Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Background: Oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation are central mechanisms underlying numerous non-communicable diseases. Herbal functional beverages, enriched with bioactive phytochemicals, have emerged as potential nutritional interventions for restoring redox balance and reducing inflammatory burden.

Objective: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of a standardized herbal functional beverage composed of Curcuma longa (curcumin), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Piper nigrum (black pepper), Camellia sinensis (green tea), and Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) in healthy adults.

Methods: A total of 120 participants aged 25-55 years were randomly assigned to receive either 250 mL/day of the herbal functional beverage or a placebo for eight weeks. Plasma antioxidant capacity was assessed using oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, while oxidative damage was determined via malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Inflammatory status was evaluated through high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Statistical analyses included paired and independent t-tests, with correlations examined between antioxidant and inflammatory parameters.

Results: The herbal functional beverage group demonstrated a significant increase in ORAC (+1, 030 µmol TE/L; p<0.001) and FRAP (+122 µmol Fe²⁺/L; p = 0.002), alongside a notable reduction in MDA (−0.54 nmol/mL; p<0.001), compared to minimal changes in the placebo group. Inflammatory markers decreased significantly in the intervention group (hs-CRP −0.62 mg/L, IL-6 −0.81 pg/mL, TNF-α −0.89 pg/mL; all p<0.01). A moderate inverse correlation was observed between the changes in ORAC and hs-CRP (r = −0.42, p<0.001). No adverse events were reported during the study period.

Conclusion: Eight-week consumption of a polyherbal functional beverage significantly enhanced systemic antioxidant defenses and reduced pro-inflammatory markers, supporting its potential role as a safe and effective nutraceutical strategy for oxidative stress and inflammation management. The findings suggest that regular intake of such herbal beverages may serve as a practical, preventive approach to maintaining metabolic and cardiovascular health in the general population.