Barberry leaves as an alternative to green tea made from indigenous herbal ingredients

¹ Higher School of Natural Sciences, Margulan University, 14000, Pavlodar, Republic of Kazakhstan
² Scientific centre for biocenology and ecology research, Margulan University, 14000, Pavlodar, Republic of Kazakhstan

^* Corresponding author: klimenkomy@ppu.edu.kz

Abstract

In contemporary times, the use of plant-based alternatives for conventional black tea has gained significance as a result of the prevailing clichés around healthy eating. It is suggested to utilise the leaves of barberry (Berberis vulgaris) as a raw material for tea production in industries, instead of using berries. Special investigations have demonstrated that some types of woody and shrub plants in Kazakhstan possess the unique ability to accumulate heavy metals in their leaves. These plants serve as bioindicators of pollution in the region. Common barberry (Berberis vulgaris) does not possess a notable capacity to absorb heavy metals. The authors have formulated the raw material composition and brewing process, elucidated the health-enhancing properties of tea, and evaluated the potential of barberry leaves (Berberis vulgaris) as a substitute for green tea. An analysis was conducted to determine the microelement composition of barberry leaves in terms of mineral elements. The investigation of using indigenous wild and cultural flora as a possible supply of essential raw materials for the development of tea substitutes and tea beverages is a topic of study in several places worldwide.