Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is made from the unfermented leaves of Camellia sinensis, the plant behind all true teas. Its main polyphenols are catechins, the most abundant being EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), and the leaf also contains caffeine. The catalog spans grades standardized to 15% to 98% polyphenols, 15% to 45% EGCG, and 20% or 50% caffeine, plus a 98% polyphenol grade held to 0.5% caffeine. Caffeine content differs widely between grades, so confirm it on the specification for labeling. The extract is astringent and somewhat bitter, oxidizes in alkaline conditions, and is best formulated at a slightly acidic pH and protected from light.