# Longjing 43 (Camellia sinensis 'Longjing 43') **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/longjing-43 **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-31 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Tea Cultivars **Also Known As:** Camellia sinensis 'Longjing 43', Dragon Well 43, Longjing No. 43, LJ43, Hangzhou Longjing 43, Zhejiang Longjing 43, Dragon Well cultivar 43 ## Overview Longjing 43 is a premium Camellia sinensis cultivar developed in China, containing standard green tea catechins including EGCG and unique amino acid profiles that create its characteristic umami flavor. This cultivar shares the [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) mechanisms of other green teas through polyphenol activity. ## Health Benefits • No specific health benefits have been clinically demonstrated for Longjing 43 cultivar - evidence quality: absent • Chemical composition differences affecting umami/mellow flavor compared to other cultivars have been noted (PMID: 39798359) - evidence quality: preliminary • As a green tea cultivar, it contains polyphenols typical of Camellia sinensis - evidence quality: traditional • No human clinical trials or meta-analyses exist for this specific cultivar - evidence quality: absent • General green tea benefits cannot be attributed specifically to this cultivar without research - evidence quality: not applicable ## Mechanism of Action Longjing 43 contains catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that scavenge [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s and modulate antioxidant enzyme pathways. The cultivar's distinct amino acid composition, particularly theanine and glutamic acid derivatives, contributes to enhanced umami taste perception through glutamate receptors. These compounds work synergistically with caffeine to provide typical green tea bioactivity. ## Clinical Summary No clinical trials have specifically studied Longjing 43 cultivar for health outcomes. Research has focused on its chemical composition, identifying unique amino acid profiles that differentiate it from other green tea cultivars in flavor characteristics. One preliminary study examined the molecular basis of its umami and mellow taste properties compared to standard cultivars. The health benefits attributed to this cultivar are extrapolated from general green tea research rather than cultivar-specific studies. ## Nutritional Profile Longjing 43 is a green tea cultivar consumed as a brewed beverage, so nutritional content is assessed per 100mL brewed liquor and per gram of dry leaf. Dry leaf macronutrients: protein 20-30% dry weight (largely insoluble, minimal bioavailability from infusion), carbohydrates 35-45% dry weight (including cellulose, starch), lipids 5-8% dry weight. Per 100mL standard brewed infusion (3g leaf/150mL, 80°C, 2 min): calories ~1-3 kcal, dissolved solids ~300-500mg. Bioactive compounds (dry leaf basis): Total catechins 12-18% dry weight — EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) estimated 6-10%, EGC 1-3%, ECG 1-2%, EC 0.5-1.5%; Longjing 43 specifically noted for relatively lower bitterness-associated catechin ratios contributing to mellow flavor profile (PMID: 39798359). Total polyphenols: 18-25% dry weight. Caffeine: 2.5-4.0% dry weight (~25-40mg per 200mL cup). L-theanine: 1-2% dry weight (~10-20mg per 200mL cup); ratio of L-theanine to caffeine influences umami perception, with Longjing 43 showing cultivar-specific amino acid profiles. Chlorophyll a+b: 0.5-1.0% dry weight. Vitamins in brewed cup: Vitamin C ~5-10mg/100mL (heat-sensitive, variable), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) ~0.05mg/100mL. Minerals per 100mL brew: potassium ~20-30mg, manganese ~0.3-0.5mg (notably bioavailable), fluoride ~0.1-0.3mg, magnesium ~1-2mg, zinc ~0.05mg. Gallic acid and flavonol glycosides (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin derivatives) present at 0.1-0.5% dry weight. Bioavailability notes: catechin absorption from brewed tea is 1-10% in humans; L-theanine is well-absorbed (~95%); mineral bioavailability reduced by polyphenol-mineral binding. Specific quantitative data exclusive to Longjing 43 versus other Longjing cultivars remains limited in published literature. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for Longjing 43 in any form (extract, powder, or standardized), as no relevant human trials exist. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Longjing 43 shares the safety profile of other green tea varieties, containing 20-40mg caffeine per cup which may cause [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep) or anxiety in sensitive individuals. The tea may reduce iron absorption when consumed with meals due to tannin content. Drug interactions are possible with blood thinners due to vitamin K content and with stimulant medications due to caffeine. Pregnant women should limit intake to 1-2 cups daily due to caffeine content. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specific to Longjing 43 were identified. One comparative study exists (PMID: 39798359) analyzing chemical compositions and flavor differences between Longjing 43 and Qunti cultivars, but this focused on taste properties rather than health outcomes and was not a clinical trial. ## Historical & Cultural Context Longjing 43 originates from the famous Longjing (Dragon Well) tea region near Hangzhou, but as a modern cultivar from the 1980s, it lacks deep historical use in traditional medicine systems. The broader Longjing tea style has historical fame from Emperor Qianlong (18th century), valued primarily for its flavor rather than medicinal applications. ## Synergistic Combinations Other green tea cultivars, general Camellia sinensis preparations ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What makes Longjing 43 different from regular green tea? Longjing 43 is a specific cultivar bred for enhanced umami flavor through unique amino acid profiles, particularly higher concentrations of theanine and glutamic acid derivatives. While it contains similar catechin levels to other green teas, its distinct chemical composition creates a more mellow, savory taste profile. ### How much caffeine is in Longjing 43 tea? Longjing 43 contains approximately 20-40mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, similar to other green tea cultivars. The exact amount varies based on brewing time, water temperature, and leaf quality, with longer steeping times extracting more caffeine. ### Are there proven health benefits specific to Longjing 43? No clinical studies have demonstrated health benefits specific to the Longjing 43 cultivar. Its potential benefits are assumed to be similar to other green teas based on comparable catechin and antioxidant content, but cultivar-specific research is lacking. ### Can Longjing 43 tea cause side effects? Longjing 43 can cause caffeine-related side effects including insomnia, anxiety, and digestive upset in sensitive individuals. The tannins may also cause stomach irritation on an empty stomach and can reduce iron absorption when consumed with iron-rich foods. ### What is the best way to brew Longjing 43 tea for maximum benefits? Brew Longjing 43 with water heated to 175-185°F for 2-3 minutes to preserve delicate compounds and umami flavor. Using 1 teaspoon of leaves per cup and avoiding over-steeping prevents excessive tannin extraction while maintaining beneficial catechin levels. ### Is Longjing 43 safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? As a green tea cultivar, Longjing 43 contains caffeine and catechins that warrant caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnant and nursing women should consult healthcare providers before regular consumption, as excessive caffeine intake during pregnancy has been associated with increased miscarriage risk in some studies. Moderate consumption (1–2 cups daily) is generally considered acceptable for most adults, but individual risk factors should be evaluated. ### Does Longjing 43 interact with medications or supplements? Longjing 43's caffeine content and polyphenol compounds may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners (warfarin), stimulant medications, and iron supplements. The catechins in green tea can reduce iron absorption when consumed with iron-rich meals or supplementation. Individuals taking prescription medications should discuss regular green tea consumption with their healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions. ### How does Longjing 43 compare to other premium green tea cultivars in terms of composition? Longjing 43 exhibits distinct chemical composition differences that enhance umami and mellowness compared to other Camellia sinensis cultivars, according to preliminary chemical analysis. However, like all green teas, it contains similar baseline polyphenol and antioxidant profiles characteristic of unoxidized tea leaves. The cultivar-specific differences are primarily flavor-based rather than nutritional, making choice dependent on taste preference rather than health outcomes. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*