CIMAP: Stevia TEA

[seetharam annadana]

CIM Tea—CIMAP's Value-added Health Drink


THE ordinary tea available in the markets consists of the processed leaves of one species of Camelia sinensis, though blends such as Tulsi-blend etc., are also available. `CIM-Tea' developed by the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, is the product of a strategic combination of tea with medicinally important plants especially a sweet mint genotype CIM Madhuras of Mentha piperita, which has sweet aroma, and cooling and refreshing effect, with a special variety of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) which has anti-microbial and expectorant properties, and also some other especially selected plant species possessing anti-oxidant properties. The sugar has been replaced by super-sweet Stevia. All the plants used are of defined genotypes with known quality standards available only with CIMAP. The product has been tested for oral toxicity and the animals checked for any biochemical abnormality.

Such a combination is not available in the market. Volunteers have appreciated the aroma as well as the typically mood-refreshing effect of the tea whether served as hot or cold beverage.

CIMAP is now approaching the tea companies for technology transfer of `CIM-Tea.'