Green tea catechins are four molecules in high amounts in green tea (although present in many sources), and the most potent one is EGCG. Effective at most claims, potent in few; fat burning is dependent on being Caffeine naive.
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Green tea (Camellia Sinensis) is a plant frequently steeped in hot water and drunk as tea. It exerts most of its benefits through water-soluble polyphenols (frequently referred to as catechins) extracted from the leaves into water which is then consumed.
It has been implicated in benefiting almost every organ system in the body. It is cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-artherogenic, liver protective and beneficial for blood vessel health. These beneficial effects are seen in doses both in green tea itself (as a drink) as well as supplemental form.
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Camellia sinensis, Green Tea Extract, GTE
Green Tea (Product)
Green tea is stimulatory
If steeped too long, green tea can possess a highly bitter taste due to its tannin content. Tannins may not be bad inherently, but the taste is sometimes seen as a turn-off to many people drinking tea.
'Green tea extract' in pills, unless processing is specified, can be as simple as a capsule of tea leaves. There is little to no difference between tea in liquid form and capsules aside from dosage possible and taste
Although milk proteins can form complexes with green tea catechins (which makes them temporarily indigestible), these complexes are digested and the green tea released in the intestines so it may be absorbed. More reading here
Most doses are standardized against EGCG. Although the amount of EGCG-equivalent varies from one cup of tea to another dependent on many factors (species of tea, length of steeping, time spent oxidizing) a rough rule of thumb could be that one cup of camellia sinensis green tea contains approximately 50mg of EGCG-equivalence.
Fat burning:
Benefits of green tea catechins on lipid oxidation and related fat burning pathways are achieved in a dose dependent manner, although significant effects in humans are noted only at high doses, such as 400-500mg EGCG equivalent per day (most Green Tea Extract supplements are roughly 50% EGCG). Fat burning effects are highly synergistic, almost dependent, on not consuming caffeine habitually.
Cancer Prevention:
Cancer prevention effects are quite dose-dependent, and would be better to consume all catechins (as green tea extract) rather than isolated EGCG. Minimal doses would be good (200mg or higher) but with more frequency (3+ times a day). Higher doses with frequency may make one prone to nausea
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I am going to try and drown myself in green tea I guess...
I would highly recommend people pay attention to the bioavailability issue and pay attention to Quercetin. Green tea seems Godly in vitro, but it has high variability in people because not 100% of the catechins get to the cell to exert effects. Any supplementation with green tea catechins, in my opinion, should have thought given to increasing bioavailability through Quercetin, Fish Oil, or consuming green tea with a meal that has these two.
The combination of all four catechins seems to be better than just isolated EGCG, although pairing an EGCG capsule with a cup of green tea would be even better.
Kurtis Frank
The Human Effect Matrix looks at human studies (excluding animal/petri-dish studies) to tell you what effect Green Tea Catechins has in your body, and how strong these effects are.
| Grade | Level of Evidence |
|---|---|
| A | Robust research conducted with repeated double blind clinical trials |
| B | Multiple studies where at least two are double-blind and placebo controlled |
| C | Single double blind study or multiple cohort studies |
| D | Uncontrolled or observational studies only |
| Level of Evidence | Effect | Change | Magnitude of Effect Size | Scientific Consensus | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Fat Mass |   Minor | There appears to be a fat reducing effect associated with green tea, but it is minor and unreliable | ||
| A | Fat Oxidation | Minor | There appears to be a slight but unreliable increase in fat oxidation (percentage of overall calories used coming from fatty acids rather than glucose) associated with... show | ||
| B | LDL-C | Minor | There appears to be somewhat of a reduction in LDL-C associated with consumption of green tea polyphenolics (5% or so with 500mg catechin intake) | ||
| B | Insulin Sensitivity | Minor | Mixed effects on insulin sensitivity, possible improvements seen in unhealthy persons | ||
| B | HDL-C | Minor | Mixed effects with somewhat of an increase, not to a remarkable magnitude | ||
| B | Metabolic Rate | No significant influences on metabolic rate overall | |||
| B | Blood Flow | Minor | 100% See study | Appears to somewhat increase blood flow | |
| C | Heart Rate | Minor | Mixed influence on heart rate, a possible decrease secondary to weight loss and blood pressure reduction but no apparent alteration per se (possible increases... show | ||
| C | Cerebral Blood flow | Minor | 100% See study | A reduction in cerebral blood flow has been noted with green tea catechins; a simultaneous reduction in cognitive performance was not noted. | |
| C | Cognition | Minor | Mixed results, but may improve cognitive performance acutely in persons with poorer cognition at baseline | ||
| C | Estrogen | 100% See study | No significant influence on serum estrogens | ||
| C | Testosterone | 100% See study | No significant influence on serum testosterone | ||
| C | Blood glucose | Minor | 100% See study | A decrease in fasting blood glucose is noted with green tea catechin ingestion | |
| C | Insulin | No significant influence on fasting insulin levels | |||
| C | Exercise-induced Oxidation | Minor | 100% See study | A decrease in the oxidation that occurs during exercise may occur following acute ingestion of green tea catechins | |
| C | Skin quality | Minor | 100% See study | Oral ingestion of high dose catechins (1400mg) has been shown to improve skin quality | |
| C | Photoprotection | Minor | 100% See study | An increase in photoprotection (protection of the skin from the sun) has been found with green tea catechin ingestion | |
| C | Thermic Effect of Food | 100% See study | No significant influence on the thermic effect of food | ||
| C | Oxygen Uptake | Minor | 100% See study | An increase in oxygen uptake has been noted with green tea catechin ingestion | |
| C | VO2 max | Minor | 100% See study | An increase in VO2 max has been noted in untrained persons | |
| C | Triglycerides | 100% See study | No apparent influence on triglycerides | ||
| C | Total Cholesterol | Minor | 100% See study | A decrease in cholesterol is noted with green tea catechins, but to a small degree | |
| C | Blood Pressure | Minor | 100% See study | Possible decrease in blood pressure noted with green tea catechin consumption | |
| C | Subjective Well-being | Minor | 100% See study | An increase in well being has been noted in unhealthy persons given green tea catechins | |
| C | Weight | 100% See 2 studies | |||
| C | Muscle Soreness | Minor | 100% See study | A decrease in muscle soreness has been noted with catechin ingestion | |
| C | Adiponectin | Minor | 100% See study | Possible increase in adiponectin associated with green tea ingestion | |
| C | Insulin Secretion | Minor | 100% See study | A minor decrease in insulin secretion has been noted associated with green tea catechin ingestion | |
| C | Iron Absorption | Minor | 100% See study | A decrease in iron absorption associated with green tea catechins has been noted | |
| D | General Oxidation | Minor | 100% See study | Can decrease oxidation in the body (assessed via oxidative biomarkers) | |
| D | Lipid Peroxidation | Minor | 100% See study | Can decrease biomarkers of lipid peroxidation |
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About 30% of the leaves by weight are either favonols or flavanols, the latter of which is comprised mostly of compounds called catechins. These catechins are then broken down into four main classifications of: epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), epi-gallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epicatechin (EC). Although all catechins share similar properties, EGCG appears to be most potent in regards to many of them. These four catechins are the main catechins, although some other isomers or conjugates may be present (with either catechin or epicatechin as a backbone, and varying levels of gallic acids).
Common sources of green tea catechins (primarily the four stated) include:
There are five 'catechins' in Green Tea. The parent compound is found in two isomers (catechin is the trans isomer, and epicatechin the cis isomer), and epicatechin also exists with a hydroxylation as epigallocatechin. Both epicatechin and epigallocatechin can become acylated with Gallic Acid to form gallates. For the purpose of this article, all five will be referred to as 'Green Tea Catechins'.
The two molecules that have gallic acid moeties hanging off the bottom right hand side of the above picture (EGCG and ECG) share properties that are not seen with the other two (EGC, EC, and C); this is because the gallic acid moiety itself may contribute to structure-function.
Intestinal uptake (bioavailability) of green tea catechins is low, ranging from 1.68%[2] to up to 13% in mice.[3] This low intake is due to the physical structure of catechins (nay, highly hydroxylated polyphenols) which form a large hydration shell and are absorbed via paracellular diffusion.[4]
Green Tea Catechins, primarily EGCG, are inhibitors of intestinal sulfurotransferase enzymes which may metabolize other supplements or drugs.[5] This property is shared with flavonoids found in green tea like Quercetin.[5] The inhibitory potential on this enzyme can also extend to the colon, and exert anti-carcinogenic effects on colonic tumor cells via inhibiting the metabolism of some procarcinogens.[6]
One study using 400mg and 800mg EGCG with a light breakfast noted that >92% of circulating EGCG was in the free form[7] which has been replicated in other pharmacokinetic studies.[8] Interestingly, the higher dose of 800mg EGCG is associated with an increased half-life, suggesting either saturation of EGCG excretion or sufficient inhibition of COMT to preserve itself from methylation.[9] Taking EGCG fasted results in a higher Cmax (maximal amount to hit blood) of about 3.5-fold, and the overall AUC was greater fasted; with more significant differences seen at lower dosages.[10]
Peak serum levels of green tea catechins (Tmax) tend to be around 2 hours after oral consumption, although they can be shifted sooner by consuming them in a fasted state.[10][11][12]
In the fed state, 400mg, 800mg, and 1200mg EGCG result in an AUC (Area under Curve) of 36.7, 90.89 and 299.4min/ug/mL respectively, and in the fasted state result in 126.96, 254.48 and 685.53min/ug/mL respectively. A higher inter-individual variation exists.[10] The Cmax at the same dosages were 798.7±573.1, 1,522.4±1,357.8 and 3,371.6±1,651.2ng/mL fasted compared against 141.8±89.1, 294.0±113.5, and 923.6±755.3ng/mL; respectively.[10] Other studies note that a once daily oral dose of 400mg hits a Cmax of approximately 234.9±140.9ng/mL with a 24-hour AUC of 95.6±46.8min·μg/ml, and an 800mg dose hits a Cmax of 390.3±231.4ng/mL with the AUC as 145.6 ± 85.1min·μg/ml.[7] Increasing the dosage to 1.5g has a Cmax (EGCG) of 326ug/mL whereas increasing the dose further to 3.0g increased the Cmax significnatly (2.5-3.4-fold) and shifted the Cmax to the left (sooner).[13]
Free EGC and EC are not detectable, as they exist as conjugated metabolites,[8] of either the sulfate or glucuronide variety.[11] Many conjugates may also be methylated, and up to 39 different combinations of catechin isomer, methylation status, and location of (or absent) conjugation to either sulfate or glucuronide have been ntoed.[11] The gallic acid moiety on ECG and EGCG seem to keep them in the free form, and prevent conjugation.
These amounts are the same whether green tea is administered as a pill or via decaffeinated tea. [8] The EC, EGC, and ECG do not affect (beneficially or adversely) the serum pharmacokinetics of EGCG, as assessed by EGCG versus mixed green tea catechins.[14][15]
There is high variability, but it seems that there is a dose-dependent increase in circulating levels of EGCG. There seems to be a tipping point at around 800mg or so, where the amount in the blood then increases more dramatically. Very high doses of EGCG in the blood are associated with nausea.
Cellular concentrations of EGCG and related green tea catechins are regulated, in part, by Multidrug Resistance associated Proteins (MRPs).[16] They are not subject to P-Glycoprotein efflux[16]
EGCG can be formed into unique Cysteine derivatives (EGCG-2′-cysteine and EGCG-2′'-cysteine) when dosed near the toxicity threshold (200-400mg/kg injections); these are thought to possible play a role in toxicity.[17]
Green tea catechins Epicatechin (EC) and Epigallocatechin (EGC) are excreted in the urine, as their serum conjugates are water soluble.[13] EGCG does not appear to be excreted in the urine.[13]
Another urinary metabolite known polyhydroxyphenyl-γ-valerolactones, which are produced from colonic microflora, is also excreted in the urine after green tea consumption.[11] The two main valerolactins (M6 and M6') can be created from any catechin, and from EGC/EGCG respectively.[11][12] Thus, it is possible that unabsorbed catechins (which exist, due to low bioavailability) may still be bioactive not just in the colon but also as valerolactones.
In regards to excretion rate, at least one study that used repeated dosing of EGCG (92% purity) noted that after 10 days of 200mg supplementation that the AUC and Cmax was approximately 10% lower, suggesting enzymes in the elimination pathway are induced with chronic EGCG treatment; this trend was reversed at 400mg and significantly at 800mg.[9]
This may be a key to individual differences in green tea responsiveness, as COMT activity may be 40% reduced in some individuals via a genetic polymorphism.[18] However, these polymorphisms are not associated with the individual pharmacokinetics of Green Tea Catechins in vivo.[18]
It has been noted in one meta-analysis[19] that green tea was more effective in Asian populations for the purpose of weight management than it was in Caucasian populations, although this effect did not reach statistical significance.
COMT is an enzyme that is able to methylate and (usually) inactivate a few compounds, including green tea catechins and adrenaline/dopamine (monoamines) and L-DOPA.[20] It exists in a cytosolic soluble form as well as a membrane-bound form, with the former being fairly distributed in the body; as assessed by erythrocyte COMT levels, rats may have more active COMT than humans,[21] as assessed by species differences in COMT inhibiting drugs.[22][23]
COMT is an enzyme which aims to 'inactivate' several molecules in the body in order to prevent their excessive elevation
All four green tea catechins appear to be a substrate for this enzyme, being methylated in the presence of incubated COMT.[24][25][26] At 1uM EGCG, it rapidly undergoes methylation and may be methylated once again to 4′,4"-dimethylEGCG, which is a slower methylation and its production can be greatly reduced with higher concentrations (3uM or more) of EGCG, the preferred substrate.[21]
Interestingly, catechins also appear to inhibit COMT as well as act as substrate for it. Flavonoids with a catechol B ring appear to be effective (such as rutin, isorhamnetin, and Quercetin[27]) and EGCG has an IC50 value of 0.15-0.20uM in rat and mouse liver cells (in inhibiting EGC and L-DOPA, respectively);[21] this has been measured at 0.07uM in human liver cells.[28] In assessing the metabolites of EGCG, the first methylation product (4"-mEGCG) appears to be slightly more potent (IC50 0.1-0.16uM) than EGCG while the second metabolite (4′,4"-dmEGCG) is slightly less potent (0.2-0.3uM), the glucuronides were less potent on EGC and failed to inhibit methylation of L-DOPA; this inhibition applies to both human liver cells[28] and rodent liver cells.[21] Production has been noted in human endothelial cells as well.[29]
The inhibition is mixed-type in regards to EGCG and noncompetitive in regards to methylated derivatives.[21] In particular, EGCG that is twice methylated appears to compete with SAM for binding to COMT,[28] which is a produce required for methylation of COMT subtrates (as SAM donates the methyl group).[30]
Green Tea Catechins, particularly EGCG, appear to be both subject to being 'inactivated' by COMT but the catechins and their supposed inactivated forms can inhibit the enzyme from acting further
It has been hypothesized that inhibition of COMT by EGCG, which theoretically would lead to an increase of adrenaline, may underly fat burning effects of green tea. This is due to persons with a low-active genotype of COMT being highly associated with higher serum adrenaline levels at rest and exercise.[31]
COMT does appear to be of significance in vivo, as at least one study conducted on the vascular effects of green tea that noted nonsignificant results overall found highly significant results in the low-active COMT genotype subset; this study noted that blood pressure decreased only in the low-active genotype[32] and another noted that this may be due to favorable pharmacokinetics (less excretion in the urine, resulting in more time to affect the body).[33]
At least one study, however, has noted that week-long consumption of high dose catechins (1200mg) was unable to significantly influence adrenaline levels any differently than placebo at rest or during low-intensity exercise.[34]
One study that noted suppression of oxygen radical release from HUVEC cells in vitro in response to oxidation (overall, an ant-oxidative effect) noted that this may have been due to NADPH Oxidase inhibition similar to Spirulina.[29] Essentially non-existent inhibition was seen with the base catechin and epicatechin molecules, but methylated metabolites (via COMT) had inhibitory values (IC50) of 15.1+/-4.1uM.[29] Other molecules tested that had inhibitory capacities on NAPDH oxidase were EGCG at 3.5+/-1.1uM, Procyanidin B2 (from Grape Seed Extract) at 3.8+/-0.8uM, various Quercetin derivatives (ranging from 4.6-12uM) and Resveratrol at 16.0+/-4.7uM.[29] Vitamin C, Trolox, and Aspirin were inactive.
In a model of vegetable depletion (where all flavonoids are removed from the diet), a small intake of 18.6mg green tea catechins is able to increase systemic anti-oxidant capacity after a meal; fasted anti-oxidant potential was not changed, and thus green tea catechins appear to exert transient effects.[35] These 'transient' effects may last up to 6 hours.[14]
After supplementation of green tea, the increase in systemic anti-oxidative potential is correlated with uric acid.[14]
It has been postulated that for green tea catechins to be effective as an anti-cancer agent (via one mechanism), a dose of over 100uM would be needed in the interstital fluid at any given time.[36] This is based off of two in vitro studies on tNOX[37][38] showing said concentration being where effects on cancer growth are first noted.
Green tea catechins can influence cancer metabolism in a multitude of ways. Through telomerase inhibition,[39] inhibiting topoisomerases,[40] tNOX inhibition,[37][38] selective inhibition of COX2 enzymes without influencing COX1,[41] induction of cellular apoptosis and regulation,[42][43] and possibly inhibition of BCL-2 proteins.[44]
One secondary analysis that measuring urinary metabolites of women who ingested Polyphenon E (EGCG) at doses of 400-800mg found reduced VEGF levels at the samples taken at 2, 4, and 6 months with reduced Hepatocyte Growth Factor when measured at 2 months only.[45]
In one intervention with 800mg PolyPhenon-E (Green Tea Catechins), supplementation was not associated with an increase in prostate levels of EGCG and the trend towards improved biochemical markers (indicative of risk reduction) came back nonsignificant.[46] Benefit appears to be there, but not overly potent.
The reason may be due to pharmacodynamics. Consumption of 3-5 cups of green tea daily does increase serum levels of EGCG, but approximately half of what makes it to the prostate is methylated (4'-methyl-EGCG)[47] and not as bioactive.[48] Methylation reduces the cancer fighting activity of EGCG in vitro in prostate cancer cells.[47]
Conversely, EGCG intake can work antagonistically (in opposition) with radiotherapy in prostate cells.[49] Radiotherapy works via oxidation and death of cancer cells, whereas EGCG prevents this with its anti-oxidant actions.
Green tea consumption (via tea, over a lifespan) is associated with a decreased risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (OR=0.44) and, retrospectively, has strong interactions with alcohol consumption and other carcinogens.[50] In effect, green tea is associated with reduced risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and this reduce risk may be through abrogating the adverse effects of select toxins or habits that lead to Hepatocellular Carcinoma, such as oxidative stress and inflammation[51] and smoking and hepatitis.[52]
Other large-scale epidemiological research proves somewhat inconsistent, with some results showing benefit[53][54] and others null.[55][56] In regards to association, green tea appears to either exert a relatively small effect or the results are confounded by lifestyle.
800mg EGCG daily, for four weeks, does not result in modifications to CYP2D6, CYP2C9, Aromatase (CYP1A2) but may result in a decrease in CYP3A4 activity.[57] A lower dose of EGCG (504mg, divided into two doses) is not associated with this decrease in CYP3A4 activity and still does not influence CYP2D6,[58] although this study did not have sufficient statistical power to assess small changes.
CYP1A induction (aromatase) is sometimes seen in animal models with green tea[59][60], but may be due to the confounder of Caffeine which may induce aromatase activity in the liver[61][62], as mentioned in discussion[57] this is not seen when studies use decaffeinated PolyPhenon-E (95% EGCG)
Green tea affects thermogenesis via synergistically acting in concert with its Caffeine content, and the addition of 300mg EGCG to 200mg caffeine can increase the thermic response to food more than 200mg caffeine.[63] Caffeine is able to increase noradrenaline levels in the body, which is synergistic with EGCG's ability to inhibit the enzyme catechol-o-methyl transferase(COMT)[21] which degrades catecholamines like noradrenaline[20] and methylates polyphenols. The end result of the pairing is higher levels of catecholamines induced by caffeine, and this synergism seems to be equipotent at various dosages of EGCG.[64] Caffeine also inhibits the phosphodiesterase enzyme, which degrades cAMP. It appears that this pathway (catechol-o-methyltransferase inhibition) may be active in vivo.[65]
In studies with beta-adrenergic antagonists (beta-blockers) fat burning effects of green tea are reduced partially, suggesting that green tea exerts fat-burning effects via beta-adrenergic agonism and other means as well.[66]
Usually through COMT inhibition, green tea can augment other fat burning compounds. This does apply to endogenously produced adrenaline, so green tea taken in isolation could augment adrenaline's ability to increase the metabolic rate
When cells are incubated with EGCG, there are no significant changes with Leptin and adiponectin secretion up to 48 hours.[67] Some studies note that green tea supplementation is associated with changing leptin levels in vivo[68][69] although this seems to be correlated but not causative.
All four catechins of green tea are effectively able to prevent adipocyte and preadipocyte differentiation when in the presence of a pro-differentiation (fat-gaining) stimuli.[68][70] The mechanisms by which Green tea acts is via suppressing multiple transcription factors involved in adipocyte differentiation such as PPAR-gamma2, SREBP1c and C/EBP-α, as well as reducing levels of the cell cycle regulator Cdk2 and Fox01.[70][71][72] EGCG is the most potent of the catechins in all the above regards. These effects carry over to the preadipocyte and can inhibit its differentiation.[73]
Many of the above enzyme changes have been noted in animal models, but seem to be associated with the complete tea extract rather than isolated EGCG.[74]
Green tea, via its EGCG component (and possibly other present flavonoids) is able to partially inhibit the Fatty Acid Synthase enzyme.[75] This is the lone enzyme responsible for de novo lipogenesis[76] and also a mechanism of anti-cancer effects from Green Tea Catechins.
When administered to humans, green tea has mixed results. Some studies show no differences between between control and experimental group in regards to fat oxidation[77][78] whereas others show significant differences.[79] In studies where effects fail to show statistical significance, there are individuals that do have clincially relevant results (such as 2% increased energy expenditure at 600mg EGCG).[80] The inconsistencies in fat oxidation may be due to individual differences, such as caffeine tolerance; the lower one's tolerance to caffeine is, the more effective Green tea catechins appear to be on fat loss.[81][82]
When looking at longer term studies and fat loss overall (rather than fat oxidation, which is rate of loss) green tea catechins are associated with 1.2kg weight loss in 90 days at 886mg daily.[83] When paired with exercise, green tea catechins are associated with a loss of 2.2kg bodyweight in the obese on an exercise program over 12 weeks where control group lost 1kg.[84] A recent meta-analysis noted that, on average, green tea extract was causative for about 1.27kg of body weight loss (at least 12 weeks in length) with more weight loss occurring in those that did not habitually consume caffeine.[19]
A recent meta-analysis micromanaging the exact dose found that each cup (200mL) of green tea catechins (253mg catechins, 30mg Caffeine) may be causative of burning 5.7g of body fat.[85]
When taken with a meal, there seems to be no changes in overall Metabolic Rate from green tea (although trending towards significance) but a greater proportion of energy comes from dietary fat rather than carbohydrate after 300mg EGCG.[63] This greater fat oxidation rate does not appear to occur during exercise at low doses (270mg)[86] and may be vicariously through green tea being able to inhibit carbohydrate digestion (as fat oxidation is a rate, rather than a gross amount; more fat is burnt for energy when there is no presence of dietary carbohydrate). This theory is somewhat backed up by green tea losing its effectiveness as a fat burning agent when on a high protein diet, as there are less carbohydrate (relative to adequate protein diets) to block.[87]
Higher dosages of green tea (945mg) are able to increase fat oxidation and oxygen consumption during exercise however,[88] and may be through forcing systemic reactions.
Overall, Green tea seems to be a very good fat loss agent. Either in low doses through consumption of green tea (as a tea) or in high supplemental dosages. Low doses via tea have a large safety threshold, and superloading in supplemental form seems to be safe in isolation; although nausea is reported with combining high doses green tea with other stimulants
In several animal studies, rats experience either an increase in body weight or (if body fat is measured) lean mass.[89] That being said, the majority of studies note a decrease in overall body weight. In one study looking at both Black and Green tea, this was only seen with Green Tea and isolated EGCG, and was 4-5% higher than control after 27 weeks (with no differences in food intake, a bit less water consumption).[74] No changes in fat burning genes were seen in muscle cells in this study.[74]
At this moment in time, no hypothesis seems to stand out in regards to whether green tea catechins are reliably related to this apparent weight gain.
Green and white tea can inhibit the UGT2B17 enzyme, which conjugates Testosterone into testosterone glucuronide; a less potent form of testosterone designed for urinary excretion. Via this mechanism, green tea may increase the active AUC of testosterone.[90] The IC50 of this reaction was 64uM.[90] This possible mechanism does not result in increased testosterone levels in post-menopausal women at a dose of 400-800mg EGCG daily over 2 months, most likely due to low initial circulating testosterone levels.[91]
One study in rats suggest dosages of 1.25-5% green tea catechins in the diet (equivalent to 5-20 cups a day) is associated with decreased sperm motility in rats over a period of 26 days. Inhibition of two testicular enzymes also led to decreased serum testosterone levels[92] from the control's 3.5ng/mL to 1ng/mL at the highest dose. This mechanism (inhibition of steroidogenesis enzymes in the testes) has been seen in vitro as well,[93] and the gallic acid moiety of EGCG and ECG seems relatively important as pure epicatechin (EC) does not exert these effects. However, the same study established that lower concentrations of EGCG in the testes (20ug/mL EGCG, or 13.8ug/mL Green tea catechins) may actually increase testosterone by being at such a concentration to inhibit P450scc (side chain cleavage) enzymes, but not at a level to inhibit steroidogenesis enzymes.[93] Interestingly, these dosages (1.25% and 5% of the diet) were used in another study that noted aromatase inhibition[94] and greatly increased (7.2ng/mL at 5% vs. 1.7ng/mL control) testosterone levels at 8 weeks with 5% catechins; 1.25% never reached statistical significance and 5% at 4 weeks did not either.[94] Luteinizing hormone was also significantly higher in this group at this time. The IC50 for the green tea catechin mixture used in this study was 28mcg/mL on aromatase.[94]
Green tea's EGCG can also inhibit 5-alpha reductase in cell free cultures, but fails to do so in whole-cell cultures; its biological significance is questionable.[95][96] The 5-AR enzyme is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to DHT, a more potent androgen.
There is no consensus on what green tea does with Testosterone. It seems to have the ability to increase and decrease testosterone depending on mechanism and concentration, but only one rat study exists for in vivo evidence. Tough topic to tackle.
Green tea shows a favorable nutrient partitioning effect during times of carbohydrate metabolism, suppressing adipocyte GLUT4 translocation and stimulating myocyte GLUT4 translocation.[97] This benefit was noted from brewed green tea and not isolated catechins or EGCG.
Green tea catechins are potent inhibitors of the enzyme Squalene epoxidase, a rate limiting enzyme that turns Squalene into cholesterol.[98] The effects on squalene epoxidase appear to be from binding to the enzyme through a C3 galloyl group, as galloyl esters appear to have this ability per se.[99] Additionally, its anti-oxidant effects can sequester oxygen that is required for the reaction mediated by squalene epoxidase to occur.[98]
Green tea consumption (whole tea) has been reported in a meta-analysis to increase endothelium-mediated vasodilation.[100] At a median dose of 500mL daily, arterial diameter was increased 40% relative to control groups' or baselines' 6.3%.
A possible mechanism of action may be the green tea catechins' ability to increase Nitric Oxide bioavailability in vivo.[101] Possibly through increasing production of Nitric Oxide[102][103] through Akt-mediated NOS activation.[104] One study noted that the addition of milk to tea negated the cardioprotective effects mentioned here[105] but it has been criticized for taking only one measurement 2 hours after green tea ingestion;[106][107][108]
Green tea can inhibit the telomerase enzyme, of which telomere shortening is associated with decreased lifespan.[109] Through these actions, green tea catechins are thought to have a possible life extending effect, although human interventions have not been completed. This has been noted in human cells and in vivo with animal models.[110]
Green tea catechins have been associated with up to 6% increases in lifespan in the C57BL/6 strain of mice[111][112] although maximal life did not change; the dose was 80mg/L catechins in the drinking water.[112]
One animal intervention, which administered green tea beginning at 4 months of age and continuing until death at a dose of 2g/kg food, did not significantly influence time of death; although it seemed to suppress midlife death rates in females.[89]
Longevity is always an iffy topic to approach from a research angle. Green tea looks to be one of the more promising agents, but still hasn't been shown to be that much in this regard.
Due to EGCG being able to easily cross the blood brain barrier[113] and (at 300mg) increasing brain activity up to 2 hours after ingestion, biological relevance for cognition has been investigated.[114] However, when subjects are measured a similar dose of 270mg was found to not influence mood or cognition.[115] A lower dose of 135mg EGCG reduced cerebral blood flow to the frontal cortex, but was not associated with lesser cognitive abilities.[115]
EGCG, when administed I.V to rats 60 minutes prior to a learning event (passive avoidance test); however, high doses were tested (and statistical significance seen at 15mg/kg bodyweight).[116] Lower dosages fed orally (0.5% of feed) for 8 weeks seems to improve memory in aged rats.[117] These results were replicated with injections of 10-20mg/kg, where an improvement in spatial memory was observed.[118]
Mechanistically, 5-40uM of EGCG has been shown to augment proliferation of adult neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in vitro, although these concentrations were unable to induce differentiation with higher (80uM) concentrations still augmenting proliferation but actively inhibiting differentiation.[118] This was seen in vivo with 10-20mg/kg injections of EGCG in old rats.[118] An additional mechanism may be acetylcholinesterase inhibition, as less activity was noted in the brains of aged rats fed green tea catechins.[117]
Might be beneficial for cognition
In healthy persons, a single dose of 270mg EGCG was not found to influence mood in a positive or negative manner.[115]
In regards to anxiety, the primary catechin (EGCG) has been shown in vitro to negate negative modulation of GABA(A) receptors, and in vivo has reduced anxiety in rats in a dose dependent manner, although significance was seen at 30mg/kg bodyweight.[116]
However, L-Theanine seems to be able to potentiate anxiolytic effects and despite not reducing anxiety itself[119][120] can confer a reduction in anxiety when paired with Midozolam.[119] As EGCG has anxiolytic properties itself, the pair may be synergistic in reducing anxiety.[116]
In a mouse study on chronic fatigue syndrome, it was found that green tea at 25-100mg/kg bodyweight taken before forced swim tests was able to preserve physical performance in the fatigued state and acted to normalize some brain biomarkers that are changed by chronic stress; TNF-a and glutathione (increase and decrease; respectively).[121] Some other parameters of chronic fatigue, such as weight loss and spleen and thymus hypertrophy, were alleviated at 50 and 100mg/kg bodyweight.[121]
A combination of green tea catechins and L-theanine called LGNC-07 has been investigated for its ability to improve memory. In one study on patients suffering from non-clinical memory decline (average age 58) it shows some efficacy, mostly in increasing recognition speed, word reading, and selective attention.[122] LGNC-07 is a 6:1 ratio of green tea catechins to theanine, with 360mg catechins and 60mg theanine per 430mg capsule.[122]
The mechanism of action of this combination, as seen in animal models, may be through acetylcholinesterase inhibition.[123] The combination was more potent at alleviating toxin-induced memory loss than either compound in isolation.
Whatever cognitive benefits green tea catechins may have, they seem to be amplified or otherwise reliant on coingestion of L-theanine
Green tea has been shown in mice to be able to enhance time to exhaustion during endurance events.[124] This is suspected to be via increased mobilization of intramuscular fatty acids, of which may be due to increased expression of fatty acid translocase in skeletal muscle with green tea supplementation.
In regards to transports, Green tea catechins show abilities in preventing intestinal uptake of dietary sugar mostly via its ECG component, although the other three catechins also contribute[125] and do so via competitive inhibition of the SGLT-1 transporter that uptakes glucose.[126]
Enzymatically, catechins show weak to moderate effects in inhibiting the sucrase enzyme that breaks down sucrose into its constituent glucose and fructose. Theaflavins (found in high levels in black tea) were much more potent in this regard,[127] and suggest that the tea itself may be more effective than isolated green tea catechins.
Lactase, amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and protein-digestive enzymes are also inhibited by green tea catechins;[128] although these inhibitions (with exception to glucosidase) are reduced 2.6-fold with coingestion of proline-rich foods.[129]
Interventions suggest that carbohydrate inhibition is sufficient enough to, at a dose of 100mg green tea catechins, inhibit up to 25% of the carbohydrate content of a coingested meal.[130]
Green tea has also been implicated in reducing the activities of gastric and pancreatic lipase, suggesting it may play a role as a fat blocker as well.[131][132][133][134] These mechanisms are statistically significant, but not overly potent in vivo as it seems to hit a certain max inhibition, whereas its effects on reducing cholesterol uptake are dose dependent.[135][136] Green tea at a dose of 0.5-1% of the diet increased the total percent of dietary fat lost in the feces (rats) from 3.5 (control) to 4.6-5.8%.[136]
Green Tea has mechanisms to cause malabsorption of all macronutrients, but only seems to be a relevant concern for dietary carbohydrate. Protein inhibition is hindered by saliva enzymes, and fat inhibition just doesn't seem to be relevant in humans.
Fish Oil, at a dose of 8mg/kg bodyweight in rats, increases the bioavailability of green tea.[137] Additionally, fish oil at this dose was synergistic with green tea catechins, at both 12.5mg/kg bodyweight and 62.5mg/kg bodyweight, in decreasing build-up of beta-amyloid pigmentation in an animal model.[137]
On other parameters where there is crossover, such as markers of fat metabolism (lipids, cholesterol) and glucose metabolism (insulin, glucose) and adiponectin; fish oil and green tea catechins may be additive rather than synergistic.[138]
One study using a short-chain peptide derived from Sardine protein hydrolysate (Valine-Tyrosine dipeptide) found that this product was synergistic with Green Tea Catechins in inhibiting the ACE enzyme, and possibly by reducing blood pressure.[139]
Supplementation with Ubiquinone (CoQ9; a metabolite of CoQ10) has been implicated in increasing both the anti-oxidant potential of EGCG in an animal model, and further increase CoQ10's protection of the liver during resperpine toxicity.[140]
In vitro studies suggest that quercetin can enhance the anti-proliferative effect of green tea catechins in prostate cells in a synergistic manner.[141]
Quercetin also increases the bioavailability of green tea polyphenols (catechins) in vivo.[142] Via inhibiting the COMT enzyme Quercetin decreased methylation of EGCG 2-fold and 4-fold in lung and kidney cells (with no significant effect on liver cells), adding 0.4% Quercetin to a rat diet led to 2-3-fold increases in circulating green tea in the two aforementioned organs, with little effect on liver tissue.[142]
Quercetin can also inhibit Multidrug Resistance Proteins[143], which can efflux Green Tea Polyphenols from cells.[144] The efflux actions of MRP1 and MRP2 is protective in a way (prevents foreign compounds from staying in a cell for too long), but also reduces the time EGCG can act in a cell. The above study showing synergism noted highest levels in lung and kidney tissue[142] and less in liver; although liver has highest levels of COMT relative to the other two organs, it has lowest MRP1;[145] thus, via inhibiting MRP1, Quercetin can increase the amount of EGCG in a cell and, via inhibiting COMT, can increase the amount of bioactive EGCG relative to methylated EGCG.
In regards to general anti-oxidative potential, green tea shows synergism with various herbs (Vitus Vinnifera, Gingko Biloba, etc.) that have Quercetin as a main polyphenol.[146]
Would recommend to either buy supplemental Quercetin, or to look for foods that are very high in quercetin content (onions and leeks) and consume them at meals with green tea.
Curcumin also shows synergism with green tea catechins in colonic tumor cells and human larynx carcinoma cells.[147] The inhibition is effective in reducing colonic tumor progression induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine.[148][149] This may be due to similar mechanisms as Quercetin, as Curcumin can inhibit MRPs associated with ejecting EGCG from cells. One in vitro study noted increased levels of EGCG in cells when co-incubated with Curcumin.[16]
Interestingly, this synergism works both ways. Epicatechin (EC), one of the four green tea catechins, can increase the actions of Curcumin in cancer cells by increasing the time it spends in a cell.[150]
Ascorbic Acid, also known as Vitamin C, shows synergism with EGCG (as well as another tea component, theflavin) in suppressing adenocarcinoma proliferation.[151]
Butylated Hydroxyanisole, or BHA, is a food additive in some packaged foods that also serves as an anti-oxidant. It seems to greatly increase the ability of green tea catechins to act as an anti-microbial agent against Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Escherichia coli.[152]
Green tea catechins, via inhibition of the COMT enzyme[153], can increase the half-life of adrenaline and noradrenaline which are induced by both Caffeine and Ephedrine.[154][155] This increased AUC (Area under curve) of adrenaline confers a greater ability to burn fat, and can provide a large amount of neural stimulation at a lower overall dose of either caffeine/ephedrine or green tea. At least one study assessing Caffeine's fat burning ability noted that the efficacy of 50mg rose from an additional 15kcal expended (assessed by metabolic chamber) to 79kcal,[156] which is close to the 110kcal estimate that is seen with 600mg caffeine.[157]
However, caffeine may also be indirectly inhibitory of green tea catechins. Habitual caffeine users (defined as over 300mg daily) tend to show less overall fat loss over time relative to non-habitual (>300mg daily) users.[19][158][154] This difference, in some studies, has been the line between weight management and weight regain[81] or prevented weight loss otherwise.[159]
It seems like Caffeine and Ephedrine are the fat burners, and green tea catechins enable them to work more effectively. Most fat burning comes through those two compounds, and becoming adapted to them may reduce overall effectiveness.
Green tea catechins show synergism with capsicum vanilloids in cancer prevention. One study noted that a 25:1 ratio of catechin:vanilloid increased the cell killing ability (via the protein tNOX) 100-fold relative to green tea in isolation.[160] The protein seems to be a common target for anti-cancer research as it pertains to catechins and vanilloids.[161][162]
Although Capsaicin, or red pepper extract, is a vanilloid compound there are others. An HPLC analysis of the plant Capsicum Annuum notes the existence of vanillylamine, vanillin, vanillic acid, and homovanillic acid.[163]
Green tea catechins, in animal models, appear to be synergistic with L-theanine in regards to inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and alleviating cognitive decline[123] as mentioned in the cognition subsection labelled LGNC-07.
The main green tea catechin, Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), shows synergies in regards to anti-cancer mechanisms when in the presence of the other green tea catechins: epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin-3-gallate, and epicatechin (EC).[38] The other three catechins reduced the needed dose to inhibit cancer cell growth 10-fold when present. In other studies, green tea mixtures show more potency in cancer prevention than EGCG in isolation.[164] This may be due to epicatechin (EC) and its ability to increase the time drugs, such as EGCG or Curcumin, spend in a cell and thus increase their potency.[165][150]
The catechins, primarily epicatechin (EC), shows synergy with Theaflavin in regards to anti-bacterial effects.[166]
Green Tea catechins appear to have synergism with Phytic Acid (inositol hexakisphosphate) and Inositol in regards to tumor suppression in the colon as a response to toxin injection. The combination of the three (all compounds at 1-2% of the diet) was able to reduce tumor occurrence from 94% (control) to 46% at 1% of feed and 23% at 2% of feed.[167] Additionally, tumors tended to have a reduced average size when the three were combined (1.30±0.06mm) relative to any combination of two ingredients (2.4-2.8±0.19-0.46).[167] Other studies note a significant group interaction between green tea and phytic acid.[168]
These synergistic effects may extend to other tumor cells, such as pancreatic.[169] More research needs to be done though.
Green tea catechins, primarily EGCG, are effective in inhibiting iron uptake into the body. This is seen with nonheme[170] and heme[171][172] iron. These effects on non-heme iron are negated when Vitamin C is consumed.[173] At an oral dose of 150mg and 300mg EGCG, the rate of inhibition appears to be around 14% and 27% respectively.[174]
Green tea does not inhibit Zinc uptake,[175] and may actually enhance apical zinc uptake.
Green tea catechins, primarily those with a gallic acid moiety (epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate) have the ability to inhibit the monocarboxylic acid transporter and thus prevent substrate of the transporter from working. This has been demonstrated with salicyclic acid (aspirin) and ferulic acid in vitro.[4] Ferulic acid's relative permeability in the intestinal model was reduced from around 69.9% to 47.6% with the addition of EGCG, and salicyclic acid from 84.5% to 67.9% (mean values).[4]
Green tea catechins also show synergism with soy isoflavones, in particular Genistein.
Green tea can increase PGE2 production from stimulated macrophages (immune cells) at concentrations of 10 and 0.4uM by 25 and 20%, respectively, This is normally seen as a pro-inflammatory reaction, and green tea's induction of COX2 protein adds to this. The combination of EGCG and Genistein switched the increased production to a 35% suppression and, at 10uM Genistein, led to a 51% suppression of COX2 protein.[176]
Green tea catechins and Genistein may also work together in AMPK activation, but these effects are additive.[177]
A study using Whey Protein concentrate at 3ug/mL alongside green tea catechins (brand name Healthya used) lowered green tea's ace inhibitory potential from 56.9+/-3.2% to 34.9+/-9.8%.[139] These effects were replicated in a rat model of spontaneous hypertension, where systolic blood pressure was decreased to approximately 80% of baseline with the introduction of green tea polyphenols while not being significantly lowered when both Whey and polyphenols are coingested.[139] The peptide in question that appears to adversely interact with green tea polyphenols is the Val-Pro-Pro tripeptide.[139]
The amounts used in this study are beyond food level, but higher concentrations of green tea catechins were demonstrated to not play nicely with Whey proteins
Two studies have been conducted with a combination supplement of EGCG (at doses ranging between 50-105mg) and N-oleyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (NOPE) between 120-170mg, and both suggest that this supplement combination can increase adherence to a low calorie regiment to further weight loss attempts in overweight adults.[178][179]
Green Tea Catechins (Green tea extract, GTE) appears to enhance the cytotoxicity of Ziziphus Jujuba (Jujube). This one study noted that in HepG2 cells (liver carcinoma cells) that cytotoxicity at 100ug/mL Jujube (chloroform extract) reduced viability of cells to 80%, and under the influence of 30ug/mL GTE this was enhanced to about 60%.[180] Green tea at 30ug/mL itself has no affect on viability, and this enhanced cell death was not seen in noncancerous liver cells under any condition.[180]
Mechanistically, an increased level of ROS (oxidation) occurred in the Jujube condition which correlated with cellular death; this was not enhanced or hindered by GTE[180] but instead the combination appeared to further change the cell cycle relative to control HepG2, where Jujube in isolation and the combination to a greater degree increased the amount of cells in the G1 phase while reducing the amount in G2/M and S phases.[180] The authors concluded that the synergism occured via enhancing G1 cellular arrest, which was confirmed by less DNA synthesis and improved Rb protein (mediator of G1) actions.[180]
Synergistic protection has also been noted when measuring the actions of APRIL, a protein that induces differentiation of HepG2 cells.[181]
In supplemental form, Green Tea Catechins have been found repeatedly safe in consumption at 800mg[7][9][46][57] One study has found that 1,200mg EGCG in one dose was well tolerated, but was associated with significantly more nausea than the other dosage groups of 800mg and 400mg.[10] Single dosages of EGCG can be tolerated up to 1,600mg.[182]
It has been noted that, through beverage consumption, that there have been "no reports of clinical toxicity".[7]
In humans, the maximum tolerated dose is around 4.2g/m2 once daily, or 1.0g/m2 thrice daily.[183] This is a Body Surface Area (BSA) reading that correlates with blood volume,[184] and using the DuBois formula[185] an adult male at 5'10 weighing 150lbs would suffer from acute toxicity at 7.9g supplemental green tea extract once daily, or 1.9g thrice daily, although this study was influenced by the caffeine content of the supplements (at 7%).
In investigating toxicity of green tea in animals, administration of either Teavigo or Polyphenon E (two brands of green tea catechins) results in dose-dependent toxicity associated with vomiting and diarrhea, resulting in death, in beagle dogs fed excessive dosages (greater than 500mg/kg);[186] beagle dogs were used due to having better absorption rates of green tea catechins from the intestines.[17] Vomiting may be associated with gastric damage, and 2000mg/kg oral administration to rats[186] leads to 90% lethality associated with hemorrhaggic lesions in the stomach and intestines. Interestingly, animals with lower absorption rates of EGCG from the intestines suffer greater intestinal damange and less systemic (liver and kidneys).[187][17]
In the beagle dogs, toxicity to the liver was confirmed with elevated ALT and with female dogs suffering liver necrosis;[186] other studies injecting green tea extract (150mg/kg) also note increases in ALT and liver toxicity with excessive dosages.[188] Proximal tubule necrosis (kidneys) was noted at the oral doses in dogs.
Excessive levels of Green Tea Catechins (mostly EGCG) have been confirmed for toxicity mostly in the intestines, stomach, and liver with excessive levels in the blood possibly hurting the kidneys as well; nausea from green tea supplements is not inherently linked to stomach damage
A few case studies exist in the dosage range of 10-29mg/kg bodyweight (681-1997mg for a 150lb person) which tend to (8/9 cases) been associated with elevated ALT and bilirubin; indicative of liver damange.[189] Causation was placed on the dietary supplements in these cases (due to symptoms appearing upon reintroduction) but the authors could not rule out possible tampering of the supplements.[189]
(Common misspellings for Green Tea Catechins include gren, tee, gree, catechin, polyphenol, catekin, ECG, EGEG, EGCG, EGG)
(Common phrases used by users for this page include how much catechins are in green tea extract, green tea hydrolysis, examine green tea, detailed summary of tea, catechin mechanism glucose translocator, Constituents of green tea ((-)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) and (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC)) are also effective inhibitors of COMT)
(Users who contributed to this page include KurtisFrank, Sol, fourba)
