The goal of his book is to cover all relevant aspects including botanical identification, processing and major categories of tea, physiological and pharmacological effects, and experimental therapeutic effects. The therapeutic applications of tea based on traditional Chinese medicine are also included. With contributions from renowned experts worldwide from botanical, agricultural, chemical, biochemical, and medical circles, Tea: Bioactivity and Therapeutic Potential will be an invaluable reference source for physicians and professionals in pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food research and development industries. Contributors Zong-mao Chen and Ning Xu Peking Union Zong-mao Chen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shu-jun Cheng, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Shen-de Li, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Zhen-yu Li, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wei-bo Lu, China Academy of Traditional Medicine Pei-zhen Tao, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hua-fu Wang, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Pei-gen Xiao, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development Ning Xu, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Xiao-qing You, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences De-chang Zhang, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Yong-su Zhen, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology Contents 1. Tea and Health - an Overview Miao-lan Chan 2.Botanical Classification of Tea Plants Pei-gen Xiao and Zhen-yu Li 3. Green Tea, Black Tea and Semi-fermented Tea Ning Xu and Zong-mao Chen 4. The Chemistry of Tea Non-volatiles Zong-mao Chen, Hua-fu Wang, Xiao-qing You and Ning Xu 5. The Chemistry of Tea Volatiles Hua-fu Wang, Xiao-qing You and Zong-mao Chen 6. Biochemical and Cellular Bases for Tea Activity Shen-de Li 7. Physiological Effects of Caffeine and Related Purine Alkaloids De-Chang Zhang 7. The Effects of Tea on the Cardiovascular System Zong-mao Cen 9. Antimicrobial Activity of Tea Products Pei-zhen Tao 10. Anticarciogenic Activity of Tea Shu-jun Cheng 11. Antitumor Activity of Tea Products Yong-su Zhen 12. Therapeutic Uses of Tea in Traditional Chinese Medicine Wei-bo Lu 13. Agronomy and Commercial Production of Tea Zong-mao Chen and Ning Xu Peking Union Zong-mao Chen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shu-jun Cheng, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Shen-de Li, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Zhen-yu Li, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wei-bo Lu, China Academy of Traditional Medicine Pei-zhen Tao, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hua-fu Wang, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Pei-gen Xiao, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development Ning Xu, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Xiao-qing You, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences De-chang Zhang, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Yong-su Zhen, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology