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Epigallocatechin Gallate, often called EGCG, draws attention from both researchers and everyday folks interested in what’s inside green tea. This plant compound stands out thanks to its strong antioxidant potential. In a world chasing formulas and quick health fixes, EGCG often pops up on ingredient lists for dietary supplements, skin creams, and even energy drinks. The product comes as a powder, flakes, pearls, or crystalline solid. The density depends on its form; powder runs about 0.6-0.8 g/cm³, while solid crystalline EGCG sits closer to 1.2 g/cm³.
EGCG has the chemical formula C22H18O11, giving it a molecular weight of 458.37 g/mol. The structure features four rings, which line up with its powerful antioxidant ability. These rings act as scavengers, grabbing free radicals in the body. EGCG doesn’t dissolve much in water (about 5-10 mg/mL at room temperature). Its taste leans astringent, a trait that long-time green tea drinkers recognize right away.
Most commercial EGCG raw material reaches a purity above 95% by HPLC, often used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications. At a glance, HS Code 2932999099 usually covers products like EGCG in international trade, marking it as an “other organic compound.” Purity, moisture, heavy metal content, and appearance (from light yellow to pale green powder) all matter when picking the right grade.
People spot EGCG as loose powder most often, but it shows up in several forms: off-white to pale yellow solid, thin flakes (like pressed sheets), granulated pearls, and rarely as large crystals. In the lab, a few solutions come pre-mixed for direct use in research. For large-scale industry work, flakes or powder work best, since they dissolve into product bases. Crystals show off the purity and allow for specific testing. Pearls make dosing more precise in supplement manufacturing.
EGCG breaks down in sunlight and air, so storage in tightly sealed, light-proof containers at cool temperatures protects its properties. The molecule has a melting point around 221-225°C, which matters for processing. A unique aspect: the layered arrangement of phenol groups gives EGCG an edge in trapping reactive oxygen species, which creates the antioxidant effect.
EGCG isn’t hazardous for most healthy adults at doses found in foods, with plenty of scientific studies showing safety in human trials. Still, at very high purity or dose, some people report stomach discomfort or mild headaches. Chemical suppliers flag EGCG with hazard statements like “irritant” for eyes and skin in raw material forms. Long experience in research tells me that gloves and dust masks reduce risk when handling fine powder, especially in large amounts. The compound doesn’t explode or catch fire easily, but any organic powder can be a dust hazard in high concentrations, with proper ventilation and safety practices needed.
EGCG forms the backbone of many green tea extracts. Studies show effects on inflammation, cholesterol, and fat metabolism. I’ve found plenty of fitness enthusiasts pointing to EGCG for helping with muscle recovery and fat oxidation after workouts. Cosmetic chemists use it for serums, since antioxidants support skin protection from daily stress. In the food world, manufacturers mix EGCG into functional drinks, using its dense nutritional profile as a selling point. Even some biodegradable packaging tests harness its antioxidant role to delay spoilage.
Some challenges pop up with EGCG’s stability and taste. High temperatures, light, and air speed up breakdown. Encapsulation in liposomes or microcapsules solves much of the stability problem, making shelf-stable forms for drinks or capsules. The bitter edge puts off some users, but blending it with other compounds (like vitamin C or low doses of natural sweeteners) disguises the taste in finished products. Contaminant testing—especially for heavy metals in large batches—reduces the risk that tainted tea leaves enter the final ingredient supply. Regular analysis for purity, using standards set by international and government agencies, keeps EGCG products consistent.
Anyone buying EGCG raw materials for making functional foods, supplements, or cosmetics sees value in its well-documented bioactivity, ingredient purity, and clear labeling. The supply chain includes major tea-producing countries, with strict production controls. Quality comes down to how companies handle leaves, extract the catechin, and package the finished form. The lab experience really matters here: not all green tea extracts carry the full benefit unless their EGCG content meets the label claim, confirmed by reliable third-party tests.
- Name: Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) - Formula: C22H18O11 - Molecular weight: 458.37 g/mol - Physical forms: powder, flakes, pearls, solid, crystal - Density: 0.6-0.8 g/cm³ (powder), ~1.2 g/cm³ (solid) - Solubility: low in water, higher in ethanol or DMSO for laboratory use - Appearance: pale green to light yellow, depending on source and purity - HS Code: 2932999099 - Melting point: ~221-225°C - Safe handling: gloves, dust mask, limit moisture and heat - Hazards: possible irritation in raw form, high doses may upset digestion - Applications: supplements, cosmetics, functional foods, research
