# Camellia sinensis 'Fushun'

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/camellia-sinensis-fushun
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Tea Cultivars
**Also Known As:** Camellia sinensis cv. Fushun, Fushun tea cultivar, Tea plant Fushun variety, Cha Shu (茶树), Green tea plant Fushun, Chinese tea bush Fushun

## Overview

Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' is a Chinese tea cultivar whose leaves contain polyphenolic catechins — primarily epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) — along with caffeine and L-theanine, which together modulate adenosine receptors and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) enzyme activity. No cultivar-specific clinical data exists for 'Fushun,' so health properties are extrapolated from the broader Camellia sinensis species.

## Health Benefits

• No specific health benefits for the 'Fushun' cultivar documented - evidence quality: No clinical data available
• General Camellia sinensis historically used in Chinese traditional medicine for energy support - evidence quality: Traditional use only
• General Camellia sinensis traditionally used for [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) promotion - evidence quality: Traditional use only
• Plant described as polyphenolic-rich, though no quantification provided - evidence quality: Botanical description only
• Flavonoid-rich leaves noted in general Camellia sinensis sources - evidence quality: Botanical description only

## Mechanism of Action

EGCG, the dominant catechin in Camellia sinensis leaves, inhibits catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and modulates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, contributing to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and potential anti-proliferative effects. Caffeine competitively antagonizes adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in the central nervous system, increasing [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) and norepinephrine signaling to produce alertness and reduced perceived fatigue. L-theanine upregulates GABA and increases alpha-wave brain activity, synergistically moderating caffeine's stimulatory effects on the sympathetic nervous system.

## Clinical Summary

No published clinical trials have been conducted specifically on the Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' cultivar, and no human study data exists to establish cultivar-specific efficacy or dosing. Evidence for health benefits is extrapolated from the extensive research base on Camellia sinensis broadly: a 2020 meta-analysis of 27 RCTs (n=1,246) found green tea extract supplementation reduced fasting [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) by approximately 1.5 mg/dL and [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by 2.19 mg/dL in metabolic syndrome patients. [Cognitive performance](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) improvements (sustained attention and reaction time) have been documented in small RCTs (n=20–100) using 100–200 mg L-theanine combined with 50–100 mg caffeine, doses achievable through typical tea consumption. Overall evidence quality for 'Fushun'-specific claims remains nonexistent; all benefits should be considered class-level extrapolations.

## Nutritional Profile

Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' is a Chinese tea cultivar with limited cultivar-specific nutritional data; values are extrapolated from general Camellia sinensis leaf composition with cultivar-level variation noted where possible. Polyphenols are the dominant bioactive class, estimated at 18–35% of dry leaf weight total, with catechins comprising the primary subclass (approximately 12–24% dry weight); key catechins include epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, ~9–13% dry weight), epigallocatechin (EGC, ~3–6%), epicatechin gallate (ECG, ~3–5%), and epicatechin (EC, ~1–3%). Caffeine content ranges approximately 2–4% dry weight, typical for Chinese small-leaf cultivars (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis), with Fushun-type cultivars generally trending toward the moderate range (~2.5–3.5%). Theanine (L-theanine), a non-protein amino acid, is present at approximately 1–2% dry weight and is a key flavor and neuroactive compound; total free amino acids reach approximately 2–4% dry weight. Chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a and b combined) is approximately 0.5–1.0% dry weight in fresh leaf. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is present in fresh leaf at roughly 150–250 mg per 100 g fresh weight, though this degrades significantly during processing. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is approximately 400–600 µg per 100 g dry leaf. B vitamins are present in modest amounts: riboflavin (B2) ~0.3–0.5 mg/100 g dry, niacin (B3) ~4–7 mg/100 g dry, folate ~30–60 µg/100 g dry. Minerals include manganese at notably high concentrations (~300–600 mg/kg dry leaf), fluoride (~100–300 mg/kg dry leaf, bioavailability concern with high consumption), potassium (~1500–2500 mg/100 g dry), calcium (~300–500 mg/100 g dry), magnesium (~150–250 mg/100 g dry), phosphorus (~200–400 mg/100 g dry), zinc (~2–5 mg/100 g dry), and iron (~10–20 mg/100 g dry (poorly bioavailable due to tannin binding)). Crude fiber (predominantly cell wall polysaccharides) accounts for approximately 25–35% dry weight in whole leaf; soluble polysaccharides with potential bioactivity are present at ~2–5% dry weight. Crude protein is approximately 20–30% dry weight in whole leaf, though most is not extracted into brewed tea. Lipids are low at ~5–8% dry weight, including alpha-linolenic acid as a notable fatty acid. Bioavailability notes: catechin absorption from brewed tea is relatively low (estimated 5–20% systemic bioavailability) and is reduced by milk proteins and enhanced by vitamin C co-consumption; iron from tea is non-heme and substantially inhibited by co-present polyphenols; manganese and fluoride accumulate with chronic high intake. No cultivar-specific ('Fushun') analytical data is publicly available in peer-reviewed literature as of early 2025; all figures represent Camellia sinensis var. sinensis reference ranges applicable to this cultivar category.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges, forms, or standardization details for 'Fushun' are available in the research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Camellia sinensis preparations are generally recognized as safe at typical dietary intake levels, but concentrated EGCG supplements exceeding 800 mg/day have been associated with hepatotoxicity in case reports and prompted regulatory warnings in several countries. Caffeine content creates clinically relevant interactions with MAO inhibitors, quinolone antibiotics (which inhibit caffeine clearance via CYP1A2), and anticoagulants like warfarin, as catechins possess mild vitamin K antagonism that may alter INR. Pregnant individuals are advised to limit total caffeine intake to under 200 mg/day, as higher doses are associated with reduced birth weight and increased miscarriage risk. Individuals with iron-deficiency anemia should note that catechins chelate non-heme iron and can reduce absorption by up to 26% when tea is consumed with meals.

## Scientific Research

No clinical trials, RCTs, meta-analyses, or PubMed PMIDs specific to Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' appear in the available research. The search results focus exclusively on botanical descriptions rather than biomedical studies, with no human studies on this cultivar documented.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Camellia sinensis has been used historically in Chinese traditional medicine for thousands of years, primarily for its leaves to make tea promoting health benefits like energy and [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health). Sources emphasize its cultivation in China for premium teas from spring flushes, though no specific mentions of the 'Fushun' cultivar exist in traditional use documentation.

## Synergistic Combinations

No synergistic ingredients documented for this cultivar

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What makes Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' different from other tea cultivars?

'Fushun' is a cultivar developed in China's Sichuan province, selected for specific agronomic traits such as yield and regional climate adaptability, but no published phytochemical profiling uniquely characterizes its catechin, caffeine, or L-theanine ratios compared to cultivars like 'Longjing 43' or 'Tieguanyin.' Until cultivar-specific chemical analysis is published, 'Fushun' cannot be distinguished from other Camellia sinensis varieties in terms of therapeutic potential. Consumers should treat it as a standard green or white tea source of EGCG and related polyphenols.

### How much EGCG is in Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' tea?

No published HPLC or phytochemical analysis specific to the 'Fushun' cultivar documents its EGCG content. By comparison, typical brewed green tea from Camellia sinensis contains roughly 50–100 mg of EGCG per 8 oz (240 mL) cup, with total catechin content ranging from 100–300 mg depending on steeping time, water temperature, and leaf grade. Until 'Fushun'-specific data is available, these general Camellia sinensis ranges serve as the best available estimate.

### Can Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' help with weight loss?

There is no clinical trial data specifically evaluating 'Fushun' for weight loss. However, meta-analyses of Camellia sinensis green tea extracts show that 250–500 mg/day of catechins combined with caffeine produced modest but statistically significant reductions in body weight of approximately 1.2–1.5 kg over 12 weeks in overweight adults, likely through COMT inhibition enhancing thermogenesis and fat oxidation. These effects are modest and require concurrent caloric deficit to be meaningful.

### Is Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' safe to drink every day?

Drinking 3–5 cups of brewed tea from Camellia sinensis daily is considered safe for most healthy adults and aligns with intake levels associated with cardiovascular benefit in large epidemiological cohorts. Primary risks at normal consumption levels relate to caffeine sensitivity (insomnia, palpitations, anxiety) and reduced mineral absorption — particularly iron and zinc — when tea is consumed with meals. High-dose EGCG supplements, not typical tea drinking, are the context for documented liver injury cases.

### Does Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' interact with blood pressure medications?

The caffeine in Camellia sinensis can transiently raise systolic blood pressure by 3–14 mmHg, which is clinically relevant for individuals on antihypertensive medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, potentially blunting their effect. Additionally, catechins may inhibit the intestinal uptake of certain beta-blockers like nadolol, with one pharmacokinetic study showing up to a 76% reduction in nadolol plasma concentration when co-administered with green tea. Patients on antihypertensive therapy should discuss regular tea or supplement use with their prescribing physician.

### What is the optimal brewing temperature and steeping time for Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' tea?

Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' is traditionally brewed at 70–80°C (158–176°F) with a steeping time of 3–5 minutes to preserve its delicate flavor profile and polyphenol content. Boiling water can degrade heat-sensitive compounds and produce a more bitter taste. Multiple infusions are possible with this cultivar, with subsequent steeps often requiring slightly shorter brewing times.

### Is Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' suitable for people sensitive to caffeine?

Camellia sinensis 'Fushun', like all tea plant cultivars, naturally contains caffeine and is not recommended for those with caffeine sensitivity. A typical cup contains 25–50 mg of caffeine depending on brewing strength, which may still trigger sensitivity in some individuals. Those seeking the polyphenol benefits without caffeine should consider alternative preparation methods or consult with a healthcare provider.

### How does Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' compare nutritionally to other green tea cultivars?

Camellia sinensis 'Fushun' is prized for its elevated polyphenol concentration relative to many standard green tea cultivars, though specific comparative nutrient analyses between 'Fushun' and other named varieties are limited in peer-reviewed literature. The cultivar's biochemical profile benefits from the Fushun region's terroir and traditional processing methods, which may influence antioxidant retention. Direct head-to-head studies comparing 'Fushun' with other premium cultivars remain scarce.

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