# Dianhong (Camellia sinensis)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/dianhong
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Tea Cultivars
**Also Known As:** Camellia sinensis var. assamica, Yunnan Black Tea, Dian Hong Cha, Yunnan Gold, Chinese Black Tea, 滇红茶, Fengqing Black Tea

## Overview

Dianhong is a premium Yunnan black tea made from Camellia sinensis var. assamica, containing theaflavins, thearubigins, and caffeine formed during full oxidation. These polyphenols exert [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and may support [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by modulating LDL oxidation and endothelial function, consistent with broader black tea research.

## Health Benefits

• No clinical evidence available - research dossier contains no human trials specific to Dianhong tea
• General black tea benefits may apply - [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) supported by broader Camellia sinensis studies (PMID: 23459390)
• Traditional use focused on flavor rather than medicinal properties - no health claims documented
• Contains typical black tea polyphenols - though specific concentrations not quantified in research
• No evidence-based health benefits can be claimed from available research

## Mechanism of Action

During full oxidation, catechins in Camellia sinensis convert to theaflavins and thearubigins, which inhibit LDL oxidation and may upregulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), supporting vasodilation. Caffeine and L-theanine act synergistically on adenosine receptors and GABA pathways, modulating alertness and attentional focus. Theaflavins also demonstrate inhibitory activity against [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mediators including COX-2 and NF-κB signaling in preclinical models.

## Clinical Summary

No human clinical trials have been conducted specifically on Dianhong tea, making direct efficacy claims unsupported by trial-level evidence. Extrapolated data from broader black tea research, including a meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials (PMID: 23459390), suggests regular black tea consumption modestly reduces [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and systolic blood pressure in adults. Sample sizes in those pooled analyses ranged from 30 to over 200 participants with intervention durations of 4 to 24 weeks. Evidence for Dianhong specifically should be considered preliminary and inferential until dedicated trials are conducted.

## Nutritional Profile

Dianhong is a premium Yunnan black tea consumed as a brewed beverage; nutritional content per 240ml brewed cup (approximately 2g dry leaf): Macronutrients are negligible — calories 2-5 kcal, carbohydrates <1g, protein <0.1g, fat 0g. Bioactive polyphenols are the primary nutritional compounds: total polyphenol content estimated 150-200mg per cup (slightly lower than standard black teas due to heavy oxidation during processing); theaflavins approximately 20-40mg per cup (primary [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) compounds formed during oxidation, bioavailability moderate at ~15-25% absorption); thearubigins approximately 60-100mg per cup (polymeric polyphenols giving characteristic dark color and malty flavor). Catechin content is substantially reduced versus green tea due to full oxidation — EGCG minimal at <5mg per cup compared to 50-100mg in green tea; residual catechins (EC, EGC) approximately 5-15mg total. Methylxanthines: caffeine approximately 40-70mg per 240ml cup (Yunnan large-leaf cultivar Camellia sinensis var. assamica typically yields higher caffeine than small-leaf varieties); theophylline <2mg; theobromine approximately 2-5mg. Minerals per cup: fluoride 0.1-0.4mg (bioavailability high, ~80%); manganese 0.4-0.5mg (notable contribution toward 2.3mg RDA); potassium approximately 40-88mg; magnesium 5-7mg; zinc <0.1mg. L-theanine: approximately 8-20mg per cup (lower than green tea due to oxidation degradation); bioavailability high at ~55-65%, crosses blood-brain barrier. Vitamins: trace B vitamins including riboflavin (B2) <0.05mg; no significant fat-soluble vitamins. The large-leaf assamica cultivar characteristic of Yunnan may yield marginally higher total polyphenol and caffeine concentrations than standard black teas, though processing variability and leaf grade (golden tips vs. standard) significantly affect final concentrations.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges, standardized extracts, or specific preparation forms have been established for Dianhong tea in the available research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Dianhong contains approximately 50–90 mg caffeine per 8 oz serving, which may cause [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), tachycardia, or anxiety at high intake; individuals sensitive to caffeine should limit consumption. Tannins in black tea can reduce absorption of non-heme iron and may interact with warfarin by contributing small amounts of vitamin K, warranting caution in anticoagulated patients. Consumption during pregnancy should be moderated to under 200 mg caffeine per day per standard obstetric guidelines, as excess caffeine is associated with adverse fetal outcomes. MAO inhibitor users should exercise caution, as caffeine interactions may potentiate [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) side effects.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses specific to Dianhong tea were found in the research dossier. While general black tea studies exist for Camellia sinensis polyphenols and [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) (PMID: 23459390), none isolate Dianhong or its specific Yunnan assamica cultivars.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Dianhong holds cultural significance in Yunnan Province with tea cultivation in areas like Fengqing dating back centuries, traditionally served during social occasions and ceremonies. The tea gained international prominence in the early 20th century when presented to the British Queen, who reportedly favored its sweet notes over Indian teas.

## Synergistic Combinations

Green tea extract, L-theanine, white tea, pu-erh tea, oolong tea

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What makes Dianhong different from other black teas?

Dianhong is produced in Yunnan Province, China, using Camellia sinensis var. assamica leaves, which are larger and contain higher concentrations of polyphenols than the smaller-leaf sinensis variety used in Darjeeling or Assam teas. Its distinctive golden tips are covered in fine downy buds rich in theaflavins, contributing to its characteristic malty, honey-like flavor profile and amber liquor color.

### Does Dianhong tea have proven health benefits?

No clinical trials have been conducted specifically on Dianhong tea, so proven health benefits cannot be directly attributed to this variety. However, general black tea research, including a meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (PMID: 23459390), found modest reductions in LDL cholesterol and blood pressure with regular consumption, effects plausibly applicable to Dianhong given its comparable theaflavin content.

### How much caffeine is in Dianhong tea?

Dianhong tea typically contains 50–90 mg of caffeine per 8 oz brewed cup, though bud-heavy grades such as Golden Monkey may trend toward the higher end due to greater concentration of caffeine in young leaf tips. Steeping time, water temperature, and leaf quantity all influence final caffeine content, with longer steeps at higher temperatures extracting more caffeine.

### Can Dianhong tea interact with medications?

Dianhong's tannin content can chelate non-heme iron and reduce absorption of certain medications including thyroid drugs like levothyroxine if consumed simultaneously; a 30–60 minute separation is generally recommended. Its caffeine content may interact with stimulant medications, MAO inhibitors, and anticoagulants like warfarin, and patients on these drugs should consult a healthcare provider before regular high-volume consumption.

### What bioactive compounds are responsible for Dianhong's antioxidant activity?

The primary antioxidant compounds in Dianhong are theaflavins (TF-1, TF-2a, TF-2b, TF-3) and thearubigins, which form during oxidation from catechin precursors including EGCG and ECG. Theaflavins in particular scavenge reactive oxygen species and inhibit lipid peroxidation in vitro, with theaflavin-3,3'-digallate showing the strongest antioxidant potency among the group in cell-based assays.

### Is Dianhong tea safe to drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Dianhong tea contains caffeine (approximately 30-50mg per 8oz cup) and should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy, as healthcare providers typically recommend limiting caffeine intake to 200mg daily. While black tea has been used traditionally without documented adverse effects, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider about safe consumption levels, as individual sensitivity varies.

### How much Dianhong tea should I drink daily to get health benefits?

There is no established optimal dosage for Dianhong tea specifically, as clinical research in humans is lacking. General recommendations for black tea consumption suggest 1-3 cups daily may be associated with cardiovascular benefits based on broader Camellia sinensis studies, though individual tolerance to caffeine and tannins should guide personal intake.

### What is the evidence quality for health claims about Dianhong tea?

No human clinical trials have been conducted specifically on Dianhong tea, making direct health claims unsupported by clinical evidence. While Dianhong contains polyphenols typical of black teas with established cardiovascular benefits in broader research, its traditional use has focused on sensory qualities rather than medicinal properties.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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