Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Green Tea Extract?

R. Kayne
R. Kayne

Green tea extract is derived from leaves of camellia sinensis, the plant from which green, black and oolong teas are made. It is associated with several health benefits, many supported by preliminary scientific research. This includes potential cancer-fighting properties, and a strong antioxidant effect that protects the body from the damaging effect of free radicals. The scientific community notes, however, that continued research is necessary.

Green tea has been used for medicinal purposes in India and China for nearly 5,000 years. It is made by lightly steaming the leaves before allowing them to dry, which helps retains the active properties of the plant. Oolong tea is made by allowing the leaves to ferment slightly before drying, and black tea is made by allowing the leaves to ferment longer. Fermentation breaks down the active ingredients, making green tea or its extract the tea of choice.

Green tea extract is derived from leaves of camellia sinensis.
Green tea extract is derived from leaves of camellia sinensis.

Green tea extract, like many herbs, is standardized in the production phase to guarantee that a certain percentage of the active ingredients remain present in the final capsulized form. The active ingredients are polyphenols in the form of flavonoids like catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins and EGCG are powerful antioxidants that appear to interfere with and reduce the spread of certain types of cancer cells. The antioxidant activity of EGCG in green tea extract is purportedly up to 100 times more powerful than that of vitamin C or E.

When consumed on a regular basis, green tea has been shown to reduce one's chances of cancer.
When consumed on a regular basis, green tea has been shown to reduce one's chances of cancer.

Among populations in China and Japan, where high amounts of green tea are consumed daily, cancer rates are statistically lower. There is now growing scientific research from reputable sources that shows promising results as to how the active ingredients in green tea might be responsible for lowering rates of various kinds of cancer.

UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, an award-winning cancer research center, reported in their 2005 Cancer Discoveries newsletter that several published, peer-reviewed studies indicated that green tea extract “induces death in cancer cells” without affecting healthy cells, and prevents cancer cells from producing the “independent blood supply” required to spread to other parts of the body. This indicates that the extract might help to keep cancer contained, making it easier to treat.

Green tea.
Green tea.

Studies conducted by other respected universities and clinics have also showed promising results involving breast, liver, lung and colon cancer, among others. The Mayo Clinic conducted a small study using four patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Three of the four patients showed significant regression of CLL after taking green tea extract for a period of a few months. The fourth patient’s prognosis was improved, but not significantly. A larger trial is needed to see if these results can be repeated with consistency.

There are many health benefits associated with drinking green tea.
There are many health benefits associated with drinking green tea.

Green tea extract might also be beneficial in improving cardiovascular circulation by reducing LDL or “bad cholesterol,” suppressing appetite and improving oxidation of fat. These claims are not widely accepted by the scientific community, however, because they are based on animal models and only a few human studies.

When purchasing this extract, shoppers should look for a product that is standardized to a minimum of 90% polyphenols and 55% EGCG. Using this standard, a 500-milligram (mg) capsule will contain 275 mg EGCG, (500 mg x 55% = 275 mg). The suggested daily dose, according to some sources, is approximately 2 cups (473 ml) of green tea per day, or the equivalent of 200 to 400 mg EGCG per day. Note that green tea contains natural caffeine. Processes that remove the caffeine may also diminish the potency of active ingredients.

Both green tea and green tea extract, its concentrated form, are packed with antioxidants.
Both green tea and green tea extract, its concentrated form, are packed with antioxidants.

The quality of green tea extract will vary between brands, so consumers should read the labels carefully and not exceed the recommended dosage. This supplement should not be used instead of professional medical care, and is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. People should visit a healthcare professional regularly and follow a healthy routine of diet and exercise for optimum health.

Discussion Comments

anon70332

Don't take green tea extract! Drink Matcha! Look it up, you'll be surprised.

anon60907

How many vitamin k is in camellia sinensis?

anon35923

i love how no one even answers the important questions because they're too busy trying to sell stupid products, which is just a bunch of crap anyway or else you'd answer *honestly* the most important questions

anon29038

Green tea extract may cause liver damage.

anono1950

Does greet tea extract retain the high vitamin K levels of the leaf? Brewed green tea does not, according to reports I've read.

anon10442

I use the Green Tea Extract from Trader Joe's. Since I am not supposed to have caffeine I contacted their headquarters about the capsules. They said their 300 mg capsules have only 6 mg. of caffeine each. I hope this helps. Based on that, I take two per day.

anon9372

Is Green tea extract beneficial for other kinds of cancers or the only one mentioned in the article?

anon3308

How many milligrams of caffeine are in a standardized 500 mg capsule?

anon779

Does all green tea extract have caffine? How many mg of green tea extract would be similar to the amount of caffine found in a can of cola? Is there a down side to taking green tea extract or any cautions? Can the extract be habit forming?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Green tea extract is derived from leaves of camellia sinensis.
      By: tracingtea
      Green tea extract is derived from leaves of camellia sinensis.
    • When consumed on a regular basis, green tea has been shown to reduce one's chances of cancer.
      By: 9nong
      When consumed on a regular basis, green tea has been shown to reduce one's chances of cancer.
    • Green tea.
      By: NataliTerr
      Green tea.
    • There are many health benefits associated with drinking green tea.
      By: aleksandra_1981
      There are many health benefits associated with drinking green tea.
    • Both green tea and green tea extract, its concentrated form, are packed with antioxidants.
      By: Fisher Photostudio
      Both green tea and green tea extract, its concentrated form, are packed with antioxidants.