Matcha (Camellia sinensis)
Cognitive · Green tea / L-theanine + caffeine + EGCG
Tier B-
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Matcha (Camellia sinensis) as B- (6.0/10) based on moderate evidence, low-med benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.
Matcha supplies both L-theanine and caffeine in one beverage.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 1-2 g/day matcha powder (1-2 servings); chronic concentrated catechin-extract exposure has been linked… — OTC; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Matcha supplies both L-theanine and caffeine in one beverage. Contaminant concentrations and catechin content vary by origin, grade, and product testing; the evidence summarized here does not establish “ceremonial” grade as a clinical category. EGCG content is meaningful but lower than concentrated extracts that have caused the rare hepatotoxicity cases.
Mechanism
Whole-leaf shade-grown Camellia sinensis: caffeine (~70 mg per 2 g matcha) + L-theanine (~14-25 mg) + EGCG (~60-100 mg); L-theanine/caffeine combination drives the 'calm focus' acute effect via increased alpha brainwave activity, modulation of GABA/glutamate; EGCG is the dominant polyphenol
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
1-2 g/day matcha powder (1-2 servings); chronic concentrated catechin-extract exposure has been linked to rare hepatotoxicity
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Matcha (Camellia sinensis)'s effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Matcha (Camellia sinensis) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as low-med, producing an overall grade of B- (6.0/10). Matcha supplies both L-theanine and caffeine in one beverage.
- What safety findings are reported for Matcha (Camellia sinensis)?
- Matcha (Camellia sinensis) has a low-med risk profile in the database. Low-Med (high-dose EGCG extracts >800 mg/day associated with rare hepatotoxicity — EFSA 2018; matcha as drunk powder is well-tolerated; caffeine load; lead/cadmium concentrations vary by source and product testing) Legal status: OTC.
- What doses or routes are reported for Matcha (Camellia sinensis)?
- 1-2 g/day matcha powder (1-2 servings); chronic concentrated catechin-extract exposure has been linked to rare hepatotoxicity This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Matcha (Camellia sinensis) work?
- Whole-leaf shade-grown Camellia sinensis: caffeine (~70 mg per 2 g matcha) + L-theanine (~14-25 mg) + EGCG (~60-100 mg); L-theanine/caffeine combination drives the 'calm focus' acute effect via increased alpha brainwave activity, modulation of GABA/glutamate; EGCG is the dominant polyphenol
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.