DNA strands forming a purple tea leaf, symbolizing the role of CsMYB75 and CsGSTF1 genes.

Unlocking Purple Tea's Secrets: How Two Genes Could Revolutionize Your Health

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Elliot Brynn in Science & Nature December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the science behind purple tea's unique anthocyanin boost and its potential impact on everything from stress resistance to cardiovascular health."


Purple tea, a unique variant of Camellia sinensis, is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, and it stands out because it accumulates anthocyanins in place of catechins. This difference is not just a curiosity; it unlocks a range of potential health benefits, transforming the beverage into a functional health powerhouse.

Recent research has delved into the genetic mechanisms behind this vibrant pigmentation, identifying two key genes, CsMYB75 and CsGSTF1, which play pivotal roles in anthocyanin production. These genes are not only responsible for the striking purple hue but also contribute to the tea's enhanced stress resistance and unique health properties.

This article explores the fascinating discovery of how these genes work together to hyper-accumulate anthocyanins. It will also provide insight into the potential implications for both tea cultivation and the broader landscape of health and wellness.

The Genetic Duo Behind Purple Tea's Potency

DNA strands forming a purple tea leaf, symbolizing the role of CsMYB75 and CsGSTF1 genes.

Researchers conducting RNA sequencing on normal (LJ43) and purple Zijuan (ZJ) cultivars pinpointed CsMYB75, a transcription factor, and CsGSTF1, a glutathione transferase, as key players in anthocyanin hyper-accumulation. Both genes were mapped as a QTL to the purple bud leaf color (BLC) trait, showing their direct impact on tea's distinctive color.

The research doesn't stop at mere identification. Further investigation revealed that CsMYB75 actually promotes the expression of CsGSTF1. The link between the two is important, as while CsMYB75 elevates the biosynthesis of both catechins and anthocyanins, only anthocyanins accumulate in purple tea. This indicates a selective downstream regulation, where CsGSTF1 likely acts as a transporter directing anthocyanins to their final storage location.

Here's a breakdown of the key findings:
  • CsMYB75 & CsGSTF1 Identified: Two genes are linked to anthocyanin hyper-accumulation.
  • QTL Mapping: Both genes mapped to the purple bud leaf color trait.
  • CsMYB75 Promotes CsGSTF1: Demonstrates a regulatory relationship between the two genes.
  • Selective Accumulation: Only anthocyanins accumulate, suggesting a targeted transport mechanism.
To further understand CsGSTF1’s role, researchers investigated its function as a transporter of flavonoids. Introducing CsGSTF1 into Arabidopsis plants unable to produce anthocyanins restored their ability to do so. This confirms CsGSTF1’s ligandin function, acting as a key player in directing anthocyanins for vacuolar deposition.

Beyond the Brew: Implications for Health and Horticulture

The discovery of CsMYB75 and CsGSTF1's roles in anthocyanin accumulation opens exciting doors. It provides a genetic basis for understanding purple tea's unique properties, potentially leading to optimized cultivation practices to maximize anthocyanin content. Maximizing anthocyanin levels will be helpful for plant stress and protection and also helpful for consumption.

From a health perspective, this research reinforces the potential of purple tea as a source of beneficial anthocyanins. These compounds have been linked to a range of health benefits, including cardiovascular protection, cancer prevention, and improved stress resistance. With a deeper understanding of the genetic factors at play, we can better harness the power of purple tea to promote well-being.

Further studies have revealed that anthocyanin accumulation affects the expression of genes involved in redox responses, phosphate homeostasis, and the biogenesis of photosynthetic components, compared with non-complemented plants. Thus, opening doors to new health related areas.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What makes purple tea unique compared to other types of tea?

The distinctive purple color of the tea is due to the accumulation of anthocyanins. This is directly linked to the activity of two key genes: CsMYB75 and CsGSTF1. Unlike other teas, purple tea accumulates anthocyanins instead of catechins, which is why it has a purple color.

2

What are the names and functions of the two key genes responsible for the characteristics of purple tea?

The two primary genes identified are CsMYB75 and CsGSTF1. CsMYB75 is a transcription factor, and CsGSTF1 is a glutathione transferase. Their interplay is crucial: CsMYB75 promotes the expression of CsGSTF1. Research shows that CsGSTF1 directs anthocyanins to their storage location, influencing both the color and health benefits of the tea.

3

How were the roles of CsMYB75 and CsGSTF1 linked to the color of the tea?

CsMYB75 and CsGSTF1 were mapped as a QTL (Quantitative Trait Locus) to the purple bud leaf color trait. This means that these genes are directly linked to the characteristic purple color of the tea leaves. The mapping provides genetic evidence and shows the direct impact of these genes on the tea's distinctive color and other related properties.

4

What role does CsGSTF1 play in purple tea?

CsGSTF1 acts as a transporter, specifically directing anthocyanins to their final storage location in the tea plant. This function is crucial for the selective accumulation of anthocyanins, distinguishing purple tea from other tea varieties. Research into CsGSTF1's function by introducing it into Arabidopsis plants confirmed its role.

5

What are the main implications of discovering CsMYB75 and CsGSTF1 in purple tea?

Understanding the roles of CsMYB75 and CsGSTF1 has implications for the health and cultivation of purple tea. From a health perspective, the higher anthocyanin content can lead to potential health benefits. From a horticultural standpoint, this knowledge can lead to optimized cultivation practices to enhance anthocyanin production, which can benefit plant stress resistance, protection, and consumer health.

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