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Sunphenon Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract

Also known as: Sunphenon Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract, dGTE, Decaffeinated green tea extract, Green tea polyphenols, Catechin extract, Camellia sinensis extract, Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)

Overview

Sunphenon Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract (dGTE) is derived from *Camellia sinensis* leaves and standardized for catechins, primarily epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), with minimal caffeine. It's used for weight management, antioxidant support, cardiovascular health, and metabolic benefits without caffeine's stimulant effects. dGTE contains high levels of catechins, offering the benefits of green tea polyphenols while avoiding caffeine-related side effects. Green tea extracts have been extensively studied, but decaffeinated formulations like Sunphenon have fewer clinical investigations. Evidence includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses on green tea extracts, with some specific studies on decaffeinated forms. Systematic reviews confirm some benefits but highlight variability in outcomes and heterogeneity across studies. It is a botanical extract and polyphenol antioxidant supplement.

Benefits

A 2023 meta-analysis showed green tea extract supplementation significantly decreased body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), and markers of oxidative stress while increasing total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Decaffeinated green tea extract increases fat oxidation and improves body composition in some trials, though effects vary. Cardiovascular risk factors like triglycerides (TG) and LDL cholesterol may improve with green tea supplementation, but effects on inflammatory markers are inconsistent. Antioxidant effects are well-supported, with reductions in oxidative stress biomarkers. Some evidence suggests improved lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity, especially in overweight/obese adults and those with type 2 diabetes. Effect sizes for weight/fat loss are small to moderate; antioxidant improvements are more robust. Benefits appear after weeks to months of supplementation.

How it works

Catechins, especially EGCG, act as antioxidants, scavenging free radicals and modulating oxidative stress pathways. They may inhibit catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), enhancing fat oxidation. They influence metabolic rate and fat metabolism, modulate inflammatory pathways like NF-kB, and improve endothelial function via nitric oxide (NO) production. EGCG targets enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress regulators. Catechins have moderate bioavailability; decaffeination does not significantly impair catechin absorption but may reduce stimulant effects.

Side effects

Sunphenon Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract is generally regarded as safe when consumed within recommended doses. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Uncommon side effects include rare reports of headache or dizziness. Very rare cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported with high-dose green tea extracts, but not specifically linked to decaffeinated forms. Potential interactions exist with blood thinners (e.g., warfarin) and stimulant medications due to polyphenol effects. Caution is advised in individuals with liver disease or those on anticoagulants. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid high-dose extracts; decaffeinated form may be preferable for caffeine-sensitive individuals.

Dosage

Effective doses in studies range from 250 mg to 500 mg of green tea catechins daily. Optimal dosage ranges are 300–600 mg catechins per day, often standardized to EGCG content. EFSA suggests up to 800 mg EGCG daily is generally safe; higher doses require caution. It is typically taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Decaffeinated extracts like Sunphenon are suitable for those avoiding caffeine. Bioavailability may be enhanced with food or certain formulations. No specific cofactors are required, but antioxidants like vitamin C may synergize.

FAQs

Is decaffeinated green tea extract as effective as caffeinated?

Decaffeinated extracts retain catechins and antioxidant effects but lack caffeine’s thermogenic and stimulant effects, potentially reducing some metabolic benefits.

Is it safe for daily use?

Yes, within recommended doses and with attention to liver health.

How soon can benefits be expected?

Typically within 4–12 weeks depending on the outcome measured.

Can it cause side effects?

Mostly mild gastrointestinal symptoms; serious adverse effects are rare.

Research Sources

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effects-of-green-tea-extract-supplementation-on-body-composition-obesityrelated-hormones-and-oxidative-stress-markers-a-gradeassessed-systematic-review-and-doseresponse-metaanalysis-of-randomised-controlled-trials/5F7DCFF04BE51796D39A6CC5B0A3089A – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs found that green tea extract supplementation significantly decreased body mass, BMI, and body fat percentage. It also reported improved oxidative stress markers, with malondialdehyde (MDA) decreasing and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increasing. The study included multiple RCTs with adequate sample sizes, providing high-quality evidence despite some heterogeneity in doses and populations.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1084455/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed a large number of studies with diverse populations and durations to assess the impact of green tea extract on cardiovascular risk factors. The analysis found significant improvements in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels, but no consistent effect on C-reactive protein (CRP). Dose-response relationships were explored, and longer durations showed greater lipid improvements, although some heterogeneity and publication bias were noted.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/3/764 – This controlled trial investigated the effects of decaffeinated green tea extract (dGTE) on fat oxidation and body composition. The study showed modest increases in fat oxidation rates and slight improvements in body composition metrics. With adequate sample sizes and statistically significant results, the findings support the metabolic benefits of decaffeinated formulations.
https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5239 – The EFSA safety opinion reviewed 38 studies, including those on green tea extracts, and concluded that there was no significant liver toxicity at typical doses. The review provided safety benchmarks for catechin intake, supporting the safety of decaffeinated green tea extracts like Sunphenon. This assessment helps to establish safe upper limits for EGCG consumption.
https://sunphenon.com/polyphenols-use-growing-rapidly-according-study/ – This article discusses the growing use of polyphenols, including those found in Sunphenon. It highlights the increasing consumer interest in natural compounds for health benefits. While not a primary research article, it provides context on the market trends and consumer demand for polyphenol-rich supplements.