herb · for chronic inflammation
EGCG
Its catechins are meant to block the pathways that drive inflammatory signalling.
Say that in clinical terms
EGCG inhibits NF-kB and COX-2 pathways, reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production.
How strong is the research?
No significant effect of green tea catechin supplementation on plasma CRP (WMD 0.085 mg/L, 95% CI -0.225 to 0.395).
5 papers read, 4 against.
Who was studied: The effects turn up mostly in people with metabolic syndrome or obesity.
How much to take
daily
400–800 mg
Limit to under 800mg EGCG daily. Monitor liver function with high doses.
Before you take it
- EFSA (2018) Scientific Opinion found that EGCG doses ≥800 mg/day from food supplements produce statistically significant increases in serum transaminases; EU Regulation 2022/2340 restricts single-portion EGCG content to <800 mg. No NIH/IOM Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) has been established for EGCG as a supplement; EFSA's 800 mg/day threshold is the most specific regulatory benchmark available.
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI): EFSA reviewed 78+ case reports of liver injury linked to green tea extract supplements; risk is elevated with fasted intake and at high doses. UK Committee on Toxicity (COT) has independently reviewed and corroborated this evidence.
- CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein inhibition: EGCG may elevate plasma concentrations of statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin), calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), and some calcium channel blockers.
- Non-heme iron absorption inhibition: EGCG significantly reduces non-heme iron absorption; caution is warranted in iron-deficient individuals and those with anemia.
- Antibiotic interaction: EGCG chelates fluoroquinolones and may reduce beta-lactam and tetracycline absorption; doses should be separated by at least 2h before or 4-6h after antibiotic administration per NIH ODS guidance.
- Mild antiplatelet activity: additive bleeding risk with warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
- Contraindicated at supplemental doses during pregnancy: high-dose EGCG inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, impairing folate metabolism.
- Variable caffeine content: many green tea extracts retain caffeine; may exacerbate anxiety, hypertension, or arrhythmia in sensitive individuals.
What we make of it
The paper we cite is about cholesterol, not inflammation.
The detail
The citation is a pooled analysis of green tea catechins and cholesterol. It is the wrong source for an inflammation claim, whatever the underlying biology suggests.