herb · for high cholesterol
EGCG
Thought to block some cholesterol from being absorbed, and help your liver clear more of it.
Say that in clinical terms
EGCG is thought to reduce intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol and modestly increase LDL-receptor activity in the liver, improving clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood.
How strong is the research?
Strong evidence
2 papers read, 2 supporting.
Tested as: green tea extract standardized to EGCG, 107-856 mg EGCG/day for 4-14 weeks, taken as a concentrated supplement (not brewed tea)
How much to take
107–856 mg
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.