Green Tea Extract (50% EGCG)
Also known as: Camellia sinensis leaf extract, EGCG, green tea catechins, epigallocatechin gallate
A leaf extract of Camellia sinensis concentrated for catechins, especially EGCG, with a small amount of naturally occurring caffeine. It is a staple of weight-management and antioxidant formulas; a meta-analysis of randomized trials found a small effect on weight loss and maintenance, which appeared stronger in people with low habitual caffeine intake. Safety reviews have linked high-dose EGCG taken as a bolus on an empty stomach with rare liver injury, which shapes how it should be dosed.
Research summary
Catechins inhibit catechol-O-methyltransferase, prolonging norepinephrine activity, and together with caffeine modestly increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation; they also act as antioxidants.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 300–500 mg | — | — |
300 to 500 mg per day of a 50% EGCG extract, delivering roughly 150 to 250 mg EGCG, taken with food and split across the day. A safety review derived a safe intake of about 338 mg EGCG per day for solid bolus doses; keep formulated EGCG below that and instruct users to take it with meals, not on an empty stomach. Contains caffeine, so account for it in total stimulant load.
Standardization: 50% EGCG, ≥90% polyphenols, ≤5% caffeine (typical)
Source material: leaf extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Astringent and bitter; workable in flavored powders and gummies at modest doses.
Formulation notes
Contributes about 5% of its weight as caffeine; add this to caffeine totals. Catechins can reduce non-heme iron absorption, so separate from iron. Decaffeinated grades exist for stimulant-free products.
- Contains caffeine
- Stimulant
Sources
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