Sweet Tea Extract is a natural active ingredient derived from the leaves of Rubus suavissimus S. Lee, a plant in the Rosaceae family, primarily prepared through water or alcohol extraction. Its core sweetening and bioactive compound is rubusoside, which is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose with minimal calories.

The extract is also rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, and triterpenoids. Sweet tea has been traditionally consumed as a tea substitute in regions like Guangxi, China, for centuries. Modern extraction techniques standardize it into a high-intensity, low-calorie natural sweetener and functional component, combining a refreshing sweetness with herbal bioactivity, making it a classic example of a medicinal and edible plant.

• ~200× sweeter than sucrose, virtually calorie-free
• Rich in flavonoids, polyphenols & triterpenoids
• Centuries of traditional use in Guangxi, China
• Medicinal and edible dual-use plant

The core efficacy of Sweet Tea Extract lies in providing natural sweetness and metabolic regulation. Its primary component, rubusoside, is not metabolized by the human body and does not affect blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetics and those managing sugar intake.

Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Studies indicate it can inhibit α-glucosidase activity, delay carbohydrate absorption, and assist in regulating postprandial blood sugar. Traditionally, it is believed to promote fluid production, quench thirst, and clear lung heat.

• Does not affect blood sugar — suitable for diabetics
• Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory activity
• Inhibits α-glucosidase to regulate postprandial glucose
• Anti-allergy, liver protection & mild blood pressure reduction
• Promotes fluid production & clears lung heat (traditional use)

Sweet Tea Extract is primarily used as a natural high-intensity sweetener in sugar-free foods and beverages, such as tea drinks, yogurt, baked goods, and health beverages. It serves as a sucrose substitute in weight management and diabetes-specific foods.

In the health product sector, it is used to develop capsules or solid beverages for blood sugar regulation and antioxidant support. The daily chemical industry incorporates it into toothpaste and mouthwash to provide sweetness and inhibit oral bacteria. It is also used in traditional herbal tea bags, condiments, and pet food. In recent years, its blending technologies with other natural sweeteners and innovative applications in medical foods have garnered increasing attention.

• Sugar-free beverages, yogurt & baked goods
• Weight management & diabetic-specific foods
• Health capsules & functional solid beverages
• Toothpaste, mouthwash & oral care products
• Herbal tea bags, condiments & pet food
• Medical food formulations & sweetener blends