Scientifically proven health benefits of Green Tea and EGCG

Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) is not just a universal beverage, it’s a versatile medicinal herb.

While only a handful of the many chemical constituents in Green Tea have been isolated and researched, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is, by far, the most researched chemical constituent of Green Tea.

Why is Green Tea Healthy?

EGCG, contained in Green Tea, has been scientifically proven to be anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antineoplastic.

Cancer Treatment:

The biggest use, by far, for EGCG in humans and pets is for the treatment of cancer. Animal studies have shown that EGCG modulates the immune system and inhibits cancer of the skin, lung, mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, prostate and other organs. A research study found that EGCG reduces the cardiac side effects (arrhythmias and dilated cardiomyopathy) and improves the ability of Doxorubicin chemotherapy to kill osteosarcoma cancer cells in dogs.

Weight Loss:

Studies in humans and dogs have shown EGCG to be effective for weight management and treating obesity. EGCG reduces cholesterol and blood lipids. It improves insulin sensitivity which makes it effective in the treatment of diabetes and metabolic syndrome as well.

Gastrointestinal Benefits:

Studies in dogs have shown that EGCG acts as a prebiotic and has a beneficial effect on the gut microbiome. EGCG reduces intestinal inflammation caused by a high-fat diet and helps treat acute diarrhea and dysbiosis (intestinal bacterial imbalance).

Arthritis Relief:

In a study on arthritic dogs, EGCG provided pain relief and restored function in the painful joints of arthritic dogs. A popular joint health supplement for dogs and cats, Dasuquin, contains EGCG.

Cardiovascular Benefits:

EGCG helps prevent serious cardiovascular issues such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), atherosclerosis, and heart enlargement.

Brain and Nerve Health:

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease have shown improvement with the use of EGCG from Green Tea.

Bone Health:

EGCG can prevent osteoporosis in people, and in dogs with periodontal disease, EGCG prevents bone loss around the teeth. Green Tea infusions can also be used to flush the mouth of small animals to help treat gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Topical Uses of Green Tea Infusions for Itchy Pets:

In small animals, green tea can be applied topically as a moistened green tea bag, a loose-leaf compress or a cooled green tea spritz or flush. Topical green tea reduces inflammation and itching due to hot spots and other skin infections.

Green Tea for Farm Animals:

Green tea is used in livestock such as cattle, pigs, goats, and poultry by feeding green tea by-product (GTB) supplemented feeds. Incorporating green tea or green tea by-products into the diet of poultry and other livestock can enhance their health and improve their production of milk, eggs, etc.

Dosing Green Tea Extract (EGCG):

EGCG must be dosed conservatively in pets. One study showed liver enzyme elevation and gastrointestinal upset in dogs given high doses of EGCG especially when given on an empty stomach. This highlights the importance of following the label directions of pet supplements containing EGCG and always giving EGCG supplements with food. On the other hand, green tea infusions using water are considered safe, but the quantity that pets can tolerate is limited by the caffeine content.

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