Estimation of some essential, non essential toxic and toxic elements in some Indian black tea sold in market by ‘ICP-MS’ and their risk assessment.

Abstract

Tea <em>&lsquo;Camellia sinensis&rsquo;</em> is the most consumed non essential, non alcoholic liquid in the world. Black Tea finds its place in Indian culture as well as a part of diet of Indian population. Tea is known for its relaxing effect and therapeutic use as it contains bioactive <em>polyphenols, amino acids, caffeine, theophylline</em> and volatile organic compounds. Significant research efforts have been carried out on Tea for its health benefits. However, some ill effects also have been reported. Present work has been carried out to determine the essential, non essential toxic and toxic elements namely Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Aluminum (Al), Arsenic (As) and Lead (Pb); health risks associated with them among adult population. For this, the twelve well known and most selling (most consumed) Tea brands available in local Indian market were selected and analyzed by sophisticated instrument ICP-MS.