# Da Hong Pao (Camellia sinensis) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/da-hong-pao **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-31 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Tea Cultivars **Also Known As:** Big Red Robe, Big Red Robe Oolong, Wuyi Rock Tea, Yancha, Rock Tea, Scarlet Robe, Imperial Red Robe, 大红袍 ## Overview Da Hong Pao is a premium oolong tea cultivar containing high levels of theaflavins and EGCG that may support metabolic function through AMPK pathway activation. This rock tea from Wuyi Mountains undergoes unique roasting that concentrates polyphenolic compounds compared to other oolong varieties. ## Health Benefits • No clinical trials specific to Da Hong Pao have been conducted - evidence quality: absent • General oolong tea studies exist for metabolic effects, but not for this specific cultivar - evidence quality: not applicable to Da Hong Pao • Contains polyphenols typical of Camellia sinensis, but no health outcomes documented - evidence quality: theoretical only • Traditional use focused on flavor quality rather than medicinal properties - evidence quality: traditional/anecdotal • Chemical profile shows unique volatiles and lower phenolics, but no health benefits studied - evidence quality: chemical analysis only ## Mechanism of Action Da Hong Pao's theaflavins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), promoting fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake. The roasting process unique to this cultivar creates melanoidins that may enhance [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through Nrf2 pathway upregulation. Caffeine content (20-30mg per cup) provides adenosine receptor antagonism for mild stimulant effects. ## Clinical Summary No clinical trials have specifically investigated Da Hong Pao as a distinct cultivar. General oolong tea studies show modest metabolic benefits, with one 6-week trial of 70 participants showing 6% increase in energy expenditure. However, these findings cannot be directly attributed to Da Hong Pao specifically. The evidence base remains insufficient to establish health claims for this particular cultivar. ## Nutritional Profile Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe) is a heavily oxidized oolong tea from Wuyi Mountains, Fujian, China. As a brewed beverage, a standard 250ml cup prepared from ~3g of dry leaf contains negligible macronutrients: <2 kcal, <0.1g protein, <0.1g carbohydrates, and essentially 0g fat and fiber (fiber remains in spent leaves). Key bioactive compounds reflect its partial oxidation status (60-80% oxidized): Polyphenols total approximately 150-300mg per 250ml cup, lower than green tea due to oxidation. Catechins are partially converted — EGCG reduced to approximately 20-50mg per cup (vs. 100-200mg in green tea), with theaflavins and thearubigins present at 30-80mg combined, contributing to its characteristic amber color and body. Caffeine content is moderate at approximately 30-60mg per 250ml cup, consistent with other Wuyi rock oolongs. L-theanine is present at approximately 10-25mg per cup; the ratio of L-theanine to caffeine (~1:2-1:3) is typical of oolong teas. The 'rock bone' (yan yun) mineral character attributed to Wuyi terroir suggests elevated mineral content: fluoride approximately 0.1-0.3mg per cup, manganese approximately 0.3-0.5mg per cup (meaningful relative to daily needs), potassium approximately 20-40mg per cup, and trace amounts of zinc, copper, and selenium reflecting volcanic rocky soil composition. Gallic acid and other phenolic acids are present at 5-15mg per cup. Volatile aromatic compounds including nerolidol, geraniol, and benzyl acetate contribute to its orchid-like fragrance but are present in microgram quantities with no established nutritional significance. Bioavailability notes: polyphenol absorption from oolong tea is estimated at 15-35% for catechins; the partial oxidation creates larger polymeric polyphenols (thearubigins) with lower bioavailability (~5-10%) compared to catechin monomers. Adding milk reduces polyphenol bioavailability by approximately 25-30% due to protein binding. All concentration estimates are extrapolated from general Wuyi oolong and Camellia sinensis data; no Da Hong Pao-specific nutritional analyses are published in peer-reviewed literature. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for Da Hong Pao. Traditional preparation involves brewing as oolong tea with multiple steepings, but no standardization for extract potency or biomedical dosing has been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Da Hong Pao is generally safe when consumed as tea (2-3 cups daily). Caffeine content may interact with stimulant medications and cause [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep) if consumed late in day. Tannins can reduce iron absorption when consumed with meals. Pregnancy safety follows general tea guidelines of limiting caffeine intake to under 200mg daily. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specific to Da Hong Pao were identified in the research. Available studies focus exclusively on quality assessment, volatile compound analysis, and sensory attributes rather than health outcomes. No PMIDs are available as no clinical research has been conducted on this specific cultivar. ## Historical & Cultural Context Da Hong Pao has legendary status in Chinese tea culture, with folklore dating back centuries including stories of 'Big Red Robe' being gifted to emperors. Part of the Wuyi rock tea (yancha) tradition, it was historically prized for its complex flavor from ancient mother trees rather than documented medicinal uses. Modern production blends cultivars to recreate the traditional dark-roasted oolong style. ## Synergistic Combinations Other oolong teas, Rou Gui cultivar, Huang Guan Yin cultivar, general Camellia sinensis teas ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much caffeine is in Da Hong Pao tea? Da Hong Pao contains 20-30mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, which is lower than black tea (40-50mg) but higher than green tea (15-25mg). The roasting process slightly reduces caffeine content compared to less processed oolong varieties. ### What makes Da Hong Pao different from other oolong teas? Da Hong Pao undergoes heavy roasting over charcoal, creating unique melanoidin compounds not found in lightly oxidized oolongs. This process concentrates polyphenols and creates the characteristic mineral taste from Wuyi rock soil terroir. ### Can Da Hong Pao help with weight loss? While oolong teas generally show modest metabolic effects in studies, no specific research exists for Da Hong Pao cultivar. Any weight management benefits would likely be minimal and require combination with proper diet and exercise. ### How should Da Hong Pao be brewed for maximum benefits? Brew with 195°F water for 30-45 seconds for first steeping, increasing time with subsequent infusions. This temperature preserves heat-sensitive polyphenols while extracting beneficial compounds. Multiple short steepings are preferred over single long extraction. ### Is authentic Da Hong Pao worth the high price? Authentic Da Hong Pao from original mother trees is extremely rare and expensive ($1,400+ per pound). Commercial Da Hong Pao from the same region offers similar polyphenol profiles at fraction of cost while maintaining terroir characteristics. ### Is Da Hong Pao safe to consume during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? Da Hong Pao contains caffeine, which pregnant and breastfeeding individuals may want to limit according to medical guidelines. While moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered acceptable during pregnancy by many health organizations, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider about appropriate intake levels. There are no specific safety studies on Da Hong Pao for these populations, so personalized medical advice is recommended. ### Does Da Hong Pao interact with medications like blood thinners or antidepressants? Da Hong Pao contains caffeine and polyphenols that may potentially interact with certain medications, though no specific interaction studies exist for this cultivar. Individuals taking blood thinners, antidepressants (particularly SSRIs), or other medications should consult their healthcare provider before regular consumption. The caffeine content alone can affect medication metabolism and absorption rates in some cases. ### What is the recommended daily amount of Da Hong Pao tea to consume for general wellness? Traditional consumption typically involves 2–3 cups per day, though no clinical studies specific to Da Hong Pao define an optimal dosage. General oolong tea guidelines suggest 2–3 cups daily as part of a normal diet, but individual tolerance varies based on caffeine sensitivity. Starting with 1 cup and monitoring personal response is a reasonable approach given the lack of cultivar-specific research. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*