Compound Monograph
Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)
EGCG is the most abundant and most studied catechin in green tea, a flavan-3-ol with strong antioxidant activity.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) is a naturally occurring flavonoid (flavan-3-ol catechin), found in Green tea. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant catechin in green tea and the most extensively studied. It is a flavan-3-ol in which epigallocatechin is esterified with gallic acid, and it is a potent antioxidant in laboratory systems. EGCG has been investigated for a wide range of possible effects, including on metabolism, cardiovascular markers and cancer cell biology, but much of this work is preclinical and human findings are mixed.
Toxicity & Safety
From ordinary tea drinking, EGCG is regarded as low risk. The main safety concern relates to high-dose concentrated green-tea extracts taken as supplements, especially on an empty stomach, which have been linked in some cases to liver injury. People taking such extracts at high doses should be aware of this.