Greenselect Phytosome Green Tea Extract
Also known as: Greenselect Phytosome, caffeine-free green tea catechin extract, green tea phytosome
Overview
Greenselect Phytosome is a proprietary, caffeine-free formulation of green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract, specifically designed to enhance the bioavailability of its active compounds, primarily epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This is achieved by complexing the green tea catechins with phospholipids, a technology known as phytosome. It is classified as a botanical supplement, polyphenol antioxidant, and a potential aid for weight management. Its primary applications include supporting weight loss, improving metabolic syndrome parameters, providing antioxidant benefits, and potentially aiding in glycemic control. The absence of caffeine minimizes stimulant-related side effects, making it suitable for individuals sensitive to caffeine. Research indicates its effectiveness in improving metabolic health, particularly in overweight or obese individuals at risk for metabolic syndrome.
Benefits
Greenselect Phytosome offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly for individuals with metabolic syndrome risk factors. A significant benefit is its role in weight management, with a controlled registry study showing a reduction in body weight and waist circumference in subjects borderline for metabolic syndrome after 24 weeks; 68% of treated subjects moved out of the metabolic syndrome profile compared to 20% in controls (p<0.05) [1]. Meta-analyses on green tea supplementation generally support modest but statistically significant reductions in body weight (approximately 1.78 kg) and BMI (approximately 0.65 kg/m²) [3]. Beyond weight, it has been shown to improve blood lipid profiles and blood pressure in individuals with borderline metabolic syndrome [1]. While short-term trials suggest a reduction in fasting blood glucose, effects on insulin and HbA1c are less consistent [2]. These benefits are most pronounced in overweight/obese adults with metabolic syndrome risk factors, offering clinically relevant improvements when combined with lifestyle changes, supporting cardiovascular risk reduction over a medium-term intervention.
How it works
Greenselect Phytosome exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. Its primary mechanism involves potent antioxidant activity, which helps reduce oxidative stress in the body. The active compound, EGCG, modulates lipid metabolism, contributing to fat reduction, and enhances thermogenesis and fat oxidation, which are crucial for weight management. EGCG also improves endothelial function and is known to inhibit catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme that degrades catecholamines, thereby prolonging their action. It also enhances AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, a key regulator of energy metabolism, and modulates inflammatory pathways. The phytosome formulation significantly enhances the absorption and plasma bioavailability of catechins compared to standard green tea extracts, allowing for more effective interaction with these molecular targets and body systems.
Side effects
Greenselect Phytosome is generally well tolerated, with its caffeine-free nature significantly reducing stimulant-related side effects commonly associated with other green tea extracts. The most common side effects, reported in more than 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, may include headache or dizziness. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, are not well documented, and no serious adverse events have been reported in controlled clinical trials. Potential drug interactions exist, particularly with anticoagulants and certain medications metabolized by liver enzymes, necessitating caution and medical consultation. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to a lack of sufficient safety data. Caution is also advised for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions. While data is limited for specific special populations, elderly individuals and those with metabolic syndrome generally appear to tolerate the supplement well.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Greenselect Phytosome typically ranges from 300-600 mg of catechins daily, delivered in the phytosome form, for achieving metabolic benefits. Clinical trials have utilized doses within this range, standardized to catechin content. While a maximum safe dose is not definitively established, doses up to 800 mg of catechins per day have generally been considered safe in the broader green tea literature. It is recommended to take Greenselect Phytosome with meals to enhance absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort. The phytosome complexation is crucial for improved plasma levels and bioavailability compared to unformulated green tea extracts. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy, though it may synergize with general antioxidant support. The absence of caffeine in this formulation helps mitigate stimulant-related side effects, making it a suitable option for individuals sensitive to caffeine.
FAQs
Is Greenselect Phytosome effective for weight loss?
Yes, it produces modest but statistically significant reductions in body weight and waist circumference, especially when combined with lifestyle changes, as shown in clinical studies [1, 3].
Is it safe to use long-term?
Available data support its safety over 24 weeks of use. Longer-term data are limited, but no major safety concerns have been reported in studies to date [1].
Does it affect blood sugar?
It may modestly reduce fasting glucose levels, but its effects on fasting insulin and HbA1c are less consistent across studies [2].
Can it replace caffeine-containing green tea?
Yes, Greenselect Phytosome is caffeine-free, making it an excellent alternative for individuals seeking the benefits of green tea catechins without the stimulant effects of caffeine.
How soon are results expected?
Benefits typically become noticeable after several weeks to a few months of consistent daily use, with significant metabolic improvements observed over 24 weeks [1].
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3848081/ – This controlled registry study involving 50 subjects with borderline metabolic syndrome demonstrated that Greenselect Phytosome significantly improved body weight, waist circumference, lipid profiles, and blood pressure over 24 weeks. Notably, 68% of the treated subjects moved out of the metabolic syndrome profile compared to 20% in the control group, highlighting its efficacy in metabolic health improvement.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7350188/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of green tea supplementation on glycemic control. It found that green tea significantly reduced fasting glucose levels, but did not consistently impact fasting insulin or HbA1c. The study used a random-effects model and highlighted heterogeneity in some outcomes, suggesting variability across different green tea extracts.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6697 – This dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examined the effect of green tea on obesity. It concluded that green tea supplementation led to significant reductions in body weight (weighted mean difference of -1.78 kg) and BMI (weighted mean difference of -0.65 kg/m²). The study employed a random-effects model, acknowledging heterogeneity among the included studies but confirming the overall positive effect of green tea on weight parameters.