Many dietary supplements contain epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an extract of the green tea plant, in extremely high doses. Although these supplements are promoted for their health benefits, a number of studies have linked EGCG and liver problems, abnormal heart rhythm, intestinal damage, and kidney problems.
Need a Texas EGCG Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured by Green Tea Extract, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.
UPDATE: Saba ACE Diet Pills Linked to Liver Failure and Transplant
August 5, 2014 — The journal Gastroenterology has published a case report of a 35 year-old woman who developed liver failure and needed a transplant after taking Saba Appetite Control and Energy (ACE), a weight-loss supplement that contains DMAA and Green Tea Extract. Click here to read more.
July 25, 2014 — The Journal of Ethnopharmacology has published a case report of a 63 year-old woman who developed severe, sudden liver inflammation (acute hepatitis) after taking a dietary supplement with high doses of green tea extract (93% EGCG). Click here to read more.
What is EGCG?
EGCG is epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a catechin of the green tea plant (Camellia sinensis). It is widely marketed for its health benefits, including anti-carcinogenic effects. It is a popular ingredient in weight-loss supplements, including SlimQuick, Hydroxycut, and more.
Is EGCG Natural?
Green tea has been enjoyed for centuries as a beverage and is generally regarded as safe. The problem is that many dietary supplements contain much higher doses of EGCG than are naturally found in the green tea plant. Another problem is that some products are actually synthetic analogs (chemical cousins).
What is the problem?
EGCG has been historically regarded as an antioxidant, with numerous studies suggesting that it might prevent oxidative damage in healthy cells and possibly cancer. However, high doses of EGCG have pro-oxidative effects. High doses have been linked to liver damage.
Several studies in animals have linked EGCG to toxic side effects in the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system. EGCG has also been linked to atrial fibrillation, a life-threatening abnormal heartbeat disorder, in a woman who was using Hydroxycut. The toxic dose varies by person, and some people have genetic risk-factors that make them more susceptible to liver injury. Another problem is that EGCG is an ingredient in weight-loss supplements, but the toxic effects may be exacerbated by using it on an empty stomach.
EGCG Lawsuit Filed Against Monster Energy Drink
November 2012 — NutraIngredients reports that a lawsuit was filed in California alleging that the company failed to warn about the dangers of EGCG, an ingredient in some Monster energy drinks.
EGCG and Liver Toxicity
Numerous studies have shown that high doses of EGCG can lead to liver toxicity. The European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology published a study in 2009 linking the use of EGCG to 34 cases of hepatitis (liver inflammation) between 1999 and October 2008. The study suggested a causal association between green tea and liver damage.
Supplements Containing EGCG Pulled Off the Market
Several dietary supplements containing EGCG have been pulled of the market. In 2009, the popular weight-loss supplement Hydroxycut was pulled off the market after 23 people developed liver damage, including one person who died. French and Spanish health authorities also banned extracts of green tea in 2003, following an outbreak of liver damage linked to the diet supplement Exolise. EGCG, an ingredient in the diet pill SlimQuick, was linked to severe liver toxicity in a 23 year-old female in a study published in 2012.
Symptoms of Liver Injury
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
- Brown urine
- Nausea, vomiting
- Light-colored stools
- Excessive fatigue
- Weakness
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
Need an EGCG Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas EGCG lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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