# Dragon Well Green Tea (Camellia sinensis 'Longjing')

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/dragon-well-green-tea
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-31
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Tea Cultivars
**Also Known As:** Longjing tea, Lung Ching, West Lake Dragon Well, Xi Hu Longjing, Camellia sinensis var. sinensis 'Longjing', Dragon's Well tea, Dragonwell, Long Jing Cha

## Overview

Dragon Well (Longjing) green tea is a premium Chinese cultivar of Camellia sinensis prized for its high concentration of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and L-theanine, which together modulate oxidative stress pathways and lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Its catechins inhibit [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes, and suppress LDL oxidation, underpinning its [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and DNA-protective effects.

## Health Benefits

• Protects DNA from oxidative damage - demonstrated in a placebo-controlled crossover trial with 18 healthy volunteers (moderate evidence)
• Improves total [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity - meta-analysis of 16 RCTs showed significant increases in TAC levels (strong evidence)
• Supports healthy cholesterol levels - 16-week RCT with 123 participants showed [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) reductions (moderate evidence)
• May aid in type 2 diabetes prevention - improvements in lipid profiles and [liver function](/ingredients/condition/detox) markers observed in predisposed individuals (moderate evidence)
• Enhances sustained energy expenditure - catechin-caffeine combination supports body weight management (preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

EGCG, the dominant catechin in Longjing tea, directly scavenges [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) and chelates pro-oxidant metal ions, reducing 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) adducts that mark oxidative DNA damage. EGCG also inhibits HMG-CoA reductase activity and downregulates PCSK9 expression, contributing to reductions in LDL-cholesterol synthesis and oxidation. Simultaneously, L-theanine modulates GABA and glutamate receptor activity in the CNS, promoting alpha-wave neural oscillation and attenuating the adenosine-blocking stimulant effects of caffeine.

## Clinical Summary

A placebo-controlled crossover trial in 18 healthy volunteers demonstrated significant reductions in urinary 8-OHdG, a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage, following regular Longjing tea consumption, representing moderate-quality evidence. A meta-analysis of 16 RCTs found that green tea catechins produced statistically significant increases in total [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity (TAC), constituting strong evidence for this outcome. Cholesterol-related findings draw from broader Camellia sinensis research, where meta-analyses of 14–31 RCTs show LDL reductions of approximately 2–5 mg/dL with regular green tea intake, though Longjing-specific lipid trials remain limited. Overall, the evidence base is strongest for antioxidant capacity and DNA protection, while [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) endpoints require more cultivar-specific investigation.

## Nutritional Profile

Dragon Well (Longjing) green tea is a minimally processed, non-fermented tea with a distinctive flat-leaf profile. Per 1g dry leaf (approximate basis for a standard 2g/200ml brew): Calories: ~3 kcal; Protein: ~0.2g (tea infusion delivers minimal protein); Carbohydrates: ~0.5g; Fat: <0.05g; Fiber: ~0.1g (largely insoluble, not extracted into infusion). Key bioactive compounds per 200ml brewed cup (2g leaf, 80°C, 3-min steep): Total catechins: 80–150mg, dominated by epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) 40–80mg, epigallocatechin (EGC) 15–30mg, epicatechin gallate (ECG) 8–15mg, epicatechin (EC) 5–10mg — Longjing cultivar typically yields lower catechin concentrations than Yunnan or Assam types due to pan-firing processing and cultivar genetics. L-theanine: 6–20mg per cup (notably high in spring-harvest Longjing, contributing umami flavor and synergistic calming-alertness effects with caffeine). Caffeine: 20–40mg per cup. Chlorophyll derivatives: ~1–3mg (chlorophyll a/b partially degraded during pan-firing). Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): ~2–5mg per cup (partially preserved due to pan-firing vs. steaming; lower than Japanese green teas). Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): ~0.02mg. Vitamin K1: ~15–25mcg per 100ml infusion (bioavailability note: meaningful contribution, relevant for anticoagulant interactions). Manganese: ~0.4–0.6mg per cup (high bioavailability from tea infusion). Fluoride: ~0.1–0.3mg per cup (from older leaves; spring Longjing buds are lower). Potassium: ~20–30mg per cup. Gallic acid and theogallin: ~5–15mg combined. Quercetin and kaempferol glycosides: ~1–3mg per cup. Theobromine: ~1–2mg per cup. Bioavailability notes: EGCG bioavailability is relatively low (~5–10% absorbed intact) and is reduced by milk proteins and alkaline conditions; consuming on an empty stomach improves absorption by up to 60%. L-theanine is rapidly and near-completely absorbed (~94% bioavailability). Vitamin C content is notably temperature-sensitive; brewing above 85°C degrades 20–40% of ascorbic acid. The pan-firing process (as opposed to steam-fixing in Japanese teas) slightly reduces total catechin content but preserves a distinct amino acid-to-catechin ratio favorable to L-theanine expression. Spring first-flush (pre-Qingming) Longjing has higher L-theanine and lower catechin-to-amino-acid ratio compared to summer harvests.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosages include: Whole tea infusion - 1 cup (200mL) prepared from 1 tea bag steeped 6 minutes, consumed 3 times daily (600mL/day total); Concentrated form - 300mL/day of 1% (w/v) green tea solution. Meta-analysis indicates dose-dependent effects on [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Dragon Well green tea is generally well tolerated at typical beverage intakes (3–5 cups/day, approximately 200–400 mg catechins), but concentrated EGCG supplements exceeding 800 mg/day have been associated with hepatotoxicity in case reports and should be avoided. Catechins can inhibit iron absorption by up to 25% when consumed with meals, posing a risk for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia. The caffeine content (roughly 30–50 mg per 240 mL serving) may interact with stimulant medications, beta-blockers, and anticoagulants like warfarin, as EGCG has mild antiplatelet activity. Pregnant women should limit intake to 2 cups/day to keep caffeine below 200 mg and minimize theoretical folate antagonism associated with high catechin loads.

## Scientific Research

Clinical research includes a crossover trial (PubMed ID: 20807462) showing genoprotective effects with 300mL daily consumption, and a 16-week RCT (PMC3786468) demonstrating lipid profile improvements in 123 participants predisposed to type 2 diabetes. A comprehensive meta-analysis (PMC8614888) of 16 randomized controlled trials confirmed significant improvements in total [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity with green tea supplementation.

## Historical & Cultural Context

While the research does not provide specific historical context for the Dragon Well cultivar, green tea has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The distinctive processing methods and regional cultivation in Zhejiang Province suggest longstanding traditional knowledge, though cultivar-specific applications are not detailed in available studies.

## Synergistic Combinations

L-theanine, Vitamin C, Quercetin, Green Tea Extract (EGCG), CoQ10

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much EGCG is in Dragon Well green tea compared to other green teas?

Longjing (Dragon Well) tea typically contains 80–120 mg of EGCG per 240 mL brewed cup, which is comparable to other high-grade Chinese green teas but can vary based on harvest season and brewing temperature. First-harvest (pre-Qingming) Longjing tends to yield higher catechin concentrations than later harvests due to lower UV-induced polymerization. Brewing at 75–80°C for 2–3 minutes optimizes EGCG extraction while minimizing bitter tannin release.

### Can Dragon Well green tea lower cholesterol levels?

Evidence from meta-analyses of green tea RCTs (covering up to 31 trials) suggests regular catechin intake can reduce LDL-cholesterol by roughly 2–5 mg/dL and total cholesterol by 3–7 mg/dL, primarily through EGCG-mediated inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption. These effects are modest and most pronounced in individuals with elevated baseline cholesterol. Longjing-specific lipid trials are limited, so current evidence is extrapolated from the broader Camellia sinensis literature.

### Is Dragon Well green tea safe to drink every day?

Yes, consuming 3–5 cups of brewed Longjing tea daily is considered safe for most healthy adults, providing approximately 200–400 mg of total catechins and 90–200 mg of caffeine within widely accepted safe thresholds. Daily consumption has been associated with cumulative antioxidant benefits without adverse hepatic effects at these beverage-form doses, unlike high-dose EGCG supplements. Individuals with caffeine sensitivity, iron-deficiency anemia, or who take warfarin or beta-blockers should consult a healthcare provider before making it a daily habit.

### What is the difference between Dragon Well tea and regular green tea supplements?

Dragon Well is a specific shade-grown, pan-fired cultivar from Hangzhou, China, whose flat-leaf processing (no rolling) preserves a distinct catechin and amino acid profile, including relatively higher L-theanine content compared to many standardized green tea extracts. Most commercial green tea supplements are standardized to 45–50% total catechins or 45% EGCG by dry weight, delivering far more concentrated catechins per capsule (300–500 mg) than a brewed cup. However, whole-leaf Longjing retains the full matrix of synergistic polyphenols, flavonoids, and theanine that may be partially lost in isolated extracts.

### Does Dragon Well green tea protect against DNA damage?

Yes, a placebo-controlled crossover trial in 18 healthy volunteers found that regular Dragon Well green tea consumption significantly reduced urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a validated biomarker of oxidative DNA damage, representing moderate-quality evidence. The mechanism involves EGCG directly quenching hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions that attack DNA bases, and upregulating endogenous repair enzymes such as OGG1 (8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase). While these findings are promising, larger and longer-duration trials are needed to determine whether this DNA protection translates into reduced cancer incidence.

### What is the best time of day to drink Dragon Well green tea for maximum antioxidant benefits?

Dragon Well green tea can be consumed at any time of day, though drinking it with or shortly after meals may enhance polyphenol absorption due to food-stimulated digestive activity. Morning consumption is popular for its mild caffeine content (25–50 mg per cup), which provides gentle mental alertness without the jitters associated with higher-caffeine beverages. Consistency matters more than timing—regular daily consumption is what demonstrated antioxidant capacity improvements in clinical studies rather than single-dose timing.

### Is Dragon Well green tea safe to take alongside blood pressure or cholesterol medications?

Dragon Well green tea is generally safe with most medications, though its modest cholesterol-lowering effects may be additive with statins, potentially requiring dose monitoring by your healthcare provider. The caffeine content (25–50 mg per cup) is low enough to pose minimal interaction risk with most blood pressure medications, but individuals on blood thinners like warfarin should maintain consistent consumption since vitamin K in tea may affect efficacy. Always inform your doctor of regular Dragon Well consumption, especially if taking medications for cardiovascular health.

### How does the antioxidant potency of Dragon Well compare to other green tea cultivars in clinical studies?

Dragon Well contains comparable levels of catechins and EGCG to other premium Chinese green teas like Sencha, with meta-analytic evidence showing it produces significant increases in total antioxidant capacity similar to other high-quality green tea varieties. The primary advantage of Dragon Well lies in its palatability and traditional processing method, which may improve compliance with regular consumption rather than superior biochemical potency per gram. Direct head-to-head RCTs comparing Dragon Well specifically to other cultivars remain limited, making claims about relative superiority difficult to substantiate.

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