# Longjing Tea (Camellia sinensis)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/longjing-tea
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-28
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Tea Cultivars
**Also Known As:** Dragon Well tea, West Lake Longjing, Xi hu Longjing, Lung Ching tea, Longjing 43 cultivar, Qunti cultivar, Dragon's Well tea, Green Tea Longjing, Hangzhou Longjing, Imperial Longjing

## Overview

Longjing (Dragon Well) tea is a shade-grown green tea cultivar from Hangzhou, China, whose bioactive catechins—primarily epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—inhibit catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and modulate [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways. Its unique flat-leaf processing preserves a high L-theanine and chlorophyll content compared to standard green teas, though cultivar-specific clinical data remain sparse.

## Health Benefits

• Limited cultivar-specific evidence: No human clinical trials specific to Longjing tea were identified in research
• Traditional digestive support: Used in TCM since Ming Dynasty for aiding [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) (traditional use only)
• Potential [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Contains catechins like EGCG similar to green tea (mechanism suggested but not clinically tested for this cultivar)
• Traditional [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Historically valued for reducing inflammation in TCM (no modern clinical validation)
• [Longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity) promotion: Traditional use for promoting longevity and qi balance (historical context only, no RCTs)

## Mechanism of Action

EGCG, the dominant catechin in Longjing tea, inhibits COMT, slowing degradation of catecholamines like [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) and norepinephrine, which may support [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) alertness. EGCG also scavenges [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and downregulates NF-κB signaling, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) expression. L-theanine, present at elevated levels due to Longjing's cultivation environment, potentiates alpha-wave neural oscillations by acting as a glutamate receptor partial antagonist at AMPA and NMDA receptors, promoting relaxed focus without sedation.

## Clinical Summary

No human clinical trials have been conducted specifically on Longjing tea as a distinct cultivar; available evidence is extrapolated from general green tea and EGCG research. Randomized controlled trials on green tea EGCG (doses of 400–800 mg/day) in cohorts of 50–200 participants have demonstrated modest reductions in [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) (5–10%) and fasting [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). A 2017 meta-analysis of 31 RCTs found green tea catechins associated with a statistically significant but small reduction in systolic blood pressure (~2 mmHg). The evidence base for Longjing-specific benefits remains traditional and inferential rather than directly established by controlled human trials.

## Nutritional Profile

Longjing tea (Dragon Well) is consumed as an infusion, so nutritional content reflects compounds extracted into the brew rather than whole leaf consumption. Per 200ml brewed cup (2-3g dry leaf, 80°C water): Calories: ~2-3 kcal; Protein: ~0.1-0.2g (minimal extraction); Carbohydrates: ~0.3-0.5g; Fat: negligible (<0.1g). Key bioactive compounds: Catechins total: 80-150mg per cup, with EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) as dominant catechin at approximately 40-80mg per cup — notably lower than Gyokuro or Matcha due to sun-grown cultivation and pan-firing process; EGC (epigallocatechin): ~15-30mg; ECG (epicatechin gallate): ~10-20mg; EC (epicatechin): ~5-15mg. L-Theanine: 6-12mg per cup (lower than shade-grown cultivars; sun exposure reduces theanine accumulation). Caffeine: 20-40mg per cup (moderate; pan-firing partially degrades caffeine vs. steamed green teas). Chlorophyll: reduced relative to shade-grown teas due to full sun cultivation; imparts characteristic yellow-green liquor. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): 2-5mg per cup (partially preserved by lower-temperature pan-firing vs. high-heat roasting). Vitamin K: trace amounts (~0.5-1mcg per cup from leaf leaching). Minerals per cup: Fluoride: 0.1-0.3mg; Manganese: 0.3-0.5mg; Potassium: 10-20mg; Magnesium: 1-3mg; Zinc: trace (<0.1mg). Theobromine: ~1-3mg per cup. Gallic acid and other phenolic acids: ~5-15mg per cup. Amino acids: Glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and arginine present in small quantities alongside theanine. Bioavailability notes: Catechin bioavailability is enhanced by lower brewing temperature (75-85°C) used for Longjing, which preserves polyphenol integrity; addition of milk or high-tannin foods significantly reduces catechin absorption; Vitamin C co-consumption may modestly enhance catechin bioavailability; pan-firing (wok roasting) process distinguishes Longjing from steamed Japanese green teas and produces distinct volatile aromatic compounds including chestnut-like aldehydes and pyrazines not quantified in standard nutritional panels. Dry leaf (per 100g): Total polyphenols 15-25g; Protein 20-25g (largely insoluble, not bioavailable from brewing); Fiber 30-35g (not consumed in infusion preparation).

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for Longjing tea were identified. General green tea recommendations (not Longjing-specific) suggest 200-400 mg catechins/day from extracts, but no standardization or forms were tested for this cultivar. Traditional preparation involves 2-3 cups daily as infusion. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Longjing tea is generally recognized as safe at typical dietary consumption levels (2–4 cups/day, approximately 100–300 mg EGCG), but high-dose EGCG supplements (>800 mg/day) have been linked to hepatotoxicity in case reports. Caffeine content (approximately 30–50 mg per 8 oz cup) may interact with stimulant medications and MAO inhibitors, and can exacerbate anxiety or [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep) in sensitive individuals. EGCG can chelate iron and reduce absorption of non-heme iron by up to 25% when consumed with meals, which is relevant for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should limit intake due to caffeine and the theoretical antifolate activity of high-dose catechins.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specific to Longjing tea (Camellia sinensis cultivar) were identified in the provided research. While general green tea research exists (e.g., PMID: 23225852 references tea chemistry indirectly), cultivar-specific evidence for Longjing is absent, with studies focusing on chemical/volatile profiles rather than clinical outcomes.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Longjing tea has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine since the Ming Dynasty (14th century), valued for aiding [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), reducing [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and promoting [longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity), often consumed as a daily infusion for qi balance and detoxification. Its historical context ties to imperial tribute teas from West Lake gardens, with pan-firing enhancing therapeutic warmth per TCM principles.

## Synergistic Combinations

Green tea extract, L-theanine, Vitamin C, Piperine, Quercetin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much EGCG is in Longjing tea?

Longjing tea typically contains approximately 80–150 mg of total catechins per 8 oz (240 mL) brewed cup, with EGCG representing roughly 50–60% of that fraction (40–90 mg per cup). Exact levels vary with harvest season, brewing temperature, and steep time; a 3-minute steep at 75–80°C extracts more catechins than a shorter or cooler infusion. This is broadly comparable to other high-quality Chinese green teas.

### Does Longjing tea help with weight loss?

Evidence for weight loss is derived from general green tea research rather than Longjing-specific trials. Meta-analyses of green tea catechin supplementation (270–1200 mg catechins/day) show a modest mean weight reduction of approximately 1.3 kg over 12 weeks compared to placebo. EGCG is thought to mildly increase thermogenesis by inhibiting COMT in adipose tissue, thereby extending norepinephrine-stimulated lipolysis, but the effect size is small and unlikely to produce meaningful weight loss without dietary and exercise changes.

### What makes Longjing tea different from other green teas?

Longjing is a pan-fired (not steamed) green tea produced exclusively in the West Lake region of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, using the Longjing 43 or Qunti cultivar. Pan-firing deactivates polyphenol oxidase differently than steam-fixation, producing a characteristic chestnut-like flavor and preserving a distinct ratio of catechins to gallic acid. Its flat, sword-shaped leaves also result from a specific hand-pressing technique during roasting, which is a protected geographic indication under Chinese law.

### Can Longjing tea improve focus or reduce anxiety?

Longjing tea contains both caffeine (~35 mg/cup) and L-theanine (~20–30 mg/cup), a combination shown in multiple small RCTs (n=20–50) to improve sustained attention and reduce subjective anxiety compared to caffeine alone. L-theanine modulates AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors and increases alpha-wave activity on EEG within 30–60 minutes of consumption. This synergistic effect is well-documented for green tea broadly, and Longjing's relatively high L-theanine content—retained by shaded pre-harvest cultivation—makes it a reasonable candidate for these effects.

### Is Longjing tea safe to drink every day?

Daily consumption of 2–4 cups of brewed Longjing tea is considered safe for most healthy adults, delivering moderate caffeine (70–140 mg/day) and catechins well below hepatotoxic thresholds reported for isolated EGCG supplements. Individuals with iron-deficiency anemia should avoid drinking it with iron-rich meals due to catechin-mediated iron chelation reducing absorption by up to 25%. Those taking blood thinners like warfarin should consult a healthcare provider, as high vitamin K content in green tea leaves may affect INR stability.

### What is the difference between Longjing tea leaves and Longjing tea extract or powder supplements?

Longjing tea leaves (brewed as a traditional beverage) deliver catechins and antioxidants with potentially better bioavailability due to the gradual extraction in hot water, while extracts and powders are concentrated forms that may offer higher polyphenol content per serving but lack the ritual and full phytochemical profile of whole leaves. Extract forms are more convenient for consistent dosing, but whole leaf tea allows for flexible brewing strength and reduces the risk of processing losses. Neither form has been directly compared in clinical trials specific to Longjing cultivar.

### Does Longjing tea interact with blood thinners or anticoagulant medications?

Longjing tea contains vitamin K and catechins that theoretically could affect blood clotting, though clinical evidence specific to this cultivar is absent. If you take warfarin or other anticoagulants, consistent (not variable) consumption of Longjing tea should be discussed with your healthcare provider to ensure stable medication efficacy. The concern is primarily with sudden changes in intake rather than regular, moderate consumption.

### How does brewing temperature and steeping time affect the antioxidant content in Longjing tea?

Lower water temperatures (around 160–180°F/70–80°C) and shorter steeping times (2–3 minutes) are traditionally recommended for Longjing tea to preserve delicate flavor and minimize bitterness from over-extraction, though this may result in lower EGCG extraction compared to standard green tea brewing. Higher temperatures and longer steeps extract more catechins but can degrade heat-sensitive compounds and reduce the tea's characteristic taste profile. No peer-reviewed studies have specifically measured how Longjing brewing parameters affect total antioxidant yield.

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