Comparative analysis of antioxidant activities and chemical compositions in the extracts of different edible parts from Camellia tetracocca Zhang (C. tetracocca) with two distinct color characteristics

The Camellia tetracocca Zhang is a rare and ancient plant, exclusively found in the vicinity of Puan County, Guizhou Province, China. According to leaf color, two distinct variations have been identified: purple C. tetracocca Zhang (PCTZ) and green C. tetracocca (GCTZ). This research was conducted to investigate the antioxidant activities and chemical compositions of different edible parts of PCTZ and GCTZ. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, HSA, and T-AOC assays, while the content of compounds was determined by HPLC. The findings demonstrated that the antioxidant capacity of PCTZ leaves is significantly superior to that of GCTZ leaves. Notably, theacrine, a rare compound, contains up to 2.075% in PCTZ leaves, indicating potential as a novel natural antidepressant and antioxidant. In conclusion, PCTZ is a distinctive tea beverage and a valuable genetic material for tea tree breeding due to its high theacrine and low caffeine characteristics. •The purple Camellia tetracocca Zhang (PCTZ) has significant antioxidant activity.•The antioxidant activity of the green Camellia tetracocca Zhang (GCTZ) is lower compared to PCTZ.•Notably, theacrine, a rare compound, contains up to 2.075% in PCTZ leaves.•The PCTZ leaves have the potential as a novel natural antidepressant and antioxidant.•The PCTZ tree is a high-quality cultivar for high theacrine and low caffeine characteristics.