EGCG / Green Tea Extract
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the principal bioactive catechin in green tea, with thermogenic, antioxidant, & lipid-lowering properties; meta-analyses demonstrate modest but consistent reductions in body weight & cardiovascular risk factors including LDL cholesterol & blood pressure.
Evidence last reviewed: 04 Apr 2026
The evidence indicates that EGCG can lead to modest reductions in body weight and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, based on moderate-quality meta-analyses. However, individual responses may vary, and more research is needed to establish long-term effects.
Body weight & weight maintenanceOverweight or obese adults · meta-analysis of RCTsModerate
Meta-analysis of 11 RCTs found green tea catechins produced a statistically significant weight reduction of approximately 1.31 kg versus placebo; habitual caffeine intake & ethnicity moderated the effect, with low habitual caffeine consumers losing ~1.60 kg.
Cardiovascular risk factors (lipids, blood pressure, glycemia)Adults with or at risk for cardiovascular disease · systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTsModerate
Meta-analysis of 55 RCTs (63 effect sizes) found green tea supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose, & HbA1c, while increasing HDL-C & reducing diastolic blood pressure; effects were more pronounced with ≥12 weeks of supplementation at doses ≥1000 mg/day extract.
Forms & usage▾
Take 250-500 mg daily, preferably with meals.