# Liu An Gua Pian Green Tea (Camellia sinensis 'Liu An Gua Pian')

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/liu-an-gua-pian-green-tea
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Tea Cultivars
**Also Known As:** Lu'an Guapian, Lu'an Melon Seed Tea, Liu An Melon Seed Green Tea, Anhui Liu An Gua Pian, 六安瓜片, Lu An Gua Pian, Luan Guapian, Melon Seed Tea, Imperial Liu An Tea

## Overview

Liu An Gua Pian (六安瓜片) is a traditional Chinese green tea from Anhui province made exclusively from single leaves of Camellia sinensis, containing catechins—primarily epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—along with L-theanine and chlorogenic acids. These bioactives exert antioxidant effects by scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and modulating Nrf2 pathway signaling, though no clinical trials have specifically studied this cultivar.

## Health Benefits

• No clinical evidence available - traditional use suggests general green tea benefits but no specific studies on Liu An Gua Pian were identified
• May provide [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) support similar to other green teas (evidence quality: theoretical based on Camellia sinensis content)
• Traditional Chinese Medicine associates it with qi invigoration (evidence quality: traditional use only, no clinical validation)
• Historically used for heat stroke relief in TCM contexts (evidence quality: traditional use only, no clinical studies)
• Contains polyphenols common to green tea that may support [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) (evidence quality: extrapolated from general green tea research, not studied in this cultivar)

## Mechanism of Action

Liu An Gua Pian, as a Camellia sinensis green tea, delivers catechins—particularly EGCG—that inhibit catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and directly scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level. EGCG also modulates the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) peroxidase. L-theanine, a non-protein amino acid present in the leaf, promotes alpha-wave brain activity by modulating GABA-A receptors and antagonizing glutamate receptors, contributing to calm alertness when consumed with caffeine.

## Clinical Summary

No clinical trials have been conducted specifically on Liu An Gua Pian green tea, making direct evidence for this cultivar absent. Evidence for its anticipated benefits is extrapolated from broader Camellia sinensis research: a 2013 meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (n=821) found green tea catechin supplementation reduced [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by approximately 2.19 mg/dL. Observational studies in Japanese cohorts (n>40,000) associate habitual green tea consumption with reduced cardiovascular and all-cause mortality risk, though causality remains unestablished. The unique single-leaf processing of Liu An Gua Pian may alter catechin ratios compared to studied teas, so outcomes cannot be directly transferred without cultivar-specific research.

## Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"protein": "0.2-0.5 grams per 100 ml brewed tea", "fiber": "Negligible in brewed form"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"Vitamin C": "Trace amounts, typically less than 1 mg per 100 ml brewed tea"}, "minerals": {"Potassium": "10-15 mg per 100 ml brewed tea", "Calcium": "1-2 mg per 100 ml brewed tea", "Magnesium": "1-2 mg per 100 ml brewed tea"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"Catechins": "100-150 mg per 100 ml brewed tea", "Caffeine": "15-30 mg per 100 ml brewed tea", "Theanine": "4-8 mg per 100 ml brewed tea"}, "bioavailability_notes": "The bioavailability of catechins and theanine can be influenced by brewing time and temperature. Caffeine content may vary based on leaf processing and brewing method."}

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for Liu An Gua Pian. Traditional consumption involves steeping 3-5g of whole leaves per 150-200ml water at 80-85°C for 2-3 minutes. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Liu An Gua Pian contains caffeine (approximately 30–50 mg per 8 oz serving) and may cause [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), jitteriness, or elevated heart rate in caffeine-sensitive individuals; consumption should be avoided close to bedtime. High-dose green tea extracts—not typical beverage amounts—have been associated with hepatotoxicity, with the European Food Safety Authority flagging doses above 800 mg EGCG/day as a safety concern. EGCG can reduce intestinal absorption of non-heme iron by up to 25% and may interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin by providing vitamin K and affecting platelet aggregation. Pregnant individuals should limit total caffeine intake to under 200 mg/day per WHO guidance, and green tea extracts in supplement form are generally not recommended during pregnancy.

## Scientific Research

No specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified for Liu An Gua Pian green tea in available databases. While general green tea research exists (e.g., PMID 33150983 for EGCG meta-analyses), no studies isolate this cultivar's unique leaf-only processing or specific health effects.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Liu An Gua Pian has been valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and became an imperial tribute tea during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, even supplied to Empress Cixi. It gained international recognition as a prestige gift, notably presented to Henry Kissinger in 1971, and remains listed among China's Ten Famous Teas.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, L-theanine, Piperine, Quercetin, Rhodiola

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What makes Liu An Gua Pian different from other green teas?

Liu An Gua Pian is unique among Chinese green teas because it is produced solely from single detached leaves—no buds or stems—harvested from the Lu'an region of Anhui province. This processing method may result in a distinct catechin and amino acid profile compared to bud-heavy teas like Longjing, though no comparative phytochemical studies have been published. Its flavor is notably less astringent, possibly reflecting lower tannin concentrations.

### How much EGCG does Liu An Gua Pian green tea contain?

Exact EGCG quantification for Liu An Gua Pian specifically has not been published in peer-reviewed literature. General Camellia sinensis green teas typically contain 50–150 mg of EGCG per 8 oz brewed cup depending on leaf grade, steep time, and water temperature. Because Liu An Gua Pian uses mature single leaves rather than young buds, its catechin content may be toward the lower end of this range, as younger plant material generally concentrates more catechins.

### Can Liu An Gua Pian green tea help with weight loss?

There is no direct evidence that Liu An Gua Pian specifically aids weight loss. However, meta-analyses of green tea catechin studies—including a 2009 Cochrane-adjacent review—found modest reductions in body weight of approximately 0.5–1.5 kg over 12 weeks when consuming 270–1200 mg catechins daily, primarily through EGCG-mediated inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and upregulation of thermogenesis via norepinephrine signaling. These findings apply to standardized extracts rather than traditional brewed tea at typical serving sizes.

### Is Liu An Gua Pian green tea safe to drink every day?

Drinking Liu An Gua Pian as a brewed beverage (1–3 cups daily) is considered safe for most healthy adults, consistent with general green tea safety data reviewed by EFSA and the FDA's GRAS designation for Camellia sinensis leaf. Daily intake at this level delivers caffeine well below the 400 mg/day threshold considered safe for adults and catechin amounts far below hepatotoxic doses associated with concentrated extracts. Individuals with iron-deficiency anemia should avoid drinking it with meals due to EGCG's inhibition of non-heme iron absorption.

### Does Liu An Gua Pian green tea interact with any medications?

As a Camellia sinensis product, Liu An Gua Pian may interact with warfarin: EGCG has antiplatelet properties and the tea contains small amounts of vitamin K, which can unpredictably affect INR values in patients on anticoagulation therapy. It may also reduce the bioavailability of certain beta-lactam antibiotics and the cardiovascular drug nadolol by inhibiting intestinal uptake transporters, as demonstrated in a 2009 human pharmacokinetic study showing a 76% reduction in nadolol AUC with green tea co-administration. Patients on chemotherapy should consult their oncologist, as EGCG has shown both synergistic and antagonistic effects with specific agents in vitro.

### What is the proper water temperature and steeping time for Liu An Gua Pian green tea?

Liu An Gua Pian green tea should be steeped in water between 160–170°F (70–75°C) for 3–5 minutes to preserve its delicate flavor and heat-sensitive antioxidants like EGCG. Using boiling water may damage the tea's subtle taste profile and potentially reduce polyphenol content. Multiple infusions are common with this cultivar, with subsequent steeps requiring slightly longer steeping times.

### Is Liu An Gua Pian green tea safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers?

While Liu An Gua Pian contains caffeine (typical green tea levels), pregnant and nursing women should consult their healthcare provider about consumption due to caffeine crossing the placenta and entering breast milk. General green tea guidelines suggest limiting intake during pregnancy, though moderate consumption is often considered acceptable—individual tolerance varies. Liu An Gua Pian's traditional use does not provide clinical safety data specific to pregnancy.

### How should Liu An Gua Pian green tea be stored to maintain freshness and antioxidant content?

Liu An Gua Pian should be stored in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture at room temperature (ideally 50–70°F) to prevent oxidation and preserve antioxidant compounds. Exposure to air and humidity can rapidly degrade polyphenols and compromise the tea's flavor profile. Properly stored Liu An Gua Pian can maintain quality for 6–12 months, though consumption within 3–6 months is recommended for optimal potency.

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