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Green Tea Extract (EGCG) Research & Evidence

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Evidence Level

Moderate

Green tea extract is one of the better-studied natural thermogenic agents, with a Cochrane review confirming modest but statistically significant weight loss. The mechanism involves COMT inhibition, which prolongs norepinephrine signaling and increases energy expenditure. Effects are enhanced by caffeine and exercise. Safety concerns center on rare hepatotoxicity at high doses — staying under 800 mg EGCG/day and taking with food mitigates this risk.

Evidence by Condition

ConditionStudied DoseEvidence
Weight management400-500 mg EGCG dailyModerate
Fat oxidation during exercise300-400 mg EGCG 60-90 min before exerciseModerate
Full Green Tea Extract (EGCG) Guide

References

  1. (). Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI
  2. (). Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI