HA6969 Epigallocatechin Gallate Powder (EGCG)

Epigallocatechin Gallate Powder (EGCG) Description

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG, C22H18O11) is a crystalline polyphenol that appears as an off-white to pale beige powder with a slightly bitter taste and minimal odour. Its molecular structure comprises eight hydroxyl groups arranged on a gallocatechin backbone. This configuration permits free radical scavenging as confirmed by laboratory assays. The compound exhibits low solubility in water but dissolves in ethanol, methanol, DMSO and acetone. Thermal analysis indicates that decomposition commences at approximately 60°C rather than melting, with significant degradation observed above 100°C. Stability studies indicate high sensitivity to environmental factors; alkaline conditions catalyse rapid hydrolysis, and exposure to oxygen, light or elevated temperatures accelerates oxidation. UV-Vis spectroscopy identifies characteristic absorption maximum values at 230 nm and 273 nm that correspond to its conjugated ring systems. Infrared spectroscopy confirms the existence of hydroxyl (3200–3500 cm⁻¹), ester carbonyl (1690 cm⁻¹) and aromatic carbon-carbon (1600 cm⁻¹) bonds. Crystallographic data indicate a planar molecular geometry that facilitates π-π stacking interactions. The powder remains stable for months when stored frozen at −20°C under inert gas, but epimerisation and dimerisation occur at room temperature. Its antioxidant efficacy correlates with pH, reaching a maximum under mildly acidic conditions. The particle size distribution typically ranges between 5–50 μm and the bulk density is approximately 0.45 g/cm³. These intrinsic properties, namely structural reactivity, environmental susceptibility and polymorphic solid-state behaviour, define its handling requirements and functional limitations.

Epigallocatechin Gallate Powder (EGCG) Applications

• Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Industry: EGCG is employed in chemopreventive therapies against cancers (e.g. liver, breast, colon) by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumour angiogenesis. It is also used in nephroprotective treatments to mitigate renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury through suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin/p53 pathway and reduction of oxidative stress. Furthermore, it serves as an antiviral agent against HIV-1, HCV and influenza.
• Food and Beverage Industry: As a functional additive, EGCG improves the stability of starch-based emulsion gels (for example, in waxy maize starch systems). It acts as an emulsifier and gelling agent to extend shelf life by preventing the coalescence of oil droplets. When encapsulated in zein/chitosan nanoparticles, it enables controlled release and sustained antioxidant protection in fatty foods.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry: EGCG is incorporated into anti-ageing serums, sunscreens and brightening products due to its UV-radiation protection, its inhibition of collagenase activity for reducing wrinkles, and its suppression of tyrosinase activity for hyperpigmentation control, along with its moisturizing properties.
• Materials Science and Industrial Applications: EGCG forms corrosion-resistant conversion coatings on biomedical MgZnMn alloys through metal–polyphenol complexation, thereby extending implant durability in physiological environments. It is also used as a crosslinker in the design of biodegradable polymers for food packaging and medical devices.
• Agriculture and Veterinary Industry: EGCG functions as a natural biopesticide against plant pathogens (e.g. Plasmopara viticola) and as an antiparasitic agent in livestock. In aquaculture, it is added to feeds to improve disease resistance in fish.
• Nutraceutical and Supplement Industry: EGCG is encapsulated in capsules, tablets and powders for weight management, metabolic health support and antioxidant supplementation, reflecting demand for natural preventive healthcare solutions.
• Advanced Delivery Systems (Cross-Industry): Carriers such as nanocube sprays for oral submucous fibrosis treatment and transdermal nanoparticles improve mucosal adhesion, bioavailability and the sustained release of EGCG in both pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Epigallocatechin Gallate Powder (EGCG) Packaging

Our products are packaged in customised cartons of various sizes based on the material dimensions. Small items are securely packed in PP boxes, while larger items are placed in customised wooden crates. We ensure strict adherence to packaging customisation and the use of appropriate cushioning materials to provide optimal protection during transportation.

Packaging: Carton, Wooden Box, or Customized.

Kindly review the packaging details provided for your reference.

Manufacturing Process

1.       Testing Method

(1)    Chemical Composition Analysis – The composition is verified using techniques such as GDMS or XRF to ensure compliance with purity requirements.

(2)    Mechanical Properties Testing – Tensile strength, yield strength and elongation tests are performed to assess material performance.

(3)    Dimensional Inspection – Thickness, width and length are measured to ensure adherence to specified tolerances.

(4)    Surface Quality Inspection – Defects such as scratches, cracks or inclusions are examined using visual and ultrasonic methods.

(5)    Hardness Testing – Material hardness is determined to confirm uniformity and mechanical reliability.

Please refer to the SAM testing procedures for detailed information.

Epigallocatechin Gallate Powder (EGCG) FAQs

Q1. Is EGCG safe?

At typical supplemental doses (100–400 mg/day), EGCG is generally considered safe. Doses exceeding 800 mg/day may result in elevated liver enzyme levels in sensitive individuals. Contaminants such as heavy metals may be present in products of lower purity; therefore, pharmaceutical-grade material is recommended. It is advised to avoid combining EGCG with hepatotoxic drugs.

Q2. How should it be stored?

Store EGCG powder in an airtight container at −20°C under an inert gas (e.g. nitrogen). It should be protected from light, moisture and oxygen to prevent oxidation. Storage at room temperature accelerates degradation, resulting in a darker colour.

Q3. What distinguishes it from other catechins?

EGCG contains a gallate ester group that is absent in simpler catechins such as EGC or EC. This feature results in a 10–100-fold greater antioxidant capacity. It also interacts with cellular receptors and enzymes in a manner not observed with non-gallate catechins.

Related Information

Common Preparation Methods

EGCG powder is produced industrially through extraction and purification from green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). The process begins with an aqueous or hydroalcoholic (e.g. 70% ethanol) extraction of dried tea leaves at controlled temperatures (typically 60–80°C) to avoid thermal degradation. The crude extract undergoes defatting with non-polar solvents, followed by liquid-liquid partitioning (e.g. using ethyl acetate) to concentrate the catechins. EGCG is then isolated using chromatographic techniques such as macroporous resin adsorption, preparative HPLC or countercurrent chromatography, given that differences in polarity allow separation. The purified EGCG fraction is concentrated under vacuum, crystallised via solvent evaporation (often utilising methanol-water systems) and subjected to lyophilisation or spray-drying to obtain a fine powder. Rigorous quality control using HPLC confirms a purity of ≥95%, with measures taken to minimise oxidation through nitrogen blanketing and exclusion of light during processing.