Green tea extract (EGCG)
Also known as: EGCG, epigallocatechin gallate, Camellia sinensis
Green tea extract is a concentrated source of catechins — especially EGCG — taken as an antioxidant and for metabolic support. Brewed green tea is very safe, but high-dose concentrated extracts carry a real (if rare) risk of liver injury.
What it is
A concentrated extract of Camellia sinensis leaves, standardized to catechins, of which EGCG is the most abundant and bioactive. EGCG has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and metabolic effects.1
Commonly used for
Metabolic/weight: studied for obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, with trials using 150 mg+/day reporting benefits on metabolic biomarkers and body weight.1
Antioxidant/cardiovascular: may reduce oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk factors, though evidence quality is low to moderate.2
Typical dosing
Commonly 150–300 mg EGCG/day; an established acceptable daily intake of ~322 mg/day has been cited. Doses ≥800 mg EGCG/day from supplements are associated with elevated liver enzymes in clinical trials. Best taken with food, not on an empty stomach.3
Route of administration
Oral, as capsules or tablets standardized to catechin/EGCG content.
Storage & handling
Store at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.
Common considerations
Liver-injury risk is the key safety concern — rare but documented, more likely at high doses, on an empty stomach, and in supplement (not brewed-tea) form. People with liver disease, elevated liver enzymes, or prior supplement-related liver reactions should be cautious or avoid. Contains caffeine unless decaffeinated.
References
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs, contraindications, and responses to supplementation vary, and decisions about starting, stopping, or modifying any supplement or medication should be made in consultation with a physician, pharmacist, or other appropriate professional. References are provided to authoritative sources; STACK Tracker does not endorse any specific product or brand.