Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Epicatechin gallate (ECG) is a catechin flavanol found in green tea that exhibits antioxidant and metabolic properties. ECG works primarily through free radical scavenging and modulation of cellular signaling pathways involved in fat metabolism.
Origin & History
Epicatechin gallate (ECG) is a flavan-3-ol polyphenol formed by the esterification of gallic acid with epicatechin, naturally abundant in green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves and found in trace amounts in cocoa and grapes. It is typically extracted via hot water infusion or solvent extraction from green tea leaves, followed by chromatographic purification, representing 5-10% of total catechins in standardized extracts.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Human clinical evidence for isolated ECG is limited, as most research investigates green tea catechins collectively with ECG as a minor component (5-10%). A 2016 meta-analysis of 15 RCTs (n=1,243) examined green tea catechins at 200-1,000 mg/day doses (PMID: 26932635), while specific trials include a 2009 RCT in 60 overweight women (PMID: 19597519) and a 2020 RCT in 80 type 2 diabetes patients (PMID: 32067869).
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Epicatechin gallate (ECG) is a pure bioactive polyphenolic compound, not a food source, so macronutrient and micronutrient framing is not applicable. Molecular weight: 442.37 g/mol. Chemical class: Flavan-3-ol ester (catechin esterified with gallic acid at the 3-position). Typical concentrations in dietary sources: green tea leaves contain approximately 10–50 mg ECG per gram dry weight; brewed green tea contains approximately 15–90 mg ECG per 200–250 mL cup depending on brewing conditions and tea variety. In green tea extracts used in clinical trials, ECG typically constitutes 10–30% of total catechin content. Structurally distinct from EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) by absence of one hydroxyl group on the B-ring. Bioavailability is limited and variable: peak plasma concentration (Cmax) reached approximately 1–2 hours post-ingestion; absolute bioavailability estimated at less than 5% due to extensive first-pass metabolism, limited intestinal absorption, and colonic microbial degradation into smaller phenolic metabolites (e.g., 3-O-methyl-ECG, phenylvalerolactones, and phenylpropionic acid derivatives). Protein binding in plasma is high (>80%). Food matrix effects: absorption is reduced when consumed with milk proteins (casein binding) and enhanced slightly in a fasted state. No fiber, vitamin, or mineral content as it is an isolated compound.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Epicatechin gallate functions as a potent antioxidant by scavenging reactive oxygen species and chelating metal ions. ECG modulates key metabolic enzymes including catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways. The compound also inhibits fatty acid synthase and promotes thermogenesis through norepinephrine signaling enhancement.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Clinical evidence for epicatechin gallate primarily comes from green tea catechin mixture studies rather than isolated ECG research. A 12-week randomized controlled trial with 87mg daily ECG (as part of catechin blend) showed 1.1kg weight reduction in overweight women. Meta-analyses of 15 RCTs demonstrate modest cardiovascular benefits from catechin mixtures containing ECG. Evidence quality remains moderate due to limited isolated ECG studies and variable dosing protocols.
Also Known As
Research updates — and 25% off your first order
Join our list for source-aware wellness education, review-state updates, and product news — and unlock 25% off your first Hermetica order. Educational content is not medical advice. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.