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Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)


Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a catechin found in green tea.

Research has shown this catechin is the most potent with activities ranging from scavenging free radicals to burning fat. EGCG may help protect against a number of cancers by stopping the blood supply to tumors (angiogenesis) and causing cancer cells to self-destruct (apoptosis). It also encourages phase 2 detoxifying enzymes in the liver.

EGCG helps to inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is a key factor in the development of heart disease.

EGCG also may help to promote thermogenesis-or fat burning activity-by inhibiting the enzyme catechol-O-methyl-transferase which inactivates norepinephrine.

Find Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in:

  • Green Tea

    Green Tea

    Green tea has gained great popularity in the U...

Ahmad N, Mukhtar H. Green tea polyphenols and cancer: biologic mechanisms and practical implications. Nutr Rev. 1999; 57:78-83.Cao Y, Cao R. Angiogenesis inhibited by drinking tea. Nature. 1999; 398:381.Dulloo AG, Duret C, Rohrer D, et al. Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 70:1040-1045.Dulloo AG, Seydoux J, Girardier L, et al. Green tea and thermogenesis: interactions between catechin-polyphenols, caffeine and sympathetic activity. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2000; 24:252-258.Gupta S, Ahmad N, Mukhtar H. Prostate cancer chemoprevention by green tea. Semin Urol Oncol. 1999; 17:70-76. Kang WS, Lim IH, Yuk DY, et al. Antithrombotic activities of green tea catechins and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate. Throm Res. 1999; 96:229-237.L`Allemain G. [Multiple actions of EGCG, the main component of green tea]. [Article in French]. Bull Cancer. 1999; 86:721-724.Miura Y, Chiba T, Miura S, et al. Green tea polyphenols (flavan 3-ols) prevent oxidative modification of low density lipoproteins: an ex vivo study in humans. J Nutr Biochem. 2000; 11:216-222.Suganuma M, Okabe S, Sueoka N, et al. Green tea and cancer chemoprevention. Mutation Res. 1999; 428:339-344.Yang TTC, Koo MWL. Inhibitory effect of Chinese green tea on endothelial cell-induced LDL oxidation. Atherosclerosis. 2000; 148:67-73.

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