Shun Di Tea Industry Co., Ltd. & Green Sugar Technology Information
Published: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Overview
Based on nutrient content data from four spring Cyclocarya paliurus (Cpa) leaf samples, along with FDA Daily Reference Values (DRV) and Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL), this analysis determines the safe adult daily intake range for Cpa leaf powder in tablet or gummy supplement form. The goal is to ensure adequate nutritional benefit without exceeding long-term reference intake limits (i.e., safety thresholds).
1. Sample Identification
| Sample | Description |
|---|---|
| Sample 1 | Shunhuang Mountain – Black Tea Processing Method (April 2025) |
| Sample 2 | Shunhuang Mountain – Green Tea Processing Method (April 2025) |
| Sample 3 | Wugang – White Tea Processing Method (April 7, 2025) |
| Sample 4 | Wugang – Freeze-Dried Fresh Leaves Processing Method (April 7, 2025) |
2. Nutritional Content per 100g of Cpa Dry Leaf (Average of Samples 1–4)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Energy | 1,212 ± 38 kJ |
| Protein | 29.38 ± 3.58 g |
| Total Fat | 2.54 ± 0.56 g |
| Available Carbohydrates | 19.90 ± 4.01 g |
| Total Dietary Fiber | 35.08 ± 3.10 g |
| Caffeine | 0 mg (not detected) |
| Crude Polysaccharides | 2.89 ± 1.10 g |
| Total Flavonoids | 1.61 ± 0.66 g |
| Total Saponins | 0.08 ± 0.07 g |
| Calcium (Ca) | 921.8 ± 40.5 mg |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.7 ± 0.6 mg |
| Copper (Cu) | 2.2 ± 0.1 mg |
| Iron (Fe) | 25.5 ± 2.0 mg |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 323.0 ± 67.1 mg |
| Manganese (Mn) | 223.9 ± 112.4 mg |
| Potassium (K) | 2,157.5 ± 287.9 mg |
| Selenium (Se) | 0.05 ± 0.06 mg |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.04 ± 0.01 mg |
| Zinc (Zn) | 9.9 ± 0.9 mg |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.02 ± 0.01 mg |
| Vitamin A | 0 mg (not detected) |
| Vitamin E (α-Tocopherol) | 37.2 ± 7.1 mg |
3. Recommended Daily Safe Intake
Recommended: 2g per day. Do not exceed 4g per day.
Rationale
Manganese (limiting nutrient): 2g of Cpa leaf per day provides 6.7 mg of manganese, equivalent to 292% of the DRV, but still below the UL. At 4g per day, the manganese intake reaches 13.4 mg, exceeding the UL and posing a toxicity risk.
Other minerals: At a 2g daily intake, all other minerals (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, molybdenum) contribute between 1% and 5% of their respective DRVs — well below their ULs. Chromium is a moderate exception at approximately 74% of DRV.
Bioactive compounds: At 2g per day, Cpa leaf provides crude polysaccharides (79.6 mg), flavonoids (45.4 mg), and saponins (17.8 mg) — all within the safe range of 100–200 mg.
Vitamins: At 2g per day, Vitamin E content is 0.89 mg (6% DRV), far below the UL of 1,000 mg. Vitamin A was not detected and is not a concern.
Macronutrients: Contributions are negligible (<3% DRV), presenting no risk.
Variability consideration: Using mean + 2 standard deviations ensures that even at the highest observed nutrient concentrations, intake remains within the safe range.
4. Potential Health Benefits at 2g Daily Intake
- Manganese (292% DRV): Supports bone health, metabolic function, and antioxidant activity.
- Chromium (74% DRV) & Vitamin E (6% DRV): Assist metabolic regulation and antioxidant defense.
- Bioactive compounds (crude polysaccharides, flavonoids, saponins): Provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Important Precautions
- Do not consume ≥ 4g per day — manganese toxicity risk applies at this threshold.
- Individuals with chronic conditions or those taking medications/supplements that affect mineral metabolism should consult a healthcare professional before use.
6. Maximum Safe Intake Determined by Individual Minerals (Based on DRV and UL)
| Mineral | Content per 1g Dry Leaf | Amount to Reach 100% DRV (g) | Amount to Reach UL (g) | Risk Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese (Mn) | 3.9 mg | 0.59 | 2.8 | ⚠️ Very high — primary limiting factor |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.86 mg | 12.8 | 46.5 | ✅ Well below limits at 2–4g intake |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.09 mg | 10 | 111 | ✅ Safe at moderate intake |
| Selenium (Se) | 0.001 mg | 68.75 | 500 | ✅ Present only in trace amounts |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.01 mg | 3.5 | 100 | ⚠️ May approach recommended intake above 3g |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 5.4 mg | 78 | 65 | ✅ No risk from dietary sources |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.69 mg | 26.1 | 65.2 | ✅ Low risk |
| Calcium (Ca) | 32.6 mg | 40 | 76.7 | ✅ Provides meaningful calcium contribution |
| Potassium (K) | 26.4 mg | 178 | 170.5 | ✅ Very difficult to reach the UL |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.002 mg | 30 | 1,333 | ✅ Safe at all practical intake levels |
7. Macronutrients — Insufficient Contribution to Reach Meaningful DRV Levels
| Compound | Content per 1g Dry Leaf | Amount to Reach 100% DRV (g) | Amount to Reach UL (g) | DRV | UL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | 0 mg | N/A | N/A | 400 mg | 400 mg |
| Available Carbohydrates | 0.199 g | 1,382 | — | 275 g | — |
| Total Dietary Fiber | 0.351 g | 80 | — | 28 g | — |
| Total Fat | 0.025 g | 3,068 | — | 78 g | — |
| α-Tocopherol (Vitamin E) | 0.126 mg | 119 | 7,927 | 15 mg | 1,000 mg |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | N/A | N/A | 900 µg | 3,000 µg |
8. Next Steps
- Expand sample size to gather sufficient data for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Optimize processing methods to partially reduce the exceptionally high manganese content before large-scale commercialization, thereby lowering application risk.
- Test Cpa black tea infusions for nutritional and heavy metal content, including a comparison of pre- and post-brewing Cpa leaf composition.