High performance liquid chromatography analysis of tea-infused alcohol - a potential substance of abuse in Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria, tea infused with locally distilled gin is often sold as a tea-alcohol blend and consumed as a recreational beverage, which has been linked to substance abuse. The purpose of this research is to assess the effects of solvents on the phytochemical compositions of tea-infused gin and hot water tea infusion. A commercial tea was extracted with locally distilled gin as well as hot distilled water. After drying, the extracts were subjected to HPLC fingerprinting analysis at a UV detection wavelength of 254 nm. HPLC analysis showed that hot water extracted 28 metabolites and locally distilled gin extracted 24 metabolites. Both extracts had two significant main peaks with similar retention times. The results of this study show that hot water tea contains similar phytocomponents as alcoholic blended tea. This implies that aqueous tea infusions and tea-alcohol blends may both provide health benefits from tea. Those with alcohol addiction and alcohol-related health problems should avoid tea-alcohol mixtures and enjoy aqueous tea infusions instead