Theaceae

Theaceae is a family of flowering plants comprising seven to 40 genera, depending on the source and the method of circumscription used. Camellia Sinensis (L.) Kuntze (Green Tea) belongs to the Theaceae family. Literature indicates that the Chinese have used this plant since 2700 BC as an antipyretic, sedative, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory medicine. The leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) are the source of tea, the second most consumed beverage worldwide. Tea contains several chemical compounds such as polyphenols (mainly catechins), caffeine, theophylline, L-theanine, among many others.