# GreenSelect Phytosome (Camellia sinensis)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/greenselect-phytosome
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** GSP, Green Tea Phytosome, Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract Phytosome, EGCG Phytosome, Camellia sinensis Phytosome, Phosphatidylcholine-Green Tea Complex, Lecithin-Complexed Green Tea Extract

## Overview

GreenSelect Phytosome is a patented complex of decaffeinated green tea extract (Camellia sinensis) bound to phosphatidylcholine, enhancing the bioavailability of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) compared to standard green tea extracts. Its primary mechanism involves EGCG-mediated inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and activation of AMPK pathways to support metabolic function and weight management.

## Health Benefits

• Metabolic syndrome improvement: 68% of subjects shifted out of borderline metabolic syndrome vs. 20% in controls (single-blind controlled study, n=50)
• Weight reduction: Significant decrease from 88.4 kg to 76.6 kg over 24 weeks (preliminary evidence from one registry study)
• Lipid profile improvement: Reduced triglycerides (168.0 to 154.7 mg/dL) and increased HDL cholesterol in both men and women (single-blind controlled study)
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Plasma free radicals decreased from 466.4 to 312 arbitrary units (preliminary evidence)
• Enhanced bioavailability: Phytosome formulation improves catechin absorption compared to standard green tea extracts (mechanistic evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

GreenSelect Phytosome delivers EGCG, which inhibits catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), prolonging catecholamine activity and increasing thermogenesis and fat oxidation. EGCG also activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), suppressing lipogenic enzymes such as fatty acid synthase (FAS) and improving [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) at the cellular level. The phosphatidylcholine matrix facilitates absorption through intestinal membranes via lipid-mediated transport, significantly increasing plasma EGCG concentrations relative to unbound green tea extracts.

## Clinical Summary

A single-blind controlled study (n=50) found that subjects supplementing with GreenSelect Phytosome were 68% more likely to shift out of borderline metabolic syndrome compared to 20% in the control group over 24 weeks. A preliminary registry study documented a significant reduction in mean body weight from 88.4 kg to 76.6 kg over the same 24-week period, though this study lacked full double-blind methodology. Additional evidence suggests improvements in lipid profiles, including reductions in [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and triglycerides, though the overall body of clinical evidence remains limited to small trials and requires replication in larger, randomized controlled studies. The phytosome delivery form consistently outperforms standard green tea extract in pharmacokinetic endpoints across available comparative studies.

## Nutritional Profile

GreenSelect Phytosome is a patented standardized extract of green tea (Camellia sinensis) complexed with phosphatidylcholine (from soy lecithin) in a 1:2 ratio (extract:phosphatidylcholine by weight), which significantly enhances bioavailability of polyphenols compared to standard green tea extract. Key bioactive compounds: Catechins as primary actives, standardized to approximately 150–300 mg total catechins per typical serving dose (300–600 mg of the phytosome complex); Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the dominant catechin, comprising approximately 45–55% of total catechins (roughly 75–165 mg EGCG per serving); additional catechins include epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epicatechin (EC) in smaller proportions. Caffeine content: present but typically reduced in standardized extracts, estimated at 5–20 mg per serving depending on formulation. Phosphatidylcholine content: approximately 200–400 mg per serving as the phytosome carrier, contributing choline as a micronutrient (~28–55 mg choline equivalent). Bioavailability notes: The phytosome complex increases EGCG oral bioavailability by approximately 1.7-fold compared to unbound green tea extract, with studies reporting higher plasma Cmax and AUC for catechins; phosphatidylcholine complexation protects polyphenols from gut degradation and enhances lymphatic absorption. Macronutrients are negligible at typical dosing (300–600 mg/day). No meaningful fiber, protein, or fat content beyond the phospholipid carrier. Minerals and vitamins are trace and not clinically significant at supplement doses.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosage: 300-450 mg/day of GreenSelect Phytosome (based on 150 mg tablets with >93% compliance). Standardized to ≥13% EGCG, 19-25% polyphenols, ≤0.1% caffeine. Available as coated tablets (Monoselect Camellia). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

GreenSelect Phytosome is formulated as a decaffeinated extract, reducing stimulant-related side effects such as [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), tachycardia, and anxiety that are associated with caffeine-containing green tea products. High-dose EGCG supplementation has been linked to hepatotoxicity in rare cases, and individuals with liver conditions should consult a physician before use. EGCG may interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin by inhibiting platelet aggregation, and may reduce the bioavailability of certain medications including nadolol and some statins via inhibition of intestinal transport proteins. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data and the theoretical risk of folate interference associated with high EGCG intake.

## Scientific Research

Evidence for GreenSelect Phytosome comes primarily from a single-blind controlled registry study (n=50) over 24 weeks in subjects with borderline metabolic syndrome factors, showing improvements in weight, lipids, and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers. No RCTs, meta-analyses, or PubMed PMIDs were identified for GSP-specific trials in the available research.

## Historical & Cultural Context

While GreenSelect Phytosome is a modern formulation, its source plant Camellia sinensis has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for 2,000-3,000 years for [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), detoxification, and [longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity). Green tea processing involves steaming or firing leaves post-harvest to preserve catechins.

## Synergistic Combinations

Berberine, Alpha-lipoic acid, Chromium picolinate, Cinnamon extract, Bitter melon extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is GreenSelect Phytosome and how is it different from regular green tea extract?

GreenSelect Phytosome is a patented ingredient that binds decaffeinated Camellia sinensis extract to phosphatidylcholine, a phospholipid that enhances intestinal absorption of EGCG. This phytosome technology significantly increases plasma EGCG bioavailability compared to standard green tea extracts, meaning a lower dose can achieve greater biological activity. It is also caffeine-free, making it suitable for individuals sensitive to stimulants.

### How much weight loss can you expect from GreenSelect Phytosome?

A preliminary registry study reported a mean body weight reduction from 88.4 kg to 76.6 kg (approximately 11.8 kg) over 24 weeks of supplementation, though this study was not fully double-blinded and results should be interpreted cautiously. Weight loss outcomes likely depend on concurrent diet and lifestyle factors, as the study participants were also following dietary guidance. Larger, rigorously controlled trials are needed to confirm the magnitude of this effect.

### What is the recommended dosage of GreenSelect Phytosome?

Clinical studies on GreenSelect Phytosome have typically used doses of 150 mg twice daily (300 mg/day total), which is the dose commonly referenced in metabolic syndrome and weight management research. Because of the enhanced bioavailability from the phytosome matrix, this dose delivers meaningful EGCG exposure without requiring the higher doses needed with conventional green tea extracts. Individuals should follow label directions and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing guidance.

### Can GreenSelect Phytosome help with metabolic syndrome?

A single-blind controlled study of 50 subjects found that 68% of participants taking GreenSelect Phytosome shifted out of borderline metabolic syndrome criteria after 24 weeks, compared to only 20% in the control group. The proposed mechanisms include AMPK activation improving insulin sensitivity, COMT inhibition supporting thermogenesis, and lipid-lowering effects reducing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. While these results are promising, the evidence base is currently limited and should not replace standard medical treatment for metabolic syndrome.

### Is GreenSelect Phytosome safe to take daily and does it interact with medications?

GreenSelect Phytosome is generally well tolerated when used at studied doses, particularly because it is decaffeinated, eliminating stimulant-related risks. However, EGCG can inhibit intestinal transport proteins such as OATP1A2, potentially reducing absorption of drugs including beta-blockers like nadolol and certain statins, so timing of doses relative to medications matters. Individuals taking anticoagulants like warfarin or those with liver conditions should consult a physician before daily use, as high-dose EGCG supplementation has rare associations with elevated liver enzymes.

### What clinical evidence supports GreenSelect Phytosome for lipid profile improvement?

Clinical studies show that GreenSelect Phytosome reduces triglyceride levels (approximately 168.0 to 154.7 mg/dL) while simultaneously increasing HDL cholesterol in both men and women. These lipid improvements suggest potential cardiovascular benefits beyond weight management alone. However, the strength of evidence varies across studies, and results may be influenced by diet and lifestyle factors.

### Who is most likely to benefit from GreenSelect Phytosome supplementation?

GreenSelect Phytosome appears most beneficial for individuals with metabolic syndrome or borderline metabolic syndrome, as clinical data shows 68% of subjects shifted out of borderline metabolic syndrome status compared to only 20% in controls. It may also benefit those seeking modest weight reduction combined with improvements in triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels. Individuals with caffeine sensitivity should be aware that green tea extracts contain some caffeine content.

### How does the phytosome delivery system in GreenSelect affect its effectiveness compared to standard green tea extracts?

The phytosome technology in GreenSelect bonds green tea catechins to phospholipids, which is designed to enhance absorption and bioavailability in the digestive tract compared to unbound green tea extracts. This improved delivery system may explain why lower doses of GreenSelect can produce metabolic benefits similar to higher doses of conventional green tea extract. However, direct head-to-head bioavailability studies comparing GreenSelect Phytosome to other proprietary green tea formulations are limited.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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