Development of a Herbal Tea with Potential Antiglycation Effects using Phyllanthus emblica (Indian Gooseberry), Zingiber officinale (Ginger), and Coriander sativum (Coriander)

The study was conducted to investigate the capability of developing a herbal tea using Phyllanthus emblica (PE) fruit, Zingiber officinale (ZO) rhizome, and Coriander sativum (CS) seeds and to assess its anti-glycation effects. Phyllanthus emblica, ZO, and CS are common and individually used materials in traditional medicine in Sri Lanka. No evidence is found in using combinations of these plant materials being used in commercial tea / herbal infusion production in Sri Lanka. The herbal tea was formulated with powdered form of PE fruits, ZO rhizome and CS seeds in three different formulations; PE-50% + ZO-25% + CS-25%; PE-25% + ZO-50% + CS-25%; and PE-25% + ZO-25% + CS-50%. The three formulated teas were subjected to a five-point hedonic scale sensory evaluation. The formula with PE fruits 50%, ZO rhizome 25%, and CS seeds 25% was selected for further analysis. The phytochemicals of the selected formulation were analyzed, and the results bared the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, and tannins, which ensures a high antioxidant quality of the formulated tea. The tested parameter for the shelf-life determination study concluded that the product is shelf-stable for 14 days under 0 °C temperature. An in vitro assay using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis was used to test the antiglycation effects. Results showed that the herbal tea was able to inhibit glycation-induced protein cross-linking over prolonged incubation periods with strong glycating conditions. Therefore, this product could also have a potential to be used as a home remedy to prevent diabetic complications.