Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract concentrates constituents of Camellia sinensis leaves, mainly catechins and, unless decaffeinated, caffeine.
Also listed as Camellia Sinensis, GTE, Green Tea Catechins, Green Tea Leaf Extract
How much does cholesterol change?
A meta-analysis of 31 randomized trials involving 3,321 participants found an average LDL reduction of about 4.6 mg/dL. Total cholesterol also fell modestly; HDL and triglycerides did not change significantly. The trials included different preparations and populations, so this is a small average biomarker effect, not a demonstrated reduction in heart attacks. 1
A modest pooled LDL effect; the size and clinical implications do not justify a broad cardiovascular-protection claim. 1
Does it produce meaningful weight loss?
Cochrane examined 18 studies of weight loss or maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity. Weight-loss effects were very small and unlikely to matter clinically; maintenance studies did not show benefit. This finding is stronger than simply saying the question has never been studied. 2
The reviewed trials did not establish clinically meaningful weight loss or improved weight maintenance. 2
Could it help attention?
A review of 21 human studies found encouraging results for memory and attention. It covered several study designs and different tea constituents. The authors emphasized combined caffeine and L-theanine effects, rather than attributing cognition benefits to one component. That leaves a specific question for each extract, especially one selected only for its EGCG content. 3
Human findings are promising, but they do not establish the same benefit for every green tea extract. 3
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Cardiovascular2 effects
Essential Health1 effect
Longevity1 effect
Cognition3 effects
Weight Management2 effects
Other effects1 effect
All studies
24 publications are linked to Green Tea Extract, newest first.