Latin
Name
Part of the Plant Used
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Camellia sinensis O.Ktze.
Leaf |
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Description
Green tea is the second-most consumed beverage in the world
(water is the first) and has been used medicinally for centuries
in India and China. A number of beneficial health effects are
attributed to regular consumption of green tea and dried/powdered
extracts of green tea are available as dietary supplements
Green tea is prepared by picking, lightly steaming and allowing
the leaves to dry. Black tea, the most popular type of tea in
the U.S., is made by allowing the leaves to ferment before drying.
Due to differences in the fermentation process, a portion of
the active compounds are destroyed in black tea, but remain
active in green tea. The active constituents in green tea are
a family of polyphenols (catechins) and flavonols which possess
potent antioxidant activity. Tannins, large polyphenol molecules,
form the bulk of the active compounds in green tea, with catechins
comprising nearly 90%. Several catechins are present in significant
quantities; epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin
gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG makes
up about 10-50% of the total catechin content and appears to
be the most powerful of the catechins ¨C with antioxidant activity
about 25-100 times more potent than vitamins C and E. A cup
of green tea may provide 10-40mg of polyphenols and has antioxidant
activity greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots
or strawberries. A number of commercial green tea extracts are
standardized to total polyphenol content and/or EGCG content. |
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Claims
Anti-atherogenic/ Reduces cholesterol & triglycerides
Reduces blood clotting
Enhances immune function
Enhances weight loss
Anti-cancer
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Safety
Green tea consumption of as much as 20 cups per day has not
been associated with any significant side effects. In high doses,
teas that contain caffeine may lead to restlessness, insomnia,
and tachycardia. Decaffeinated versions of green tea and green
tea extracts are available ¨C but due to differences in caffeine
extraction methods, the amounts of phenolic/catechin compounds
can vary between extracts. Be sure to choose an extract that
is decaffeinated as well as standardized for total polyphenol
content and/or catechin concentrations. In addition, individuals
taking aspirin or other anticoagulant medications (including
vitamin E and ginkgo biloba) on a daily basis should be aware
of the possible inhibition of platelet aggregation (blood clotting)
associated with green tea (in some cases, green tea may prolong
bleeding times). |
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Value
Especially beneficial to individuals at high risk for cancer
(e.g. family history) or those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation
treatment. Also beneficial as a general protective measure and
dietary "insurance" of adequate polyphenol intake.
Recent data provides strong evidence that green tea may be effective
in stimulating thermogenesis, increasing caloric expenditure,
promoting fat oxidation and controlling body weight. |
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Product Specification
Polyphenols 40%-98%, Catechins 20%-80% £¨DL-C, EGC, EC, EGCg,
ECg, GCg),EGCG 30%-98%, Caffeine<0.1% Different specs of
Green Tea Extracts available
Dosage
Typical dosage recommendations are for 125-500mg/day ¨C preferably
of an extract standardized to at least 60% polyphenols and/or
EGCG as a marker compound (this should be equvalent to 4-10
cups of brewed green tea).
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