The Art of NATURE, The Art of SCIENCE
Ceanothus americanus, a species of shrub native to eastern North America, is commonly known as New Jersey tea, redroot, mountain sweet, and wild snowball. Its roots and root bark were traditionally used by North American tribes as a wash for injured legs. During the Revolutionary War, colonists used this plant as a tea substitute, even though it does not contain caffeine. New Jersey tea is believed to be a strong astringent due to its high tannin content. New Jersey Tea-ANB shows anti-oxidant activities when tested with DPPH and FRAP assays and by inhibiting intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, it shows anti-wrinkle activity by inhibiting elastase and skin brightening activities by inhibiting tyrosinase and melanin production.