Contribution of proteomics and metabolomics data to understanding of health benefits of tea.

Tea is the second most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverage globally. While most teas originate from Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze plants, rooibos and honeybush teas are produced from Aspalathus linearis (Burm.f.) R.Dahlgren and Cyclopia species tea plants. Interest in tea and tea-derived components, has increased due to their well-known health benefits. The mechanisms of these health benefits are however poorly understood. Proteomics and metabolomics provide valuable tools to assess the mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of tea in disease treatment. This review summarizes the role played by proteomic and metabolomic studies in investigating the health benefits of C. sinensis, A. linearis, and Cyclopia spp. teas. Surprisingly, no proteomic and metabolomic studies investigating the health benefits of A. linearis and Cyclopia spp. teas and/or their components were identified in a literature search. However, 25 studies using proteomics and 16 studies using metabolomics to investigate the health benefits of C. sinensis teas and/or their components were identified in a literature search. Proteomics and metabolomics have been valuable tools for investigating the health benefits of C. sinensis teas and tea components, and will likely also prove valuable for investigating the effects of A. linearis and Cyclopia spp. teas on human health.