Metabolomics and bioactivity of low-caffeine, high-theobromine, and high-polyphenol Camellia yungkianensis (RJC) tea

Camellia yungkianensis (RJC) is a special wild tea germplasm characterized with high polyphenol and theobromine and low caffeine contents. However, the bioactive properties of RJC-derived teas remain uncharacterized. This study characterizes the metabolomic profile and bioactivity of black tea (BT) and white tea (WT) from Camellia yungkianensis (RJC) compared to conventional teas using standardized processing and analytical methods. RJC-BT and RJC-WT exhibited distinct floral and fruity aroma profiles identified via sensory evaluation. A total of 833 non-volatile metabolites across 15 structural categories were identified in metabolomic analyses, showing significant differences in metabolite abundance compared to other teas. RJC demonstrated superior antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities, demonstrated by in vitro assays. Higher theobromine, hydrolysable tannins, C, GC, and flavone levels in RJC were positively associated with elevated theobromine and flavones with these bioactivities ( p < 0.05). These findings suggest RJC's potential as a functional tea and support its development for specialized markets. • Camellia yungkianensis (RJC) exhibits unique low caffeine and high theobromine/polyphenol profile. • RJC tea demonstrates superior aroma-taste profiles and bioactivities over conventional cultivars. • Characteristic metabolites (theobromine, flavones) correlate with enhanced biological functions in RJC. • This study elucidates phytochemical foundations for RJC’s utilization potential.