Other Names : Epigallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin-3-gallate<br>
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant [[catechin]] in tea. <br>See also : *[[Green Tea]]* [[Matcha]]
==Special Precautions of EGCG==
* A study using mouse models at the University of Southern California showed that, in contrast to the myriad benefits commonly associated with green tea and green tea extract (GTE), EGCG binds with the anti-cancer drug Velcade, significantly reducing its bioavailability and thereby rendering it therapeutically useless. Schönthal, who headed the study, suggests that consumption of green tea and GTE products be strongly contraindicated for patients undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma.
* Maternal consumption of tea or coffee during pregnancy may elevate the risk of childhood malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumours through unknown mechanisms.
* A study in mice found that a high dose of EGCG raises ALT levels considerably
* Limit green tea consumption during pregnancy, since EGCG is thought to reduce the use of folic acid in cells.* [[Matcha]] green tea is higher in EGCG than ordinary green tea so avoid taking very large amounts of the powdered form as this may pose a similar risk to liver health.
==Health Benefits and uses of EGCG are==
EGCG is supposed to be the active compound that is responsible for antioxidant properties of green tea and possibly fat burning properties. In Chinese medicine, EGCG is used to manage hormone levels with treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia to acne. EGCG may prove to be beneficial for many conditions for men and women.