Guwahati: Bamboo is often considered the “green gold” of Assam, and it is known for its versatility and cultural significance. But did you know that beyond its traditional uses, bamboo can be brewed into a cup of healthful tea?
Researchers from the Department of Biotechnology at Bodoland University, along with experts from other esteemed institutions, have delved into the nutritional and bioactive properties of Bambusa tulda tea, uncovering exciting possibilities for both health enthusiasts and environmental sustainability.
The team’s pioneering study, published in Advances in Bamboo Science (2025), titled “Unveiling the Nutritional and Bioactive Potential of Bamboo (Bambusa tulda Roxb.) Tea: A Phytochemical and Spectroscopic Study,” provides a comprehensive look at the antioxidant properties, phytochemical composition, and innovative environmental applications of bamboo tea.
The research began in March 2023, with tender leaves of Bambusa tulda collected from Kokrajhar, Assam. The leaves were carefully washed, dried, and steeped into a decoction to prepare the bamboo tea.
The scientific team, headed by Dr Arvind Kumar Goyal, includes Rosy Narzary (Bodoland University), RiuRiu Wary (Bagadhar Brahma Kishan College), Jangila Basumatary (Bodoland University), Pranjal Kalita (Central Institute of Technology Kokrajhar), Sushil Kumar Middha, and Talambedu Usha (Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women, Bengaluru).
The team analysed the tea’s components and potential benefits.
One of the standout findings of the study was the antioxidant prowess of bamboo tea. The dry extract of the tea displayed significantly higher levels of phenolics and flavonoids versus the infusion, indicating its strong antioxidant activity. Using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, the team determined an impressive IC50 value of 3.794 for the dry extract, demonstrating a potent ability to neutralize harmful free radicals.
Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, reducing sugars, triterpenoids, and cardiac glycosides. These bioactive compounds contribute to health benefits such as improved heart health and better immune response. The tea’s acidic pH (5.68) was attributed to organic acids, highlighting its chemical complexity.
Beyond its nutritional profile, the study explored an ingenious environmental application—extracting silica (SiO₂) from bamboo tea leaves. Silica is a valuable material with wide-ranging industrial uses, from ceramics to biomedical applications. Using advanced techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), the researchers successfully characterized and confirmed the amorphous structure of silica extracted from bamboo leaves.
The silica exhibited remarkable photocatalytic properties, efficiently degrading toxic dyes like methylene blue and Congo red under sunlight. This discovery positions bamboo tea as a potential contributor to environmental remediation efforts.
For the Indigenous Bodo tribe of Assam, Bambusa tulda, locally known as “Owagubwai,” has long been a part of their traditional lifestyle. Its shoots are used for culinary purposes and as remedies for nail injuries and tumours. The validation of bamboo tea’s antioxidant and bioactive properties adds a modern scientific dimension to this cultural heritage.
There has also been a growing global interest in bamboo leaves as a sustainable alternative to conventional teas. Rich in vitamin E and phytosterols, bamboo tea is emerging as a functional beverage with antioxidant potential comparable to green tea.
While this study highlights the multifaceted value of bamboo tea, the authors acknowledge the need for further exploration. Environmental factors like geographic location and climate variations can affect the chemical properties of bamboo leaves, impacting reproducibility and scalability.
Dr Arvind Kumar Goyal, the corresponding author, emphasized the importance of optimizing extraction processes for industrial applications and conducting cost-benefit analyses to pave the way for commercialization. “Bamboo tea has immense potential not only as a healthful beverage but also as a source of innovative solutions for environmental challenges,” he remarked.
The research conducted by Narzary and her team underscores the vast untapped potential of bamboo tea. From its robust antioxidant activity to its role in silica extraction for environmental remediation, Bambusa tulda tea offers promising opportunities for health-conscious consumers and sustainable industries.
As Assam continues to innovate with its rich natural resources, bamboo tea is a testament to the region’s ability to blend tradition with science. Whether you seek a refreshing cup of wellness or ground-breaking solutions for a greener future, bamboo tea might be the brew for you.
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