Other names for catechins

Green Tea Catechins
EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate)
Tea Polyphenol Extract
Catechin
Catechin (unspecified)
Catechin gallate
Catechins (unspecified)

Synopsis of catechins

Catechins are a class of polyphenolic flavonoids found abundantly in tea (especially green tea), cocoa, berries, apples, and red wine, recognized for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective effects. As natural plant compounds, catechins play a central role in neutralizing free radicals, modulating inflammation, and supporting metabolic health. The most studied catechin is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), primarily sourced from green tea (Camellia sinensis).

Key types of catechins include:

• Catechin (C)
• Epicatechin (EC)
• Epicatechin gallate (ECG)
• Epigallocatechin (EGC)
• Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) – the most bioactive and widely researched

Health benefits and actions of catechins:

• Powerful antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress and aging
• Support cardiovascular health by improving endothelial function and reducing LDL oxidation
• Help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity
• Exhibit anti-obesity effects by enhancing fat oxidation and metabolism
• Possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, supporting immune and oral health
• Show neuroprotective potential, with research on cognitive health and mood support

Common sources:

• Green tea and matcha – highest concentrations of EGCG
• Dark chocolate and cocoa
• Black tea, though oxidation reduces catechin content
• Apples, grapes, plums, and berries

Historical Use:

While the term “catechins” is modern, the health benefits of catechin-rich foods—particularly green tea—have been recognized for centuries in Traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, where tea was revered as a longevity tonic, digestive aid, and mental clarifier.

In Ayurveda, many catechin-rich plants like amla, pomegranate, and guava leaves were used for their rejuvenating and astringent qualities, associated with reducing inflammation, fatigue, and metabolic sluggishness.

Scientific interest in catechins, particularly EGCG, grew in the late 20th century, with studies linking green tea consumption to lower cardiovascular risk, cancer protection, and improved metabolic profiles. Today, catechins are widely used in functional foods, nutraceuticals, fat-burner formulas, and anti-aging supplements, valued for their broad spectrum of protective, regulatory, and detoxifying actions.

Catechins is used for these health conditions

Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Colds (antiviral) (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Free Radical Damage (Scientific)
Gastritis (Scientific)
Gingivitis (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Influenza (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Oral Surgery (Scientific)
Osteoporosis (Scientific)
Parkinson's Disease (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)

catechins is used to support these body systems

Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Gums (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Mitochondria (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)
Spleen (Traditional)

Products containing catechins

Metagenics Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs