Green Tea

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Leaf Extract (50% EGCG) – 400 mg 

What is Green Leaf Extract (EGCG)?

EGCG was formerly known as epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG is a type of plant-based compound called catechin. Catechins may be further categorized into a larger group of plant compounds known as polyphenols

What does Green Leaf Extract (EGCG) help with in the body? 

Research suggests that catechins like EGCG may play a role in protecting your cells from damage and preventing disease. Specifically by helping to reduce inflammation, aid weight loss, and help prevent heart and brain disease. 

Where is Green Leaf Extract (EGCG) naturally found? 

Though EGCG is predominantly found in green tea, it also exists in small amounts in other foods, such as: 

Tea: green, white, oolong, and black teas

Fruits: cranberries, strawberries, blackberries, kiwis, cherries, pears, peaches, apples, and avocados

Nuts: pecans, pistachios, and hazelnuts

What have the studies shown?

Green Leaf Extract (EGCG) has strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with the potential to reduce stress and inflammation. Our body is filled with free radicals that are highly reactive particles that can cause damage to your cells. Excessive free radical production leads to oxidative stress.

As an antioxidant, EGCG protects your cells from damage associated with oxidative stress and suppresses the activity of pro-inflammatory chemicals produced in your body, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Stress and inflammation are linked to a variety of chronic illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Thus, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of EGCG are thought to be one of the main reasons for its broad disease-preventing applications. 

Research suggests that EGCG in green tea may support heart health by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and the accumulation of plaque in blood vessels — all major risk factors for heart disease. In an 8-week study in 33 people, taking 250 mg of EGCG-containing green tea extract daily resulted in a significant 4.5% reduction of LDL (bad) cholesterol. A separate study in 56 people found significant reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammatory markers in those taking a daily dose of 379 mg of green tea extract over 3 months 

EGCG may also promote weight loss, especially when taken alongside the caffeine naturally found in green tea. Although much of the study results on EGCG’s effect on weight are inconsistent, some long-term observational research noted that consuming about 2 cups (14.7 ounces or 434 ml) of green tea per day was associated with lower body fat and weight. Additional human studies have collectively found that taking 100–460 mg of EGCG together with 80–300 mg of caffeine for at least 12 weeks is linked to significant weight loss and reduction of body fat. 

Early research suggests that EGCG in green tea may play a role in improving neurological cell function and preventing degenerative brain diseases. In some studies, EGCG injections significantly improved inflammation, as well as recovery and regeneration of neural cells in mice with spinal cord injuries. 

Additionally, multiple observational studies in humans found a link between a higher intake of green tea and a reduced risk of age-related brain decline, as well as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. However, the available data is inconsistent. 

What are some possible side effects from Green Leaf Extract (EGCG)?

It’s important to note that EGCG is not 100% safe or risk-free. In fact, EGCG supplements have been associated with serious side effects: 

• liver and kidney failure
• dizziness
• low blood sugar
• anemia

Taking supplemental doses of EGCG is not recommended if you’re pregnant, as it may interfere with the metabolism of folate — a B vitamin essential for fetal growth and development — increasing the risk of birth defects like spina bifida

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/egcg-epigallocatechin-gallate#dosage-and-side-effects 

More information about ECGC:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509513/ 

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01366/full 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/epigallocatechin-gallate