True Nutrition's green tea extract is extracted from dried tea leaves, producing a largely unoxidized product that is at least 98% polyphenols, >82.5% catechins, >50% EGCG (catechin epigallocatechin gallate) and approximately 5-6% caffeine. Green tea is becoming widely known as for its multitude of healthful actions, including free-radical quenching and anti-cancer effects, and its potential to reduce body fat.

The anti-oxidant effects of green tea extract is related to its polyphenol content(1), of which EGCG is considered the most important(2). Mixtures of EGCG have demonstrated anti-cancer effects, for instance, against pancreatic(3) and androgen-sensitive prostatic cancer cells(4). The polyphenols in green tea extract have also been shown to inhibit angiogenesis (tissue vascularization), which is necessary for tumor growth(5)

Green tea polyphenols inhibit lipogenesis (fat synthesis) and have lipid lowering effects(6-8). Green tea extract is lipolytic (breaks down fat) and thermogenic (increases metabolism) by acting on the beta-adrenoreceptors(9) (where noradrenaline binds to increase fat oxidation and metabolic rate), as well as by inhibiting COMT(10), the enzyme that breaks down noradrenaline. Additionally, green tea and green tea extract contain caffeine, which has its own lipolytic actions(11).

Several studies have demonstrated real-world effects of green tea extract on fat metabolism and body composition. Dulloo et al., found that green tea extract (90mg EGCG) increased metabolic rate and fat oxidation in combination with caffeine (when no effect of caffeine was found)(10), an effect they attribute to brown fat thermogenesis(12). A study from Angelo Tremblay's lab found that combining guarana (an herbal source of caffeine) with green tea extract increases energy expenditure(13). Two studies of rats fed high-fat diets both suggest the green tea prevents adipose tissue accretion during weight gain(7, 9). Conversely, a 3 month study of overweight persons found that a green tea extract mixture decreases body mass and waist circumference by 4 - 5%(14). Over approximately 1 month of dieting, green tea extract supplementation (1125mg catechins / day) may also prevent the reduction in resting metabolic rate that caffeine will not prevent(15). Lastly, a study with overweight and obese subjects found that a caffeine-containing (150mg / day) green tea mixture was effective for maintaining weight loss in individuals who previously were not regular consumers of caffeine(16), although a previous study by this group suggests that caffeine consumption is a more important variable in weight regain than green tea extract supplementation per se(17).

Supplement Use

Green tea extract (approximately 3 grams containing 1g catechins and 180 mg caffeine taken daily in 2-3 divided doses) can be used as anti-oxidant in combination with Alpha Lipoic Acid and vitamin C powder. True Nutrition's green tea extract can also be used for weight loss, in conjunction with an appropriate diet and exercise regimen and possibly caffeine or possibly to prevent fat accumulation and unfavorable blood lipid alterations during weight gain. Those wishing to protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease, in particular males in whom androgens may increase the risk of prostate cancer(18) and unfavorably alter blood lipid profile(19), might consider green tea extract, under the advices of his / her physician.

Ingredients

Green Tea Extract >98% Polyphenols.

Packaging

Packaged in heat-sealed foil pouches.

General Warnings

If you are currently pregnant or nursing, consult a physician prior to use. Keep out of the reach of children.

Allergen Warnings

This product is free from all forms of shell fish, tree nuts, yeast, gluten, salt, preservatives, lactose, and soy. This product is manufactured in a facility that handles soy, gluten, and milk products. Products ordered using Premium Flavor Systems will contain artificial flavoring and sweeteners. This product is manufactured in a facility that handles milk, soy, egg, peanut, nut, tree, fish, crustaceans/shellfish, and wheat products.

Volumetric Measures: 

Use the table below to approximate the gram equivalent weight for a given level measuring spoon (US Standard). Please note that accurate dosing should only be done with a recommended calibrated scale.

DISCLAIMER: The above description is provided for information only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician or the appropriately licensed professional before engaging in a program of exercise or nutritional supplementation. No information in this site has been reviewed by the FDA. No product is intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any disease.

References

1. Seeram, N.P., et al., Catechin and caffeine content of green tea dietary supplements and correlation with antioxidant capacity. J Agric Food Chem, 2006. 54(5): p. 1599-603. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=16506807

2. Higdon, J.V. and B. Frei, Tea catechins and polyphenols: health effects, metabolism, and antioxidant functions. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2003. 43(1): p. 89-143. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=12587987

3. Lyn-Cook, B.D., et al., Chemopreventive effects of tea extracts and various components on human pancreatic and prostate tumor cells in vitro. Nutr Cancer, 1999. 35(1): p. 80-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=10624710

4. Yu, H.N., et al., Growth inhibition of prostate cancer cells by epigallocatechin gallate in the presence of Cu2+. J Agric Food Chem, 2004. 52(3): p. 462-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=14759133

5. Cao, Y., et al., Antiangiogenic mechanisms of diet-derived polyphenols. J Nutr Biochem, 2002. 13(7): p. 380-390. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=12121824

6. Yeh, C.W., et al., Suppression of fatty acid synthase in MCF-7 breast cancer cells by tea and tea polyphenols: a possible mechanism for their hypolipidemic effects. Pharmacogenomics J, 2003. 3(5): p. 267-76. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=12931129

7. Hasegawa, N., et al., Powdered green tea has antilipogenic effect on Zucker rats fed a high-fat diet. Phytother Res, 2003. 17(5): p. 477-80. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=12748982

8. Lin, J.K. and S.Y. Lin-Shiau, Mechanisms of hypolipidemic and anti-obesity effects of tea and tea polyphenols. Mol Nutr Food Res, 2006. 50(2): p. 211-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=16404708

9. Choo, J.J., Green tea reduces body fat accretion caused by high-fat diet in rats through beta-adrenoceptor activation of thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. J Nutr Biochem, 2003. 14(11): p. 671-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=14629899

10. Dulloo, A.G., 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(6): p. 1040-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=10584049

11. Astrup, A., et al., Pharmacology of thermogenic drugs. Am J Clin.Nutr., 1992. 55: p. 246S-248S.

12. Dulloo, A.G., et al., Green tea and thermogenesis: interactions between catechin-polyphenols, caffeine and sympathetic activity. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord, 2000. 24(2): p. 252-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=10702779

13. Berube-Parent, S., et al., Effects of encapsulated green tea and Guarana extracts containing a mixture of epigallocatechin-3-gallate and caffeine on 24 h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in men. Br J Nutr, 2005. 94(3): p. 432-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=16176615

14. Chantre, P. and D. Lairon, Recent findings of green tea extract AR25 (Exolise) and its activity for the treatment of obesity. Phytomedicine, 2002. 9(1): p. 3-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=11924761

15. Diepvens, K., et al., Effect of green tea on resting energy expenditure and substrate oxidation during weight loss in overweight females. Br J Nutr, 2005. 94(6): p. 1026-34. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=16351782

16. Westerterp-Plantenga, M.S., et al., Body weight loss and weight maintenance in relation to habitual caffeine intake and green tea supplementation. Obes Res, 2005. 13(7): p. 1195-204. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=16076989

17. Kovacs, E.M., et al., Effects of green tea on weight maintenance after body-weight loss. Br J Nutr, 2004. 91(3): p. 431-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=15005829

18. Jackson, J.A., et al., Prostatic complications of testosterone replacement therapy. Arch Intern Med, 1989. 149: p. 2365-2366.

19. Wu, F.C. and A. von Eckardstein, Androgens and coronary artery disease. Endocr Rev, 2003. 24(2): p. 183-217. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=12700179