Investigating the Pharmacological Effects of Synephrine, L-Theanine, and Ginsenosides as a Natural Caffeine Substitute via Tea Bag

Excessive caffeine consumption is associated with adverse health effects, prompting the search for safer alternatives that provide similar stimulation without harmful side effects. This study investigates the potential of pomelo peel (Citrus maxima) as a source of synephrine, Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) leaves for ginsenosides, and Assam tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves for L-theanine to create a natural caffeine substitute in tea bag form. Each plant material underwent washing, drying, and extraction, followed by compound identification using paper chromatography and specific reagents: Dragendorff for synephrine, vanillin-sulfuric acid for ginsenosides, and ninhydrin for L-theanine. Results confirmed the presence of the target compounds, with pomelo peel showing red coloration, ginseng producing yellow spots, and Assam tea yielding purple coloration. These findings suggest that the selected botanical extracts can be combined into a functional tea blend with stimulant and cognitive-enhancing potential. Further studies, including animal trials and plasma analysis via HPLC, are recommended to evaluate pharmacological efficacy and safety compared to caffeine.