Vitamin Herb University

username

password

Forgot Your Password

Become a Member

	view site map


	Help
	PDF Version

Educational Tools


	Wellness Wheel Nutrition & Health States Tables Drug-Nutrient Interactions & Depletions Table Supplement Dosage Chart Herbal Dosage Chart

Print this page

Green Tea Catechins

Contributes to increasing the body’s metabolic rate. This natural antioxidant also has themogenic properties to help the body burn calories.


	Benefits A powerful antioxidant. May help promote a healthy metabolism. May protect against cell damage.			Precautions Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. If you are taking medication, facing surgery, have bleeding problems, or undergoing any other treatment which may affect the ability of blood to clot, consult your physician before taking this product. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Drug Nutrient Interactions

Current research does not indicate that this supplement should be taken to avoid depletions when taking any of the drug categories included in this table.

Current research does not indicate that this supplement provides additional therapeutic benefit's when taking any of the drug categories included in this table.

Anticoagulants / Antiplatelet Drugs

Green tea contains vitamin K which can compromise the therapeutic effects of warfarin and increase the risk of clotting. Conversely, caffeine in green tea may have antiplatelet activity. Due to these opposing and complex effects, use with caution if combining green tea with anticoagulants.

Oral Hypoglycemics (Antidiabetic Drugs)

Green tea catechins have been reported to decrease serum glucose concentrations and caffeine in green tea may increase glucose utilization. Monitor blood glucose levels closely and adjust dosing for oral hypoglycemic agents or green tea supplement if necessary.

Antihypertensive Drugs

Caffeine in green tea can increase heart rate and blood pressure and thus compromise the benefits of some antihypertensive drugs. Monitor for changes in therapeutic efficacy of antihypertensive therapy and discontinue supplement if necessary.

Acid-Suppressing Drugs

Tagamet (cimetidine) can inhibit the metabolism of caffeine in green tea and significantly reduce its clearance, increasing the potential for caffeine-related adverse effects.

Antibiotics

Advise patients that fluoroquinolone antibiotics can reduce the clearance of caffeine and theophylline (present in green tea) and may increase risk of associated side effects. Side effects from caffeine and theophylline include nervousness, insomnia, and palpitations.

Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives can decrease caffeine clearance by 40-65% and may increase the adverse effects of caffeine in green tea (as well as other sources of caffeine.) Be aware of potential side effects and reduce dose or discontinue supplement if necessary.

Asthma Medications

Caffeine in green tea may increase the risk of side effects (nervousness, agitation, anxiety, insomnia) from beta agonist bronchodilators. Use with caution in patients being treated for asthma.

Drugs for Weight Loss

The caffeine in green tea may increase the risk of side effects (nervousness, agitation, anxiety, insomnia) from drugs that have “stimulant” properties like appetite-suppressants (Meridia, Tenuate, etc.) Caution patients of potential for additive side effects if using with appetite-suppressing drugs.

Current research does not indicate that this supplement should be avoided when taking any of the drug categories included in this table.

Nutrition and Health State

There may be interactions between certain vitamins, minerals, supplements, or herbs with prescription medications used for this health state. View the drug interaction section for more information.

Oral Contraception

Oral contraceptives can decrease caffeine clearance by 40-65% and may increase the adverse effects of caffeine in green tea (as well as other sources of caffeine).

Blood clotting/ thrombosis

Green tea contains vitamin K which can promote blood clotting and interfere with or worsen this condition.

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Caffeine in green tea can increase heart rate and blood pressure and therefore could compromise the health status of those with hypertension.

The dietary supplement information contained on this site has been compiled from published sources thought to be reliable, but it cannot be guaranteed. Efforts have been made to assure this information is accurate and current. However, some of this information may be purported or outdated due to ongoing research or discoveries. The authors, editors and publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences from applications of the information in this site and make no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the contents herein.