Context: Recently, the director of the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Himachal Pradesh has revealed that the chemicals in 'Kangra tea' could also be effective in boosting immunity as they can block coronavirus activity better than anti-HIV drugs on the occasion of the International Tea Day.
Key Points

• The chemicals in Kangra tea will be effective in boosting immunity as they can block coronavirus activity better than anti-HIV drugs.
• Using computer-based models, the scientists have screened 65 bioactive chemicals or polyphenols that could bind to a specific viral protein more efficiently than commercially available anti-HIV drugs approved for treating COVID-19 patients.
• These chemicals might block the activity of the viral protein that helps the virus to thrive inside human cells.
• The Chemicals in Kangra tea is believed to be effective in boosting immunity as they can block coronavirus activity better than anti-HIV drugs.
• Apart from this, IHBT, CSIR has developed herbal soap with tea extract, natural saponins, and without SLES (sodium laureth sulphate), sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and mineral oil. 

About Kangra Tea

• Kangra tea is a tea from the Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, India.
• Both black tea and green tea have been produced in the Kangra Valley since the mid-19th century.
• After a feasibility survey in 1848 showed the area of being suitable for tea plantation, a Chinese variety of Camellia sinensis was planted across the region.
• Kangra tea is known for its unique colour and flavour.
• The unique characteristics of the tea are attributed to the geographical properties of the region.
• Kangra tea was given the Geographical Indication status in 2005. Tea was first grown in the Kangra region in the mid-19th century.
• Kangra is also known as the Tea Capital of Northern India and is famous all across the country for its vast spreads of lush tea gardens.
• Catechins in Kangra Tea are natural antioxidants that help in preventing cell damage and provide other benefits.