I. Inhibiting the toxicity of smoke carcinogens.

In 1976, American researcher Sanderson reported that the catechin structure in Pu'er tea can清除亚硝酸盐, while nitrites in tobacco produce nitrosamines during combustion. Therefore, Pu'er tea is considered to have potential anti-cancer effects. According to the American Amers test method, adding L-epicatechin gallate to cigarette filters significantly inhibits carcinogens in cigarettes.

II. Eliminating nicotine toxicity.

Nicotine (C10H14N2) has strong toxicity with a boiling point of 247°C. A single intake of 400mg can be lethal. It stimulates the human central nervous system and heart. Soviet research discovered that tannins and tannic acid in Pu'er tea can combine with nicotine to form non-toxic complexes, additionally providing effective filtration of nicotine. British studies also show tannins in Pu'er tea can destroy and reduce nicotine toxicity, leading to the development of a low-nicotine "tea cigarette" marketed commercially.

III. Removing free radicals.

Recent animal experiments have shown that reduced tar doesn't significantly decrease cigarette toxicity, suggesting tar might not be the primary "carcinogen" but rather toxicity comes from free radicals in aldehydes and phenolic compounds. Some scholars believe smoke contains many alkyl free radicals that can induce lipid peroxidation in biomembranes, worsening with prolonged smoking.

IV. Eliminating oral tobacco odor.

Pu'er tea contains high levels of flavonoids and catechins, making it an effective deodorizer that can eliminate bad breath caused by smoking. By the late 1980s, tea products for removing post-smoking breath and detoxification had emerged in China and Japan. Chewing gum containing Pu'er tea deodorizer works within 3 minutes, achieving over 90% elimination rate of tobacco odor.

Related links: Golden Flower Pu'er, Golden Flower Fu Brick Tea