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ingestible · for weight management

Green Tea Extract (EGCG)

Reviewed by the Nimbera editorial team · Last updated May 2026

Chen IJ 2016 Clinical Nutrition (PMID 26093535) - 12-week double-blind RCT in 102 women with central obesity showed 856.8 mg/day EGCG produced significant reductions in body weight (p=0.025), BMI (p=0.018), and waist circumference (p=0.023), with 5.33% reduction in total cholesterol, alongside lowered ghrelin and elevated adiponectin.$15-35/month

How to use

Take 400-856 mg standardized green tea extract (45-50% EGCG) daily, preferably in the morning or before exercise. Alternatively, drink 3-5 cups of brewed green tea daily. Avoid taking on an empty stomach to reduce nausea.

How it works

EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) inhibits catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), slowing norepinephrine breakdown and prolonging thermogenesis. It also lowers ghrelin (hunger hormone) and raises adiponectin (a fat-metabolism hormone), supporting both appetite regulation and fat oxidation.

Where to buy

Jarrow Formulas Green Tea 500 ($15-20 for 100 caps), NOW Foods EGCg Green Tea Extract ($20-30 for 180 caps), Thorne Green Tea Phytosome ($35-45 for 60 caps). Also widely available as loose-leaf or bagged green tea.

Typical cost: $15-35/month

Safety notes

Green tea extract at high doses can cause liver toxicity in rare cases - do not exceed recommended doses and stop use if you develop jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain. Contains caffeine; avoid in the evening and if sensitive to stimulants. May interact with blood thinners (warfarin) and certain chemotherapy drugs. Avoid in pregnancy at supplemental doses.

Drug & supplement interactions

  • Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements you take.
  • Interactions can occur with prescription medications, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants.
  • Herbal remedies can affect how the body absorbs or metabolises drugs.
  • Check drugs.com interactions checker before starting.

Clinical source

Chen IJ 2016 - Clinical Nutrition (PMID 26093535)

This information is compiled from primary clinical literature and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.