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Green Tea Extract

Botanical name(s):

Camellia sinensis. Family: Theaceae

Other name(s):

green tea, Chinese tea, green sencha tea, Japanese tea, Yame tea

General description

Green tea comes from the plant Camellia sinensis. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all made from this plant but are processed differently.

Green tea extract is rich in polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is the most potent. Green tea and oolong tea have the highest polyphenol content, offering numerous health benefits. In contrast, the fermentation process for black tea reduces its polyphenol levels by converting them into theaflavins and thearubigins. Each tea type contains varying amounts of catechins and tannins.

Moreover, tea contains other significant compounds like caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. The polyphenols in green tea act as strong antioxidants.

Tea ranks as the second most popular beverage globally, enjoyed for its taste and stimulating effects.

Demonstrated uses

Studies indicate that green tea polyphenols might reduce the risk of certain cancers or slow their progression, though human studies show mixed results.

Tea serves as a stimulant beverage. Caffeine and other methylxanthines increase alertness, offering a mild stimulant effect.

An FDA-approved green tea extract ointment has been effective in treating external genital and perianal warts and is available by prescription.

Claims

There may be additional benefits that are not yet substantiated by research.

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Green tea may act as a mild diuretic and possibly help lower cholesterol.

Suggested dosage

Green tea extract is available in oral capsules with varying strengths. Follow the package instructions for the correct dosage.

For brewing green tea from loose leaves or tea bags, steep them in hot water briefly without letting the water reach a scalding temperature to preserve critical chemicals in the leaves.

Side effects

Caffeine in green tea can cause side effects such as anxiety, tremors, irritability, and sleep disturbances, especially if you're sensitive to caffeine or consume large amounts. These side effects are generally less common with green tea compared to other caffeinated beverages due to the shorter steeping time.

While the fluoride in green tea may help prevent tooth decay, its tannic acid content can stain teeth.

Green tea extracts may lead to liver problems, with symptoms such as jaundice, nausea, and stomach pain. If these occur, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider immediately. The severity of liver-related side effects may depend on the daily amount of green tea extract consumed.

Interactions

Green tea may alter the effects of medications like nadolol, a beta-blocker used for managing high blood pressure and heart problems, potentially reducing its efficacy. It also contains small amounts of vitamin K, which can interfere with blood thinners. Additionally, since green tea acts as a mild stimulant, avoid combining it with other stimulants.

Consult your healthcare provider before using green tea, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to use it

Beginner: Add up to 1 tube to 4 oz of your favorite base cream or water-based formula.

Advanced: This ingredient is recommended for use at up to 1% in formulations. It is soluble in glycerin, ethoxydiglycol, and water with an optimal pH range of 3-5. For best results, add this ingredient to creams or thicker serums as sediment can form in thinner products lacking suspension capabilities.

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