Nootropic profile
EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate)
The most potent catechin in green tea with powerful neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties - supports working memory, attention, and protection against age-related cognitive decline.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate)?
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and biologically active catechin polyphenol in green tea (Camellia sinensis), accounting for 50-80% of green tea's total catechin content.
What it does for you
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How to take it
- Supplement dosage: 200-400 mg of EGCG per day from standardised green tea extract
- Green tea equivalent: 3-5 cups of green tea daily provides approximately 150-350 mg of EGCG
- Timing: Take on an empty stomach for maximum absorption, or with a light meal. Avoid taking with iron-rich meals as EGCG inhibits non-haem iron absorption
- Vitamin C pairing: Taking EGCG with vitamin C (50-100 mg) stabilises the catechin and improves its absorption
- Onset: Acute cognitive effects (alpha-wave increase) within 1-2 hours. Neuroprotective benefits develop over weeks to months
Watch out for
- Generally safe from tea: Green tea has thousands of years of safe consumption. Moderate intake (3-5 cups/day) is well established as safe
- Liver caution at high doses: Concentrated EGCG supplements above 800 mg/day have been associated with rare cases of liver injury. Stay below 400 mg/day from...
- Iron absorption: EGCG significantly inhibits non-haem iron absorption. Individuals with iron deficiency should separate EGCG from iron-rich meals by 2+ hours
- Caffeine content: Green tea extract supplements may contain residual caffeine. Decaffeinated extracts are available for caffeine-sensitive individuals
- Drug interactions: May interact with blood thinners (warfarin), beta-blockers (nadolol), and some chemotherapy agents. Consult your doctor if taking medications
The science, if you're curious.
- Directly binds to amyloid-beta peptides and alpha-synuclein, preventing their aggregation into neurotoxic oligomers and fibrils
- Activates the Nrf2 antioxidant response element, upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes including glutathione, SOD, and catalase
- Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the hippocampus, supporting neuroplasticity and neurogenesis
- Chelates redox-active iron (Fe3+) and copper (Cu2+) ions that catalyse Fenton reactions generating hydroxyl radicals in the brain
Where to find it
- Standardised green tea extract: Capsules standardised to 50-98% EGCG content, widely available from supplement retailers
- Matcha: Shade-grown green tea powder containing high EGCG concentrations (approximately 3x regular green tea per gram)
- Green tea: Loose-leaf or bagged green tea. Brewing at 70-80C for 2-3 minutes maximises catechin extraction
- Decaffeinated green tea extract: Available for those wanting EGCG benefits without caffeine
Frequently asked
The most potent catechin in green tea with powerful neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties - supports working memory, attention, and protection against age-related cognitive decline.
The main benefits people report from EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) are: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood.
Supplement dosage: 200-400 mg of EGCG per day from standardised green tea extractGreen tea equivalent: 3-5 cups of green tea daily provides approximately 150-350 mg of EGCGTiming: Take on an empty stomach for maximum absorption, or with a light meal. Avoid taking with iron-rich meals as EGCG inhibit...
Generally safe from tea: Green tea has thousands of years of safe consumption. Moderate intake (3-5 cups/day) is well established as safeLiver caution at high doses: Concentrated EGCG supplements above 800 mg/day have been associated with rare cases of liver injury. Stay below 400 mg/day from...Iron...
Directly binds to amyloid-beta peptides and alpha-synuclein, preventing their aggregation into neurotoxic oligomers and fibrilsActivates the Nrf2 antioxidant response element, upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes including glutathione, SOD, and catalaseIncreases brain-derived neurotrophic fac...
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