Cat Whiskers Tea (Orthosiphon stamineus)

Cat Whiskers Tea (Orthosiphon stamineus) is a herbal infusion with negligible macronutrient content per standard serving (240ml brewed tea): calories ~2-5 kcal, carbohydrates ~0.5-1g, protein ~0.1g, fat ~0g, dietary fiber ~0g. The primary value lies in its bioactive phytochemical composition. Key bioactive compounds include: Sinensetin (polymethoxylated flavone, ~0.5-2.8 mg/g dry leaf weight) — the principal active compound with antioxidant and diuretic properties; Eupatorin (~0.3-1.5 mg/g dry weight), another polymethoxylated flavone contributing to anti-inflammatory activity; 3-Hydroxy-5,6,7,4-tetramethoxyflavone (~0.2-1.0 mg/g dry weight); Rosmarinic acid (~5-15 mg/g dry weight) — a phenolic acid with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, among the most abundant water-soluble actives; Caffeic acid derivatives (~1-3 mg/g dry weight); Oleanolic acid and ursolic acid (pentacyclic triterpenes, ~0.5-2 mg/g dry weight) contributing to diuretic and kidney-protective effects; Orthosiphol diterpenes (A, B, C, D — at ~0.1-0.5 mg/g dry weight) unique to this species. Mineral content per brewed cup: potassium ~20-40 mg (supports electrolyte balance alongside diuretic action), calcium ~5-10 mg, magnesium ~3-8 mg, small traces of iron and zinc. Vitamin content is minimal: trace amounts of vitamin C (~1-3 mg/cup) and B-complex vitamins at sub-nutritional levels. Tannin content is moderate (~10-20 mg/cup), which may slightly reduce iron bioavailability if consumed with meals. Flavone bioavailability is enhanced in the free aglycone form predominant in this plant compared to glycoside forms; rosmarinic acid has approximately 60-70% intestinal absorption efficiency. Caffeine content is negligible (<1 mg/cup), making it suitable for caffeine-sensitive individuals. Potassium loss through diuretic effect should be monitored with regular consumption.