Composition: Green Tea (Camelia sinensis L. Kuntze) leaves, dry extract titrated to 98% in polyphenols and 40% in epigallocatechin gallate supported on maltodextrin. Capsule shell: food gelatin.
Green tea (Camelia sinensis), dry extract titrated to 98% in polyphenols and 40% in EGCG
For a few years green tea has been studied for its effects on the health and longevity of populations who regularly consume it in large quantities. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the catechin to which several studies have attributed an outstanding role in the beneficial effects of green tea.
The primary action of EGCG is to strengthen endogenous antioxidant defences (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase), thereby reducing cellular damage. This has beneficial effects on all tissues.
Catechins can act as antioxidants by chelating metals, thereby reducing the formation of free radicals, scavenging the hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and transferring a hydrogen atom to peroxide radicals, allowing the autocatalytic process as typical of oxidative reactions to be interrupted. Antioxidant activity is responsible for anticancer and antiatherosclerotic effects.
The antimutagenic effect is a consequence of such action: in vitro data revealed, on the one hand, inhibition of oncogenesis as induced by certain chemical compounds found in tobacco (nitrosamines, potent lung cancer inducers) and, on the other, reduced lipid peroxidation as induced by exposure to x ray. Further studies conducted on humans support the possibility that green tea consumption may prevent some forms of cancer, especially in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small intestine, pancreas, colon). In vitro data showed that the green tea extract has an inhibiting effect on the growth of tumour cells in the mammary gland. Dysregulated interactions between cellular receptors and tumour promoters, growth and hormonal factors, seems to be a possible mechanism. In animal models, the green tea extract inhibited the formation of skin lesions and tumours induced by UVB exposure.
Numerous epidemiological studies examined the association between tea consumption and the development of cardiovascular diseases. A recent meta-analysis provided some interesting data, suggesting that green tea polyphenols protect LDL from peroxidation. It was also shown to improve endothelium-dependent vasodilation. A study conducted on 550 middle-aged men followed for 15 years showed that the daily intake of at least 30 mg polyphenols reduced the risk of coronary heart disease mortality by 70%. In another study, 520 men and women (age: ≥30 years) who underwent coronary arteriography were asked to fill in a questionnaire on eating habits, clinical risk factors and lifestyles. The results showed that green tea consumption, especially in men, is inversely associated with the development of coronary atherosclerosis.
The green tea extract interestingly serves as a functional food in weight control. In some clinical trials, the polyphenols found in this plant were shown to help stimulate fat metabolism and oxidation. Green tea acts on the fat reserves of the body, boosting both the production of adrenalin and the combustion of reserve fats; these properties are further enhanced by diuretic action. In a double-blind trial, 60 obese women (age: 30-45 years) were divided into two groups: one was assigned to receive a diet (1,800 kcal) and green tea capsules (250 mg 3 times daily); the other was assigned to receive a diet and a placebo. After 2 weeks, the group receiving green tea had lost twice as much weight as the placebo group. After 4 weeks, the group receiving green tea had lost 2.90 kg vs. 0.97 kg in the placebo group.
Furthermore, EGCG helps inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (mainly type I), which is most responsible for sebum overproduction, and thus for the underlying skin and hair diseases, as it converts testosterone to more harmful DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Indeed, this type of isoenzyme is plentifully available in sebaceous glands, and has been found to be one of the main causes of acne. Green tea acts on this process by increasing SHBG (sex-hormone binding globulin) which prevents testosterone from converting to DHT.
Quantities per maximum recommended daily dose (2 capsules)
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Green Tea (Camelia sinensis L. Kuntze) leaves, dry extract
Titrated to 98% in total polyphenols
Titrated to 40% in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
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750 mg
735 mg
300 mg
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Recommended intake: 2 capsules daily, with plenty of water.
The capsules can be taken at any time of the day, with or between meals
