Table 2.

List of anti-nutrients found in herbal tea and its effects.

Anti-nutrient	Its effects	In vivo /in vitro	References
Oxalate	• It can form insoluble salts which accumulates kidney stones • It can bind to calcium and prevent it from being absorbed	In vivo	(71)
Tannins	• It affects protein digestibility and leads to reduction of essential amino acids (by forming reversible and irreversible tannin-protein complexes between the hydroxyl group of tannins and the carbonyl group of proteins)	In vitro	(71)
Steroids	• Increase risk of cardiovascular events including stroke or heart attack	In vivo	(72)
Phytates	• It impedes the absorption of minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium & calcium and also inhibits enzymes like pepsin, trypsin etc. • It affects the gastrointestinal absorption of minerals which in turn lowers the bioavailability of the minerals	In vivo	(73, 74)
Saponins	• It affects the absorption of vitamin A and E as well as lipids • It can lead to hypoglycemia	In vivo	(75)
Alkaloids	• Alkaloids are mostly involved in neurotoxicity or cell signaling disruption	In vitro	(71)
Phenolics	• Decrease bioavailability of amino acids • Loss of appetite, breathing problems, and cardiac complications	In vitro	(76)
Flavonoids	• It chelates metals such as iron & zinc and reduces the absorption of these nutrients • They also inhibit digestive enzymes and may also precipitate proteins	In vivo and in vitro	(73)
Terpenoids	• It alters the carbohydrate metabolism and also generates toxic effects in liver and kidney	In vivo	(74)
Soluble oxalate	• It exerts its effects by binding calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and other trace minerals such as iron (Fe), making them unavailable for assimilation	In vivo	(77)