Intervention

EGCG (Green Tea Catechins)

Last updated Sat May 30 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Observational— Population data favourable; concentrated supplements have real liver risk

What it is

EGCG is the most abundant catechin in green tea. Multiple proposed mechanisms: antioxidant activity, NRF2 activation, EGFR pathway modulation, DNMT inhibition, AMPK activation.

Evidence

Ohsaki and Tsurugaya studies (Japan): higher green-tea intake associates with lower cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.
EGCG supplements for weight loss show small effects.
Cardiometabolic biomarkers modestly improved with consistent tea intake.

The hepatotoxicity issue

Concentrated EGCG supplements taken fasted at high doses have caused acute liver failure case reports. EFSA established 800 mg/day as the safe upper limit for supplements; tea remains safe.

Practical

Drink the tea. The catechin matrix in steeped leaves plus food slows absorption and reduces hepatotoxicity risk. Pure concentrated EGCG capsules taken on an empty stomach are the form to avoid.

References

Inoue, M. et al. Green tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes in Japan (Ohsaki Study). JAMA 296, 1255–1265 (2006).