1. Inhibition of the toxicity of cigarette smoke carcinogens. In 1976, American researcher Sanderson reported that the catechol structure in Pu-erh tea can neutralize nitrites, which are converted into nitrosamines during tobacco combustion. Thus, Pu-erh tea is believed to have potential anti-cancer properties. According to the Amers test method by American scholars, adding L-epicatechin gallate to cigarette filters significantly inhibits carcinogenic substances.

2. Neutralization of nicotine toxicity. Nicotine (Nicotin, C10H14N2) is a highly toxic substance with a boiling point of 247°C. An intake of 400mg can be lethal. It stimulates the central nervous system and heart. Soviet research found that polyphenols like tannins in Pu-erh tea can bind with nicotine to form non-toxic compounds, acting as an effective filter. British studies also confirm that tannins in tea reduce nicotine toxicity, leading to the development of low-nicotine "tea cigarettes."

3. Elimination of free radicals. Recent animal studies suggest that reducing tar does not significantly decrease cigarette toxicity, implying that carcinogens may arise from aldehydes, phenols, or unidentified free radicals. Researchers believe cigarette smoke contains alkyl radicals that trigger lipid peroxidation in biomembranes, worsening with prolonged smoking.

4. Deodorizing effects. Pu-erh tea contains high levels of flavonoids and catechins, which act as effective deodorants, eliminating bad breath caused by smoking. By the late 1980s, detoxifying tea products were developed in China and Japan. Chewing gum with Pu-erh tea extract can reduce smoke-related bad breath by over 90% in just three minutes.