# Phoenix Dan Cong (Camellia sinensis)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/phoenix-dan-cong
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Tea Cultivars
**Also Known As:** Fenghuang Dan Cong, Phoenix Single Bush Tea, Phoenix Mountain Oolong, Chaozhou Dan Cong, Guangdong Phoenix Tea, Single Bush Oolong, Fenghuang Dancong, Tea Perfume

## Overview

Phoenix Dan Cong is a traditional Chinese oolong tea (Camellia sinensis) from Guangdong province whose polyphenolic compounds — including catechins, theaflavins, and gallic acid — drive its antioxidant and preliminary anticancer activity. These bioactives exert effects primarily through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing and disruption of cancer cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 phase.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through ABTS•+ and DPPH• radical scavenging (preliminary in vitro evidence only)
• Potential antitumor effects against breast, colon, cervical, and liver cancer cell lines (preliminary in vitro evidence only)
• Cell cycle arrest induction in cancer cells at G0/G1 phase (preliminary in vitro evidence only)
• Low cytotoxicity to normal human cells (WI38 lung, L02 liver) at tested concentrations (preliminary in vitro evidence only)
• ROS-mediated [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) dysfunction in cancer cells (preliminary in vitro evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Phoenix Dan Cong polyphenols — particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gallic acid, and theaflavins — neutralize ABTS•+ and DPPH• radicals by donating hydrogen atoms, reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) at the cellular level. These compounds also modulate cell cycle regulatory proteins, inducing G0/G1 phase arrest in cancer cells by downregulating cyclin D1 and CDK4/6 expression. Additionally, polyphenol-mediated activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathways, involving caspase-3 and Bcl-2 family protein modulation, has been observed in breast, colon, cervical, and liver cancer cell lines in vitro.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Phoenix Dan Cong is limited entirely to in vitro cell-based studies; no published human clinical trials or animal intervention studies specific to this cultivar have been identified as of 2024. In vitro assays demonstrated dose-dependent DPPH• and ABTS•+ radical scavenging activity comparable to other oolong teas, with IC50 values varying by extraction method and polyphenol concentration. Antiproliferative effects were observed against HeLa (cervical), MCF-7 (breast), HepG2 (liver), and HCT-116 (colon) cell lines, but effective concentrations in these models do not directly translate to human dosing. Extrapolation of these findings to human health outcomes is premature, and robust randomized controlled trials are needed before any therapeutic claims can be substantiated.

## Nutritional Profile

Phoenix Dan Cong (Camellia sinensis) is a minimally processed oolong tea from Guangdong, China, consumed primarily as an infusion. Nutritional data is based on dry leaf composition and brewed liquor analysis. Macronutrients in dry leaf: protein approximately 15–25% dry weight (largely insoluble, low bioavailability from infusion); carbohydrates approximately 30–40% dry weight including cellulose and pectin (minimal extraction into brew); lipids less than 5% dry weight. Key bioactive compounds include catechins and related polyphenols: total polyphenol content approximately 150–300 mg/g dry leaf (Folin-Ciocalteu method); due to partial oxidation (oolong processing), catechin profile is intermediate between green and black tea, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) present at lower concentrations than green tea (estimated 20–60 mg/g dry leaf) alongside theaflavins and thearubigins formed during oxidation. Chlorogenic acids and flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin glycosides) are present at approximately 5–15 mg/g dry leaf. Caffeine content approximately 20–40 mg per 8 oz brewed cup (dry leaf caffeine ~20–30 mg/g). L-theanine present at approximately 5–15 mg per 8 oz brewed cup, contributing umami character and potential synergistic calming effects with caffeine. Minerals in brewed infusion: fluoride 0.2–0.5 mg per cup, manganese 0.2–0.4 mg per cup, potassium 20–40 mg per cup, magnesium 3–7 mg per cup, trace amounts of zinc, copper, and selenium. Vitamins: negligible vitamin content survives infusion; trace B vitamins may be present. Bioavailability notes: catechin bioavailability from infusion is moderate (estimated 20–40% absorption), significantly reduced by milk addition (protein binding); L-theanine is well-absorbed (bioavailability ~95%); mineral bioavailability is limited by tannin-mediated chelation; specific Dan Cong cultivar aroma compounds include nerolidol, indole, methyl salicylate, and cis-jasmone at trace concentrations (µg/g range), contributing to characteristic floral/honey fragrance but with no established nutritional significance. Data specific to Phoenix Dan Cong cultivar polyphenol fractions remains limited in published literature; values extrapolated from oolong tea class data.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials have not been conducted. In vitro studies used aqueous extracts at 25-400 μg/mL concentrations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Phoenix Dan Cong contains caffeine (approximately 20–40 mg per 8 oz serving depending on brew parameters), which may cause [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), palpitations, or anxiety in sensitive individuals or at high intake. Its polyphenols, particularly EGCG, can inhibit non-heme iron absorption by up to 25–30% when consumed with meals, posing a risk for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia. High-dose green or oolong tea extracts have been associated with hepatotoxicity in rare case reports, though brewed tea at normal quantities carries low risk. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should limit intake to 1–2 cups daily due to caffeine content, and those taking anticoagulants such as warfarin should exercise caution given vitamin K content and potential platelet-modulating effects of polyphenols.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on Phoenix Dan Cong tea. Available evidence is limited to in vitro studies using aqueous extracts (25-400 μg/mL) showing [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and antitumor effects on cancer cell lines (PMC6294836).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Phoenix Dan Cong has been cultivated in the Chaozhou Phoenix Mountains for generations, prized by farmers for its exceptional fragrance and taste, often called 'tea perfume' or the most fragrant Chinese tea. It is historically valued for sensory qualities from single ancient trees rather than medicinal applications.

## Synergistic Combinations

Green tea extract, EGCG, L-theanine, vitamin C, quercetin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What makes Phoenix Dan Cong different from other oolong teas?

Phoenix Dan Cong is a single-bush oolong cultivar grown on Wudong Mountain in Guangdong, China, and is distinguished by its exceptionally high aromatic compound diversity — including linalool, nerolidol, and indole — produced through a unique oxidation level of 15–85% depending on the cultivar variant. Its polyphenol profile includes a higher proportion of theaflavins relative to fully green teas, which contributes to both its distinctive flavor and its moderate antioxidant capacity measured at IC50 values competitive with other premium oolongs.

### Does Phoenix Dan Cong tea help with cancer?

Current evidence is restricted to preliminary in vitro studies showing that Phoenix Dan Cong polyphenols inhibit proliferation of MCF-7 breast, HCT-116 colon, HeLa cervical, and HepG2 liver cancer cell lines, with G0/G1 cell cycle arrest mediated through cyclin D1 and CDK4/6 downregulation. No human clinical trials have been conducted, and in vitro concentrations required to achieve these effects are not reliably attained through normal tea consumption, so it cannot be recommended as a cancer treatment or prevention strategy.

### How much caffeine is in Phoenix Dan Cong tea?

A standard 8 oz (240 ml) brewed cup of Phoenix Dan Cong contains approximately 20–45 mg of caffeine, placing it in the moderate range among teas — lower than black tea (40–70 mg) but higher than white tea (15–30 mg). Caffeine content varies significantly based on water temperature (higher temps extract more caffeine), steeping time, and leaf-to-water ratio, with traditional gongfu brewing using short steeps of 20–40 seconds tending to distribute caffeine across multiple infusions.

### Can Phoenix Dan Cong tea interact with medications?

Phoenix Dan Cong polyphenols, particularly EGCG and gallic acid, may inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes (notably CYP3A4 and CYP2C9) at high doses, potentially altering metabolism of drugs such as statins, benzodiazepines, and certain chemotherapy agents. Its caffeine content can potentiate stimulant medications and MAO inhibitors, and its polyphenols may reduce the absorption of iron supplements and some antibiotics like tetracycline when taken concurrently — spacing tea consumption by at least 1–2 hours from these medications is advisable.

### What is the best way to brew Phoenix Dan Cong to maximize its antioxidant content?

Research on Camellia sinensis polyphenol extraction indicates that water temperature between 85–95°C (185–203°F) and a steeping time of 2–4 minutes optimizes total catechin and EGCG yield without excessive tannin extraction that can reduce bioavailability. Phoenix Dan Cong is traditionally brewed gongfu-style using a high leaf-to-water ratio (approximately 1 gram per 10–15 ml) with multiple short infusions of 30–60 seconds, which distributes polyphenols and aromatic compounds across 6–10 steepings and may offer sustained antioxidant intake compared to a single long steep.

### Is Phoenix Dan Cong tea safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Phoenix Dan Cong contains moderate caffeine levels that should be limited during pregnancy, as excessive caffeine intake is associated with increased miscarriage risk. While the tea itself contains beneficial antioxidants, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before regular consumption, as individual caffeine sensitivity varies and fetal caffeine exposure should be minimized. Most medical authorities recommend keeping total daily caffeine intake below 200 mg during pregnancy.

### What does the current scientific evidence say about Phoenix Dan Cong's health benefits?

Most research on Phoenix Dan Cong remains preliminary, limited to in vitro (laboratory cell) studies showing antioxidant activity and potential anticancer effects against specific cancer cell lines. These laboratory findings do not translate directly to proven benefits in humans, and no large-scale clinical trials have confirmed therapeutic effects in living subjects. Consumers should view Phoenix Dan Cong as a beverage with traditional use rather than a scientifically-proven treatment for disease prevention or management.

### Who would benefit most from drinking Phoenix Dan Cong tea regularly?

Phoenix Dan Cong may be most beneficial for individuals seeking a flavorful oolong tea with antioxidant content and moderate caffeine for daily consumption, rather than those with specific health conditions requiring medical treatment. It is generally well-tolerated by healthy adults without contraindications, though those sensitive to caffeine or with certain medications should exercise caution. People interested in traditional Chinese tea culture and taste-focused tea appreciation may particularly value Phoenix Dan Cong's distinctive fruity and floral profiles.

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