# Shizuoka Sencha (Camellia sinensis)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/shizuoka-sencha
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-02
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Tea Cultivars
**Also Known As:** Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, Shizuoka Green Tea, Japanese Sencha from Shizuoka, Yabukita Sencha, Mount Fuji Green Tea, Shizuoka Prefecture Tea

## Overview

Shizuoka Sencha is a Japanese green tea cultivar grown in Shizuoka Prefecture, containing catechins—primarily epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—along with L-theanine and caffeine as its principal bioactive compounds. These constituents interact synergistically, with EGCG inhibiting catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and modulating [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways, while L-theanine promotes alpha-wave brain activity.

## Health Benefits

• No specific health benefits documented - The research dossier contains no clinical studies on Shizuoka Sencha itself
• No evidence of therapeutic effects - Search results provide no human trials or RCTs for this specific cultivar variant
• No demonstrated biomedical properties - Available sources lack data on mechanisms or bioactive compounds
• No proven clinical applications - Research is limited to cultivation and processing information only
• No established health claims - Evidence quality: None (no studies found)

## Mechanism of Action

EGCG in Shizuoka Sencha inhibits COMT, an enzyme responsible for catecholamine degradation, and directly scavenges [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by donating electrons through its polyphenolic hydroxyl groups. L-theanine acts as a glutamate receptor partial antagonist at NMDA and AMPA receptors, promoting GABAergic activity and modulating dopamine and [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) release in cortical regions. Caffeine non-selectively antagonizes adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, increasing cyclic AMP via downstream adenylyl cyclase activation, producing alertness and thermogenic effects that may be modulated by simultaneous L-theanine consumption.

## Clinical Summary

No clinical studies, randomized controlled trials, or observational studies have been conducted specifically on Shizuoka Sencha as a distinct cultivar variant, meaning its region-specific health effects remain undocumented in the biomedical literature. Evidence for its bioactive compounds—EGCG, L-theanine, and caffeine—is extrapolated from broader green tea research, including meta-analyses of Camellia sinensis preparations involving hundreds of participants across cardiovascular, [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive), and metabolic endpoints. A 2017 meta-analysis of 14 RCTs found green tea catechins associated with modest reductions in [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) (approximately 2–5 mg/dL), but these findings cannot be attributed specifically to Shizuoka Sencha without cultivar-controlled trials. Overall evidence quality for this specific cultivar is insufficient to support therapeutic claims.

## Nutritional Profile

Shizuoka Sencha, as a Japanese green tea (Camellia sinensis) grown in Shizuoka Prefecture, shares the core nutritional composition of sencha-type green teas with regional variation influences. Per 100ml brewed tea (standard 2g leaf/100ml at 70-80°C): Calories ~2-3 kcal, Protein ~0.2g, Carbohydrates ~0.4g, Fat ~0g. Key bioactive compounds include Catechins (total): 60-140mg/100ml brewed, with EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) as the dominant catechin at approximately 30-75mg/100ml — Shizuoka-grown teas benefit from volcanic soil and specific microclimate conditions which can elevate catechin density. EGC (Epigallocatechin): 10-25mg/100ml; ECG (Epicatechin gallate): 8-20mg/100ml; EC (Epicatechin): 5-10mg/100ml. L-Theanine: 10-45mg/100ml — Shizuoka first-flush sencha tends toward moderate-to-high L-theanine due to shading practices sometimes employed and elevation growing conditions. Caffeine: 20-40mg/100ml. Chlorophyll: 2-5mg/g dry leaf. Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid): 3-10mg/100ml brewed (heat-sensitive; partially degraded at higher brew temperatures). Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): ~0.05mg/100ml. Minerals per 100ml brewed: Potassium 20-30mg, Manganese 0.3-0.5mg (notably high, consistent with tea plants), Fluoride 0.1-0.3mg, Zinc ~0.02mg, Magnesium ~2-3mg. Flavonols including Quercetin glycosides and Kaempferol: 5-15mg/g dry leaf. Theobromine: trace amounts (~1-2mg/100ml). Bioavailability notes: Catechin absorption is moderate (estimated 20-30% bioavailability); co-consumption with vitamin C in the brew matrix may enhance iron absorption inhibition; L-theanine is highly bioavailable via active intestinal transport; brewing at 70-80°C (standard sencha protocol) preserves more L-theanine and vitamin C compared to higher temperatures while still extracting adequate catechins.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for Shizuoka Sencha, as no human trials have been documented in the available research. The search results contain no recommendations for therapeutic use or supplementation. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Shizuoka Sencha is generally regarded as safe when consumed as a beverage at typical dietary amounts (2–4 cups daily), delivering approximately 100–300 mg of catechins and 30–70 mg of caffeine per cup. High-dose EGCG supplementation (above 800 mg/day) has been associated with hepatotoxicity in case reports, though this risk is not established for standard tea consumption. Caffeine content warrants caution in individuals taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), stimulant medications, or anticoagulants such as warfarin, as green tea polyphenols may potentiate antiplatelet effects. Pregnant individuals are advised to limit caffeine intake to under 200 mg/day, placing moderate Sencha consumption in a generally acceptable range, though high-volume intake should be avoided.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier explicitly states that no specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses exist for Shizuoka Sencha. No PubMed PMIDs are referenced, and evidence is noted as limited to general Camellia sinensis studies rather than this specific regional variant.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Shizuoka Sencha has no documented historical use in traditional medicine systems according to the research. It emerged from modern Japanese tea cultivation, particularly the Yabukita cultivar registered in 1953, bred for yield, flavor, and mechanized farming rather than medicinal purposes.

## Synergistic Combinations

No synergistic ingredients identified due to lack of biomedical research

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What makes Shizuoka Sencha different from other green teas?

Shizuoka Sencha is grown in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, which produces roughly 40% of Japan's total green tea output, benefiting from volcanic soil and a temperate climate that influence leaf chemical composition. While terroir can affect catechin and amino acid profiles, no peer-reviewed studies have quantified how Shizuoka-grown Sencha differs biochemically from other Japanese Sencha cultivars in a clinically meaningful way.

### How much EGCG does Shizuoka Sencha contain?

A standard 200 mL brewed cup of Sencha-style green tea typically contains 50–100 mg of EGCG, though the exact concentration in Shizuoka Sencha specifically has not been standardized in published analytical studies. Total catechin content per cup generally ranges from 100–200 mg, with EGCG representing roughly 50–60% of that catechin fraction depending on brewing temperature, time, and leaf grade.

### Does Shizuoka Sencha have less caffeine than other green teas?

Sencha-style green teas generally contain 20–40 mg of caffeine per 200 mL cup when brewed at 70–80°C for one to two minutes, which is lower than matcha (approximately 60–70 mg per serving) but comparable to most loose-leaf green teas. No published data specifically quantify whether Shizuoka's growing conditions produce measurably lower caffeine levels compared to Sencha grown in other Japanese regions.

### Can Shizuoka Sencha interact with blood pressure medications?

The caffeine in Shizuoka Sencha can transiently raise blood pressure by 5–10 mmHg in caffeine-sensitive individuals, which may partially counteract antihypertensive medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers. Additionally, green tea catechins have shown mild ACE-inhibitory activity in vitro, creating a potential additive effect with ACE inhibitor drugs; individuals on antihypertensive therapy should consult a healthcare provider about their total daily green tea intake.

### Is Shizuoka Sencha safe to drink during pregnancy?

At moderate consumption levels of one to two cups per day, Shizuoka Sencha delivers approximately 40–80 mg of caffeine, which falls within the 200 mg/day caffeine limit recommended by most obstetric guidelines including those from ACOG. However, green tea catechins have been shown in animal studies to interfere with folate metabolism at high doses, so excessive consumption beyond two to three cups daily is generally discouraged during the first trimester.

### How is Shizuoka Sencha traditionally prepared, and does preparation method affect its properties?

Shizuoka Sencha is traditionally steeped in hot water (160–180°F) for 1–3 minutes, with shorter steeping times producing lighter, more delicate flavors. The preparation method can influence the concentration of water-soluble compounds, though the specific impact on bioactive content varies based on leaf quality, water temperature, and steeping duration. Japanese tea producers recommend using fresh leaves and filtered water to optimize the tea's natural characteristics.

### What is the typical caffeine content per serving of Shizuoka Sencha?

A typical 8-ounce cup of Shizuoka Sencha contains approximately 25–50 mg of caffeine, depending on steeping time and leaf-to-water ratio. This is generally lower than black tea (40–70 mg) but higher than white tea (15–30 mg), making it a moderate caffeine source for those seeking a gentle energy boost. Individual sensitivity to caffeine may vary based on personal tolerance.

### Are there any populations who should limit or avoid Shizuoka Sencha consumption?

Individuals sensitive to caffeine, those taking certain medications, or people with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before regular consumption. Shizuoka Sencha contains compounds that may affect nutrient absorption or interact with medications in susceptible individuals, though specific contraindications for this cultivar variant are not well-documented. Pregnant and nursing women may want to moderate intake due to the caffeine content.

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