers (chemical and toxicological) on the basis
of clinical outcome. However, other researches
prefer the way back. It begins with in vitro studies
that consist of isolating bioactive molecules from
plants without taking into consideration their
traditional medicinal knowledge. These bioactive
molecules isolated from plants are given to
patients (Chadwick et al., 2008). These studies
consider, in this case, that the plant is made up of
a single bioactive molecule while it consists of
thousands of different molecules. The plant is not
a unique molecule but it works by mechanism of
synergy between all molecules present in the
mixture. Other studies prefer to use laboratory
animals to test plant preparations from traditional
Brazilian folk medicine (Chadwick et al., 2008).
Based on the animal results they selects plants
that have more therapeutic effects and less risk of
toxicity and introduces them into the health
services. Some preparations of herbal teas
appear to be inactive when used for in vitro tests
such as the use of some solvent of extraction that
can suppress the activity of the plant (Chadwick et
al., 2008). However, the use of herbal teas by
traditional medicine as a decoction protects the
activity of the plant. These traditional medicine
have experience directly on the human being and
have tested through seals thousands of remedy
(Chadwick et al., 2008). Other studies consider
that in vivo testing of human is impossible to test
toxic plants because the human body is not as
strong as the body of animals. In addition, the
exposure time in clinical trials of human
volunteers is limited and prefers in vitro tests on
isolated cells, tissues or enzyme receptors
(Chadwick et al., 2008). However, according to
these studies, it is limited to a single target
whereas the herbal teas consist of plants that can
have several targets when they entered the body.
The results of in vivo clinical studies have helped
to reveal the effects of medicinal plants on several
diseases. On the other hand, they could not
explain the mechanisms of action at the cellular
and molecular level (Liu, 2011). Other studies
have demonstrated differences between in vivo
tests in animals and humans. For example,
Cryptolepis sanguilolenta extracts are active
against human infections while they are inactive
against infections in animal. This shows that the
human body's reaction to plants is not the same in
animals. Same as the results of testing plants on
animals are not always applicable in humans.

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Commercial aspect
Preparation of commercial herbal mixtures
Commercial herbal teas are prepared either
by street vendors or by individual traditional
healers. They are often packaged in recycled
bottles with handwritten labels. Other types of
commercial herbal teas are manufactured in large
quantities by professionals and private contractors
in factories (Ndhlala et al., 2011). Despite the
attempts to modernize and standardize
commercial herbal teas, it still retains the social
heritage of the people. For example, Ibhubezi tea
is prepared in a large volume of water and
patients must take a quarter of this tea to cure
fungal or influenza infections (Ndhlala et al.,
2011). Another example is kava tea which has
long been marketed for its anti-anxiety effects
while it is one of the commercial herbal teas that
cause hepatitis. However, the same kava tea was
prepared by traditional methods did not cause any
cases of hepatitis. The methods of preparing
herbal teas range from simple brewing processes
to more complex procedures that use alcohol and
other organic solvents to dissolve the essences of
the plant. In some cases, the addition of drugs,
such as aspirin, has been registered for certain
types of herbal teas (Cano et al., 2004).
Preparations of herbal teas used as sedatives
mainly contain aromatic plant species, rich in
active essential oils, which exert an
antispasmodic, antibacterial and soothing effect
for the stomach (Cano et al., 2004). The number
of plants which enter into the preparation of herbal
teas can increase their therapeutic effects as they
may decrease like it is the case for the Echenacea
pupasea herbal tea which has more effects when
it is prepared alone. Other plants diminish their
effectiveness (Hudson, 2016). Some methods of
herbal tea preparation can influence the final
concentration of their active substances. This is
the case of glucofrangulin molecules that are not
found in the herbal tea by simple infusion. To
recover these molecules in the final concentration
of the tea buckthorn bark, the method of
preparation used is the decoction five minutes
followed by two hours of infusion (Jean et al.,
2008).
Therapeutic herbal tea market in Algeria
The consumption of herbal teas in Algeria is
growing rapidly. Several import brands can be
found in the market (Derouiche and Abdelnnour,
2017). There are, for example, diet herbal tea "Dr.
Ming’s", "Sliming Herb", "Ritcher's", "Santé et
Vie", "Slimnat System", "Ali" and "FVR". There are
other brands of herbal teas produced in Algeria
such as "Imane with ginger and honey lemon" for
intestinal gas. In the same range, there is "Imane
ginger honey jujube" to treat cough, bronchitis,
pneumonia, colds and hypotension. Other
companies in Algeria produce cholesterol herbal
tea for the treatment of cholesterol excess and the
prevention of its high levels. There is also the
karkade derived from Hibiscus sabdariffa which is
used for reducing the risk of cardiovascular
diseases. The existence of this type of herbal teas
used for their action on the heart can lead to
health risks for patients suffering of heart
problems. These herbal teas are formulated by
plants containing cardiotonic components that can
lead to cardiac arrest.
Another brand of herbal tea "Walada bébé",
manufactured locally, has for action the
stimulation of lactation. This herbal tea can be
dangerous for the baby because it is not
controlled and can contain unknown components
that can pass to the baby through breast milk.
There is also brands of herbal teas especially
devoted to lose weight like: "Soltane rahat el bal",
"Dr. Ming’s", "Sliming Herb" and "Ritcher's". This
herbal tea has the property of acting on the
bladder to lose weight but by this action, dramatic
risks leading to death can occur due to the loss of
water resulting from the stimulation of the bladder.
Another example of herbal teas in Algeria is the
soothing baby tea number 8. This herbal tea
facilitates the baby's sleep. It is constituted by the
linden plant. Studies have shown that the linden
inhibits lipase which increases the temperature of
infants and prevents their growth (Chantre et al.,
2002). Other studies have shown that lipid
degradation by lipase inhibition leads to cancer
development (Greenberg et al., 1992).
In Algeria, herbal teas market is growing
significantly and is based mainly on imports.
However, imports are not subject to control of
plant performance, quality and toxicity. In addition,
the trade of herbal teas in Algeria is not evolved
around a structured legislative control. The
pharmaceutical regulation covers both medicinal
products for human and veterinary uses and
includes a series of laws such as the order of
June 25th, 2005 laying down the procedure and
expertise of a pharmaceutical product subject to
registration. There is also the law n° 85-05 of 26
Joumada El Oula 1405 corresponding to the
February 16th, 1985 relating to the protection and
the promotion of the health, modified and
supplemented by the executive decree n° 92-284

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of the bearing July 6th, 1992, relating to the
registration pharmaceutical products for human
use. Order n° 37 of August 23rd, 1998, laying
down the procedures for analytical,
pharmacotoxicological and clinical expertise
applied to pharmaceutical products (Bouzabata et
al., 2017). However, there is no specific regulation
on herbal teas. The European legislation qualifies
traditional medicines herbal products, whose use
is at least thirty, including at least 15 years in the
European Union, which are intended to be used
without the supervision of a health professional
and that are not administered by injection. Indeed,
this procedure will provide the same guarantee as
usual procedure. However, it will limit clinical
studies that are not necessary for traditional
herbal medicines. It has been stated that the
decisive criterion for herbal products subjected to
this type of simplified procedure is essentially
based on traditional use or medicinal tradition, as
evidenced by bibliographic elements or expert
reports. The registration file includes information
and documents from a pharmaceutical file, in
particular those relating to quality, safety and
efficacy. However, Algerian legislation imposes,
on a mandatory basis and under the penalty of
inadmissibility of registration files, clinical and
pharmacotoxicological studies for plant based
drug similar to all drugs, regardless to the age of
traditional use. This registration procedure is
cumbersome because of the cost of required tests
and remains a handicap for a better development
of herbal teas. Therefore, this regulation does not
favor the control of herbal tea marketing in
Algeria.
CONCLUSION
Herbal teas have accompanied man since the
earliest times of his happiness and misfortune.
Yerba mate was always a relaxing tea, a joy that
unites families in Paraguay, for the pleasure it
brings. The cola nut helps Africans fight poverty
by giving them energy and strength. Herbal teas
supported man to relieve the simplest symptoms
up to serious illnesses. However, the use of
herbal teas must be controlled, as their
components may contain toxic elements that
present a high risk for important functions. Today,
the development of control methods makes it
possible to detox elements. Unfortunately, many
herbal teas are marketed without quality control.
In Algeria, the use of herbal teas is increasing
rapidly due to the presence on the market of
several brands imported from abroad. They are
sold without any control of their components. The
lack of control methods for herbal teas in Algeria
can put the health of consumers at risk of disease
progression. Herbal teas are beneficial to health if
they are controlled and do not contain
components that are toxic to the human body. For
this reason, it is necessary to analyze herbal teas
using control methods ensuring the distribution of
herbal teas without danger to the consumer. We
hope that this work will be very useful for the
control of the market of Herbal teas in Algeria
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declared that present study was
performed in absence of any conflict of interest.
ACKNOWLEGEMENT
The authors would like to express their sincere
thanks and gratitude to CRAPC, for providing the
main sponsorship for this work. Authors would like
also to thank Institute of Bio product Development
(IBD) and Research Management Center at UTM,
Malaysia, and also Global Agro Innovation (HK)
Limited for partial support through grant No.
R.J130000.7609.4C273.
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
LB, MMB, YB, AZB, AN, and BECHZ involved in
data collection and writing of the manuscript. LB,
MMB, KB, and HAE designed the work, DJD, TH,
HAE reviewed the manuscript. All authors read
and approved the final version.
Copyrights: © 2020@ author (s).
This is an open access article distributed under the
terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
(CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original author(s) and source are
credited and that the original publication in this
journal is cited, in accordance with accepted
academic practice. No use, distribution or
reproduction is permitted which does not comply
with these terms.
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