An extract of green tea leaves, rich in the catechin EGCG.
Why it’s used: A concentrated source of tea polyphenols.
Green tea comes from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, the same plant used for black tea. The difference is processing: green tea leaves are steamed or pan-fired soon after picking, which stops them oxidising and keeps more of their natural catechins. The most abundant of these is epigallocatechin gallate, usually shortened to EGCG.
A cup of brewed green tea contains a modest amount of catechins alongside caffeine. Green tea extract concentrates these compounds into a capsule or powder, so a single serving can deliver far more EGCG than you would drink in a day. That is why extracts are treated differently from the tea itself under food law.
On labels you may see green tea extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, green tea catechins or EGCG, often with a percentage showing how much of the extract is standardised to catechins or EGCG. Some extracts are decaffeinated. Since 2022, rules in Great Britain and the EU require products to state how much EGCG each daily portion provides.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
A meta-analysis of 13 randomised controlled trials found green tea lowered systolic blood pressure by 2.08 mmHg and diastolic by 1.71 mmHg, and reduced total and LDL cholesterol. Effects were greater in trials using extracts.
A meta-analysis of 20 trials with 1,415 people found green tea catechins at 145 to 3,000 mg a day for 3 to 24 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol by about 0.14 mmol/L each. HDL cholesterol and triglycerides did not change.
A meta-analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials with 1,136 adults found green tea or green tea extract lowered total cholesterol by 7.20 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol by 2.19 mg/dL, with no change in HDL.
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No safe supplemental dose has been set. EFSA found that 800 mg EGCG or more a day from supplements was linked to signs of liver stress, and the law now requires daily portions to stay below 800 mg. Follow the label and avoid stacking several green tea products.
No. Brewed tea provides relatively small amounts of catechins spread across the day with food, while an extract concentrates them into a single serving. EFSA did not raise the same concerns for traditional tea infusions, which is why extracts carry specific label warnings.
Usually yes, unless the label says decaffeinated. The amount depends on the extract. If you are sensitive to caffeine, pregnant, or already drink a lot of tea and coffee, check the caffeine content on the label before you take it.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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