[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to compositions for preparing tea. More specifically, the disclosure is directed to a nutraceutical tea precursor composition comprising tea, Syzygium aromaticum, Cinnamomum verum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Elettaria cardamomum, Pimpinella anisum, and Piper nigrum. The disclosure also relates to a process of preparing the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Every day the human body is exposed to stresses. These stresses may be caused by varying factors including excessive workload, workplace environment, relationships or the external environment. In the external environment, pollution levels are rising each day due to constant release of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and other greenhouse gases, aerosols, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds and airborne micro-organisms. These pollutants are slowly degrading the immunity of humans- specifically decreasing the regulatory T cells. Additionally, consumption of high amounts of alcohol or nicotine with inadequate diet plans add to the damaging effects caused by the external stresses. The recent coronavirus outbreak is only one among the several epidemics or pandemics that the world has faced over the ages causing a major threat to public health. Precious human lives have been lost and survival of each individual is based primarily on their immunity levels. Thus, it is the need of the hour to focus on solutions for enhancing immunity.
[0004] The pharmaceutical industry may offer some solutions for diseases however most of these chemical compositions or formulations are associated with side effects on long term usage. Additionally, these are primarily meant for symptoms and do not provide a preventive measure by improving immunity. A healthy immune response may be supplemented with plant based foods or beverages. These are natural, economical, have no side effects and are suitable for consumption by most individuals. However, plant based compositions are considered unpalatable by most. There is a need to develop compositions that are flavorsome and tasty with the required benefits.
[0005] Teas made from plant materials are well known in the art. Most teas are infused with one or two ingredients that do not provide all the benefits. Additionally, making tea compositions has its own challenges. The components should not have any counter interaction, the composition must be acceptable in terms of flavor and scent, and the active ingredients must be stable.
[0006] The inventors of the present disclosure provide a nutraceutical tea precursor composition that incorporates plant based materials to improve the immune response.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a nutraceutical tea precursor composition that satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.
[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a nutraceutical tea precursor composition that is an immunity booster.
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a nutraceutical tea precursor composition that improves respiratory health and provides protection against pathogens.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a nutraceutical tea precursor composition that has no side effects, is eco-friendly, economical and easy to produce.
[0011] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for preparing a nutraceutical tea precursor composition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0013] The present disclosure relates to a composition suitable for preparing tea for primarily boosting immunity in a subject. The composition comprises of phyto-nutrients that improve the overall health of a subject by fighting infections, flu, and sore throat and also improves digestion.
[0014] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a nutraceutical tea precursor composition comprising tea, Syzygium aromaticum, Cinnamomum verum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Elettaria cardamomum, Pimpinella anisum, and Piper nigrum. The weight ranges have been optimized after research.
[0015] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a nutraceutical tea precursor composition comprising:
(a) tea in the weight range of about 40% to about 80% by weight of the composition;
(b) Syzygium aromaticum in the weight range of about 2% to about 6% by weight of the composition;
(c) Cinnamomum verum in the weight range of about 5% to about 8% by weight of the composition;
(d) Glycyrrhiza glabra in the weight range of about 3% to about 6% by weight of the composition;
(e) Zingiber officinale in the weight range of about 2% to about 5% by weight of the composition;
(f) Ocimum basilicum in the weight range of about 6% to about 10% by weight of the composition;
(g) Elettaria cardamomum in the weight range of about 3% to about 6% by weight of the composition;
(h) Pimpinella anisum in the weight range of about 3% to about 6% by weight of the composition; and
(i) Piper nigrum in the weight range of about 2 % to about 5% by weight of the composition.
[0016] In an embodiment, the tea may be selected from black tea, green tea, oolong tea, yellow tea or white tea. The tea may be in the form of powdered leaves or granules. Preferably the tea is black tea.
[0017] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a process of preparing a nutraceutical tea precursor composition comprising the steps of:
(a) collecting, washing and drying Syzygium aromaticum, Cinnamomum verum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Elettaria cardamomum, Pimpinella anisum, and Piper nigrum separately;
(b) broiling separately at a temperature range of about 45ºC to about 90ºC and optionally stirring the components of step (a) to remove all moisture;
(c) cooling the broiled components of step (b) to room temperature;
(d) grinding the cooled components separately using mortar and pestle to obtain powders;
(e) mixing the powders to give a pre-mixed powder;
(f) drying and powdering Ocimum basilicum; and
(e) adding the powdered Ocimum basilicum and tea to the pre-mixed powder of step (f) to give the nutraceutical tea precursor composition.
[0018] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a tea composition comprising the nutraceutical tea precursor composition and an infusion solvent.
[0019] In still another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a tea bag comprising the nutraceutical tea precursor composition and a means for packaging.
[0020] Other aspects of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learnt by the practice of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0022] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0023] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0024] In some embodiments, numbers have been used for quantifying weights, percentages, ratios, and so forth, to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention and are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0025] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0026] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0027] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
[0028] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
[0029] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0030] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified.
[0031] The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, is provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles and aspects of the present disclosure. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the disclosure.
[0032] It should also be appreciated that the present disclosure can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a system, a method or a device. In this specification, these implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as processes. In general, the order of the steps of the disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.
[0033] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[0034] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0035] As described herein, the term ‘therapeutically effective amount’ refers to the amount of the composition required to bring about a change or improvement in the subject without side effects or overdosing.
[0036] The term, "subject" as used herein refers to an animal, preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human. The term "mammal" used herein refers to warm-blooded vertebrate animals of the class 'mammalia' , including humans, characterized by a covering of hair on the skin and, in the female, milk-producing mammary glands for nourishing the young, the term mammal includes animals such as cat, dog, rabbit, bear, fox, wolf, monkey, deer, mouse, pig and human.
[0037] The present disclosure relates to a composition suitable for preparing a tea beverage. The nutraceutical tea precursor composition of the present disclosure infuses active phyto-nutrients in the tea which boost immunity among other health benefits.
[0038] Syzygium aromaticum or clove is a traditional spice used in Indian cooking. An essential oil obtained from the plant is also used in flavoring and as topical medicine for toothache, gum infection etc. Clove is the dried flower bud of the evergreen tree. It is commonly cultivated in tropical climates and has flowers that are hermaphrodite and self pollinating.
[0039] Cinnamomum verum or Ceylon cinnamon or cinnamon is an evergreen tree native to south Asian countries, primarily Sri Lanka. The bark is soft in young shoots while it matures into rough, dark brown, thick bark with age which is used as a spice. Its fruits are one seeded oval berries. Cinnamon oil from the twigs or leaves is another common by product of the tree.
[0040] Glycyrrhiza glabra or licorice or mulethi is a perennial plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It bears pinnate leaves, pale blue flowers and has a distinct odor. The root of the plant gives an extract with a sweet taste. It has been used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, insecticide, diarrhea, and the like.
[0041] Ocimum tenuiflorum or Holy basil is native to tropical climates and is one of the most sacred plants of the Hindu belief. It helps in controlling anxiety, controls the cholesterol level, and helps to reduce respiratory infections. Many varieties of basil are available including its hybrids.
[0042] Zingiber officinale or ginger is a perennial herb cultivated in tropical climates. The aromatic spice is used in cooking in Indian kitchens, where young ginger roots are used for its juice and flesh. Some evidence suggests its use for anti-inflammation and anti-spasms.
[0043] Elettaria cardamomum or green cardamom is a perennial plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. It grows best in rich, moist soils under partial shade. The fruit and seeds are well known for their medicinal and aromatic properties. It is also used as a flavoring agent in cooking.
[0044] Pimpinella anisum or anise is an erect plant known for culinary and medicinal purposes and originated in the Middle East and Egypt. It is aromatic in nature and has a scent similar to star anise or fennel. The seed is used extensively for cooking or flavoring drinks and is also a source of essential oil.
[0045] Piper nigrum or pepper is a flowering climber native to the ghats of Kerala, India. The berry like peppercorn fruit is used as a hot spice or table condiment. It is one of the most widely traded spices. It has almond shaped leaves and bears at its spikes flowers in clusters. It is used as a digestive and is known to cause sneezing.
[0046] Geographical origin-cinnamon, basil and ginger are natives of India, while cinnamon is also a native of Sri Lanka. Pepper and cardamom natively belong to Western ghats of Kerala, cloves natively belong to Indonesia, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka. Mulethi is a native of south western Asia and southern Europe, aniseeds are natives of Eastern Mediterranean Region, West Asia, the Middle East, Mexico, Egypt, and Spain. Tea has been known from ages in South East Asia.
[0047] Because of the complex composition of multiple phyto-constituents of all these plants, the combination modulates multiple proteins and helps improve the immune system that can be clarified through the pharmacology network and the enrichment analysis of the gene collection. Study of the network pharmacology and gene-set enrichment are well-accepted strategies for defining the disease target (Khanal et. al., 2019).
[0048] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a nutraceutical tea precursor composition comprising tea, Syzygium aromaticum, Cinnamomum verum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Ocimum basilicum, Elettaria cardamomum, Pimpinella anisum, and Piper nigrum.
[0049] In an embodiment, the tea may be selected from black tea, green tea, oolong tea, yellow tea or white tea. The tea may be in the form of powdered leaves or granules.
[0050] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a nutraceutical tea precursor composition comprising:
(a) tea in the weight range of about 40% to about 80% by weight of the composition;
(b) Syzygium aromaticum in the weight range of about 2% to about 6% by weight of the composition;
(c) Cinnamomum verum in the weight range of about 5% to about 8% by weight of the composition;
(d) Glycyrrhiza glabra in the weight range of about 3% to about 6% by weight of the composition;
(e) Zingiber officinale in the weight range of about 2% to about 5% by weight of the composition;
(f) Ocimum basilicum in the weight range of about 6% to about 10% by weight of the composition;
(g) Elettaria cardamomum in the weight range of about 3% to about 6% by weight of the composition;
(h) Pimpinella anisum in the weight range of about 3% to about 6% by weight of the composition; and
(i) Piper nigrum in the weight range of about 2 % to about 5% by weight of the composition.
[0051] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a nutraceutical tea precursor composition comprising:
(a) tea in the weight range of about 50% to about 70% by weight of the composition;
(b) Syzygium aromaticum in the weight range of about 2% to about 4% by weight of the composition;
(c) Cinnamomum verum in the weight range of about 5% to about 6% by weight of the composition;
(d) Glycyrrhiza glabra in the weight range of about 4% to about 6% by weight of the composition;
(e) Zingiber officinale in the weight range of about 2% to about 4% by weight of the composition;
(f) Ocimum basilicum in the weight range of about 6% to about 8% by weight of the composition;
(g) Elettaria cardamomum in the weight range of about 4% to about 5% by weight of the composition;
(h) Pimpinella anisum in the weight range of about 4% to about 5% by weight of the composition; and
(i) Piper nigrum in the weight range of about 3 % to about 4% by weight of the composition.
[0052] In an embodiment, the composition comprises whole of Syzygium aromaticum, whole of Cinnamomum verum, whole of Glycyrrhiza glabra, whole of Zingiber officinale, whole of Ocimum basilicum, whole of Elettaria cardamomum, whole of Pimpinella anisum, and whole of Piper nigrum.
[0053] In an embodiment, the composition comprises part of Syzygium aromaticum, part of Cinnamomum verum, part of Glycyrrhiza glabra, part of Zingiber officinale, part of Ocimum basilicum, part of Elettaria cardamomum, part of Pimpinella anisum, and part of Piper nigrum.
[0054] In an embodiment, the composition comprises extract of Syzygium aromaticum, extract of Cinnamomum verum, extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra, extract of Zingiber officinale, extract of Ocimum basilicum, extract of Elettaria cardamomum, extract of Pimpinella anisum, and extract of Piper nigrum.
[0055] In an embodiment, the extract or part may be obtained from the root, leaves, shoot, fruits, rhizome, seed, seed pod, sap, stem, barks, flower, wood, resin, bud or combinations thereof of the plant.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum, bark of Cinnamomum verum, root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, dry rhizome of Zingiber officinale, dry leaves of Ocimum basilicum, seed pod of Elettaria cardamomum, seed of Pimpinella anisum, and fruit of Piper nigrum.
[0057] In an embodiment, the composition may further comprise an excipient. The excipient may be selected from the group comprising of flavonoids, vitamins, stabilizers, binders, flavoring agents, sweeteners, coloring agents, humectants, preservatives, olfactory agents, and combinations thereof.
[0058] In an embodiment, the nutraceutical tea precursor composition is suitable for improving the immunity of a subject. Specifically, it acts as a preventive, handy measure for diseases caused by microbes, specifically respiratory diseases, including but not limited to influenza, flu, sore throat, cough, seasonal infections, covid-19, SARS, MERS, acute respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
[0059] In another embodiment, the nutraceutical tea precursor composition may also be used for digestive disorders. It may also improve the quality of skin and work as a natural anti-ageing agent.
[0060] In an embodiment, the nutraceutical tea precursor composition has high patient compliance. Tea is one of the popular drinks consumed by most individuals. Said composition gives a palatable tea composition that suits the taste buds. It offers health benefits along with the stimulating effect of tea.
[0061] In an embodiment, the nutraceutical tea precursor composition is natural, economic, easy to prepare, has no side effects and is environmentally friendly.
[0062] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a process of preparing a nutraceutical tea precursor composition comprising the steps of:
(a) collecting, washing and drying Syzygium aromaticum, Cinnamomum verum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Elettaria cardamomum, Pimpinella anisum, and Piper nigrum separately;
(b) broiling separately at a temperature range of about 45ºC to about 90ºC and optionally stirring the components of step (a) to remove all moisture;
(c) cooling the broiled components of step (b) to room temperature;
(d) grinding the cooled components separately using mortar and pestle to obtain powders;
(e) mixing the powders to give a pre-mixed powder;
(f) drying and powdering Ocimum basilicum; and
(e) adding the powdered Ocimum basilicum and tea to the pre-mixed powder of step (f) to give the nutraceutical tea precursor composition.
[0063] Most of the components contain volatile oils and thus, they are taken separately and put in a pan one by one for broiling. Preferably the broiling is performed in cast iron because of the way it transfers heat (‘broiling’ is a method of cooking in which the component is dry heated without any medium of liquid). Broiling separately is very significant, as each plant has its own size, texture and shape so has to be broiled or toasted at different heats and temperatures. While heating the components, the heat has to be moderate; high heat destroys the flavor and nutritional content.
On broiling, the volatile oils present in the plant components come out and enhance the flavor of the tea. Stirring may be done occasionally to avoid burning.
[0064] Cloves may be broiled at a temperature of about 80ºC for about 10 minutes so as to retain their flavor and volatile oil. Cinnamon bark may be broiled at a temperature of about 70 ºC for about 8 minutes so as to retain their flavor and volatile oil. Mulethi is hard in texture and may require pounding before broiling. Mulethi may be broiled at temperature of about 85 ºC for about 15 minutes so as to retain their flavor and volatile oil. Dry ginger may be broiled at temperature of about 75 ºC for about 15 minutes so as to retain their flavor and volatile oil. Green cardamom may be broiled at temperature of about 70 ºC for about 10 minutes so as to retain their flavor and volatile oil. Aniseeds may be broiled at temperature of about 60 ºC for about 15 minutes so as to retain their flavor and volatile oil. Black pepper may be broiled at temperature of about 85 ºC for about 10 minutes so as to retain their flavor and volatile oil. Fresh basil leaves may be put in an oven at temperature of about 50 ºC for about 6-8 hours to remove the moisture.
[0065] After broiling, it is important to immediately cool the components to room temperature else the flavor of the components may change. So immediately broiled components have to be put in a cool environment or an air conditioned room where the temperature is favorable for the components to maintain their exact flavor.
[0066] Grinding process is performed with a mortar and pestle instead of machines so as to retain the essential phyto-nutrients and flavors of the components. Grinding in machine increases the temperature and creates friction which spoils the flavor of the components.
[0067] In an embodiment, the process of preparing may comprise additional steps of grinding, sieving, heating, compaction, compression, drying, cleaning, thickening, packaging, refining, concentrating, and washing.
[0068] In an embodiment, the nutraceutical tea precursor composition obtained by the above process may be stored in a clean, dry place away from moisture and light. It may also be packaged into tea bags for future use.
[0069] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a tea composition comprising the nutraceutical tea precursor composition and an infusion solvent. Said composition may additionally be consumed with artificial sweeteners, honey, or sugar, preferably honey may be taken with the tea.
[0070] In an embodiment, the infusion solvent may be milk or water, preferably hot water, or any solvent suitable for drinking and that does not interfere with the functioning of the phyto-chemicals. The tea gets infused in the solvent in about 3 to 10 minutes.
[0071] In still another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a tea bag comprising the nutraceutical tea precursor composition and a means for packaging.
[0072] In an embodiment, the means for packaging may be any suitable material that is porous and is suitable for infusion. The means for packaging may be made from cotton or muslin, cotton silk, jute, nylon, paper, cellulose, alloy or metal, preferably it is a muslin cloth. The means for packaging must not interfere with the aroma or flavor of the tea.
[0073] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of enhancing the immunity of a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of the tea composition.
[0074] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0075] The present invention is further explained in the form of following examples. However, it is to be understood that the following examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention.
[0076] Basil used in the invention was taken from the herb garden of Chitkara university campus. Dry ingredients like black tea granules, clove, cinnamon, mulethi, dry ginger, green cardamom, aniseeds, and black pepper were procured from the authorized vendor of Chitkara University.
Example 1: Nutraceutical tea precursor composition
[0077] For preparing the composition the ingredients or components provided in Table 1 were taken in the indicated amounts.
S. No Ingredients Quantity
1. Black Tea granules 50gm
2. Clove 2gm
3. Cinnamon 4gm

4. Mulethi 4gm

5. Dry ginger 2gm

6. Dry basil leaves 5 gm

7. Green Cardamom
3 gm
8. Aniseeds 3gm

9. Black pepper 2gm

[0078] Method of preparation: All the components were collected, washed and air dried before beginning the process. Clove, cinnamon, mulethi, dry ginger, black pepper, green cardamom and aniseeds were broiled till the moisture came down to 0%. Said dried components are then cooled to room temperature and powdered to obtain the pre-mix. Dry basil leaves were powdered and added into the pre-mix. This was then mixed with the powdered tea leaves to give the nutraceutical tea precursor composition. Approximately 4 grams of the nutraceutical tea precursor composition was packaged in a tea bag and tipped in hot water for infusion for about 3 minutes before consumption. The resulting composition made for a palatable tea and showed improvements in immunity with usage.
[0079] The foregoing examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0080] The nutraceutical tea precursor composition satisfies the existing needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies found in the prior art.
[0081] The nutraceutical tea precursor composition boosts immunity of a subject.
[0082] The nutraceutical tea precursor composition has no side effects, is eco-friendly, cost-effective and easy to produce.

Claims:1. A nutraceutical tea precursor composition comprising:
(a) tea in the weight range of 40% to 80% by weight of the composition;
(b) Syzygium aromaticum in the weight range of 2% to 6% by weight of the composition;
(c) Cinnamomum verum in the weight range of 5% to 8% by weight of the composition;
(d) Glycyrrhiza glabra in the weight range of 3% to 6% by weight of the composition;
(e) Zingiber officinale in the weight range of 2% to 5% by weight of the composition;
(f) Ocimum basilicum in the weight range of 6% to 10% by weight of the composition;
(g) Elettaria cardamomum in the weight range of 3% to 6% by weight of the composition;
(h) Pimpinella anisum in the weight range of 3% to 6% by weight of the composition; and
(i) Piper nigrum in the weight range of 2 % to 5% by weight of the composition.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises:
(a) tea in the weight range of 50% to 70% by weight of the composition;
(b) Syzygium aromaticum in the weight range of 2% to 4% by weight of the composition;
(c) Cinnamomum verum in the weight range of 5% to 6% by weight of the composition;
(d) Glycyrrhiza glabra in the weight range of 4% to 6% by weight of the composition;
(e) Zingiber officinale in the weight range of 2% to 4% by weight of the composition;
(f) Ocimum basilicum in the weight range of 6% to 8% by weight of the composition;
(g) Elettaria cardamomum in the weight range of 4% to 5% by weight of the composition;
(h) Pimpinella anisum in the weight range of 4% to 5% by weight of the composition; and
(i) Piper nigrum in the weight range of 3 % to 4% by weight of the composition.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises whole of Syzygium aromaticum, whole of Cinnamomum verum, whole of Glycyrrhiza glabra, whole of Zingiber officinale, whole of Ocimum basilicum, whole of Elettaria cardamomum, whole of Pimpinella anisum, and whole of Piper nigrum.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises part of Syzygium aromaticum, part of Cinnamomum verum, part of Glycyrrhiza glabra, part of Zingiber officinale, part of Ocimum basilicum, part of Elettaria cardamomum, part of Pimpinella anisum, and part of Piper nigrum.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises extract of Syzygium aromaticum, extract of Cinnamomum verum, extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra, extract of Zingiber officinale, extract of Ocimum basilicum, extract of Elettaria cardamomum, extract of Pimpinella anisum, and extract of Piper nigrum.
6. The composition as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the extract or part may be obtained from the root, leaves, shoot, fruits, rhizome, seed, seed pod, sap, stem, barks, flower, wood, resin, bud or combinations thereof of the plant.
7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum, bark of Cinnamomum verum, root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, dry rhizome of Zingiber officinale, dry leaves of Ocimum basilicum, seed pod of Elettaria cardamomum, seed of Pimpinella anisum, and fruit of Piper nigrum.
8. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises an excipient.
9. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tea is selected from black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong tea or yellow tea.
10. A process of preparing a nutraceutical tea precursor composition comprising the steps of:
(a) collecting, washing and drying Syzygium aromaticum, Cinnamomum verum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Elettaria cardamomum, Pimpinella anisum, and Piper nigrum separately;
(b) broiling separately at a temperature range of about 45ºC to about 90ºC and optionally stirring the components of step (a) to remove all moisture;
(c) cooling the broiled components of step (b) to room temperature;
(d) grinding the cooled components separately using mortar and pestle to obtain powders;
(e) mixing the powders to give a pre-mixed powder;
(f) drying and powdering Ocimum basilicum; and
(g) adding the powdered Ocimum basilicum and powdered tea to the pre-mixed powder of step (f) to give the nutraceutical tea precursor composition.
11. A tea composition comprising the nutraceutical tea precursor composition as claimed in claim 1 and an infusion solvent.
12. A tea bag comprising the nutraceutical tea precursor composition as claimed in claim 1 and a means for packaging.