Home Ingredients Greenselect® Phytosome (Decaffeinated Green Tea Catechin Phytosome — Indena)
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Greenselect® Phytosome (Decaffeinated Green Tea Catechin Phytosome — Indena)

Camellia sinensis
Evidence Level
Strong
2 Clinical Trials
6 Documented Benefits
4/5 Evidence Score

Greenselect® Phytosome is Indena's phytosome-formulated decaffeinated green tea extract — addressing the well-documented poor oral bioavailability of green tea catechins (especially EGCG). The phytosome complex with phospholipids more than doubles peak plasma EGCG concentration vs unformulated extract at the same catechin dose. Standardized to ≥13% EGCG and 19-25% total catechins, with ≤0.1% caffeine. Clinical dose: 150 mg twice daily (300 mg/day total). Decaffeinated profile and phytosome bioavailability advantage are the two key differentiators vs standard green tea extracts. Strongest evidence is in weight management as an adjunct to hypocaloric diet — Di Pierro 2009 (n=100 obese subjects, 90 days) showed weight loss approximately 3× greater than the hypocaloric diet alone. Subsequent trials support metabolic syndrome improvement and post-menopausal weight management. Honest framing: the bioavailability advantage is real and pharmacokinetically demonstrated; the weight management effect is meaningful but modest, working alongside (not replacing) caloric restriction.

Studied Dose 300 mg/day Greenselect Phytosome, split as 150 mg twice daily (one dose before lunch, one before dinner). Di Pierro 2009 obesity trial used this regimen for 90 days. Belcaro 2013 metabolic syndrome trial: 150 mg/day × 24 weeks. Post-menopausal trial: 150 mg/day × 60 days. Weight-maintenance protocol: 150 mg twice daily for 3 months post weight-loss phase. Take with meals to support absorption and reduce any GI effects.
Active Compound Decaffeinated Camellia sinensis (green tea) extract complexed with soy phosphatidylcholine using Indena's Phytosome® technology. Double-standardized: ≥13% EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate) and ≥19-25% total catechins by HPLC, ≤0.1% caffeine. Some formulations also include 15 mg piperine per dose to further enhance absorption.

Benefits

Weight loss with hypocaloric diet (Di Pierro 2009)

90-day clinical trial in 100 obese patients comparing 300 mg/day Greenselect Phytosome + hypocaloric diet vs hypocaloric diet alone. The phytosome group lost approximately 3× more weight than the diet-alone group, with significant BMI reduction. Effective demonstration of phytosome bioavailability translating to clinical outcome. Published clinical evidence for the phytosome's weight management application.

Supported by Trial 1

Metabolic syndrome improvement (Belcaro 2013)

Controlled registry study in 50 asymptomatic borderline metabolic syndrome subjects with increased oxidative stress. 150 mg/day Greenselect Phytosome for 24 weeks resulted in 68% of treatment-arm subjects exiting the metabolic syndrome profile (vs 20% in controls). Improvements in weight, blood lipid profile, blood pressure, and waist circumference. Published in Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics.

Supported by Trial 2

>2× improved EGCG bioavailability

Indena pharmacokinetic comparison: at equal catechin doses (240 mg), Greenselect Phytosome more than doubled peak plasma EGCG concentration vs unformulated Greenselect extract, with sustained higher levels over time. This addresses a real limitation of standard green tea extracts — EGCG's notoriously poor oral bioavailability (<5% in some studies).

Supported by Trial 1

Post-menopausal weight and metabolism support

60-day RCT in overweight/Class-I obese post-menopausal sedentary women: 150 mg/day Greenselect Phytosome improved respiratory quotient (favoring fat oxidation), resting energy expenditure, carbohydrate oxidation, and lipid oxidation patterns. Useful for the specific challenge of post-menopausal metabolic dysfunction where conventional weight management often plateaus.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Caffeine-free for evening/sensitive use

≤0.1% caffeine specification (vs 1-5% in non-decaffeinated green tea extracts) makes Greenselect Phytosome suitable for evening dosing schedules and caffeine-sensitive populations. Doesn't disrupt sleep or cause jitters at clinical doses.

Supported by Trial 1

Weight maintenance after loss

Specifically studied for the difficult weight-maintenance phase after active weight loss. 3-month post-weight-loss trial with 150 mg twice daily showed better weight maintenance vs placebo. Addresses the well-documented problem of weight regain after caloric restriction.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Phytosome bioavailability enhancement

Phytosome® technology complexes EGCG and other catechins with phosphatidylcholine, creating amphipathic structures that improve absorption through the intestinal epithelium. Pharmacokinetic data confirm >2× peak plasma EGCG vs unformulated extract at equal catechin doses.

2

Catechin-COMT inhibition (norepinephrine extension)

EGCG and other catechins inhibit catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), the enzyme that degrades norepinephrine. Extended norepinephrine action prolongs sympathetic-driven thermogenesis and lipolysis. Without caffeine, this effect is milder but free of caffeine-related side effects.

3

Fat oxidation upregulation

Catechins upregulate fatty acid oxidation enzymes (CPT1, ACO) in skeletal muscle and liver, supporting use of stored fat for energy. Combined with the thermogenic effect, this shifts metabolism toward fat utilization.

4

Antioxidant protection

Catechins are potent antioxidants — EGCG has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of all polyphenols. Reduces oxidative stress that drives metabolic dysfunction. The Belcaro 2013 metabolic syndrome trial specifically documented improvements in oxidative stress markers alongside the metabolic outcomes.

Clinical trials

1
Greenselect Phytosome for Obesity — Di

90-day clinical trial in 100 obese patients comparing 300 mg/day Greenselect Phytosome + hypocaloric diet vs hypocaloric diet alone.

100 obese patients

90-day clinical trial in 100 obese patients comparing 300 mg/day Greenselect Phytosome + hypocaloric diet vs hypocaloric diet alone. The phytosome group lost approximately 3× more weight than the diet-alone group. Significant BMI reduction documented. Demonstrates phytosome bioavailability translating to improved clinical outcome vs what standard green tea extracts achieve at similar catechin doses.

2
Greenselect Phytosome for Borderline Metabolic Syndrome

Controlled registry study in 50 asymptomatic borderline metabolic syndrome subjects with increased oxidative stress.

Clinical population described in trial publication.

Controlled registry study in 50 asymptomatic borderline metabolic syndrome subjects with increased oxidative stress. 150 mg/day Greenselect Phytosome (MonCam formulation) for 24 weeks. Outcome: 68% of treatment-arm subjects exited the metabolic syndrome profile vs 20% in controls. Improvements in weight, blood lipids, blood pressure, and waist circumference. Published in Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics. No side effects reported.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated; no significant adverse events in published trials.
Soy phosphatidylcholine carrier — relevant for severe soy allergy.
Mild GI effects rare (consistent with caffeine-free profile).
Important safety note: green tea catechins at very high doses (>800 mg EGCG/day) have been associated with rare cases of hepatotoxicity. Greenselect Phytosome's clinical dose provides ~40-50 mg EGCG/day — well below this threshold.
Caffeine-free — no jitters, sleep disruption, or stimulant-related effects.

Important Drug interactions

Iron supplements — green tea catechins impair non-heme iron absorption; separate dosing by 2+ hours.
Anticoagulants/antiplatelets — green tea has mild antiplatelet effects; theoretical caution with warfarin and similar drugs; monitor INR.
Stimulant medications — although Greenselect is decaffeinated, the catechins still have mild adrenergic effects via COMT inhibition; theoretical caution.
Hepatotoxic medications — theoretical caution given the rare hepatotoxicity reports with very-high-dose green tea (not seen at Greenselect's clinical dose).
Pregnancy and lactation — insufficient supplemental-dose safety data; food-level green tea considered acceptable.

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Frequently asked questions about Greenselect® Phytosome (Decaffeinated Green Tea Catechin Phytosome — Indena)

What is Greenselect Phytosome?

Greenselect® Phytosome is Indena's phytosome-formulated decaffeinated green tea extract — addressing the well-documented poor oral bioavailability of green tea catechins (especially EGCG).

What is Greenselect Phytosome used for?

Greenselect Phytosome is researched primarily for Weight Management, Metabolic Health, and Antioxidant. 90-day clinical trial in 100 obese patients comparing 300 mg/day Greenselect Phytosome + hypocaloric diet vs hypocaloric diet alone.

What is the recommended dosage of Greenselect Phytosome?

The clinically studied dose is 300 mg/day Greenselect Phytosome, split as 150 mg twice daily (one dose before lunch, one before dinner). Di Pierro 2009 obesity trial used this regimen for 90 days. Belcaro 2013 metabolic syndrome trial: 150 mg/day × 24 weeks. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Greenselect Phytosome safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Greenselect Phytosome is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated; no significant adverse events in published trials. Soy phosphatidylcholine carrier — relevant for severe soy allergy. It may also interact with some medications. Greenselect Phytosome is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Greenselect Phytosome interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Iron supplements — green tea catechins impair non-heme iron absorption; separate dosing by 2+ hours. Anticoagulants/antiplatelets — green tea has mild antiplatelet effects; theoretical caution with warfarin and similar drugs; monitor INR. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Greenselect Phytosome?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Greenselect Phytosome as Strong (4 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Di Pierro F, Menghi AB, Barreca A, Lucarelli M, Calandrelli A Greenselect Phytosome as an adjunct to a low-calorie diet for treatment of obesity: a clinical trial Altern Med Rev. 2009;14(2):154-160..PubMedUsed to support: Backs the weight-loss claim for Greenselect Phytosome (decaffeinated green tea catechin phospholipid complex) as a diet adjunct. Small open-label clinical trial with an Indena-affiliated author; benefit is preliminary.
  2. Belcaro G, Ledda A, Hu S, Cesarone MR, Feragalli B, Dugall M Greenselect phytosome for borderline metabolic syndrome Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:869061. doi: 10.1155/2013/869061.PubMedUsed to support: Backs metabolic/weight and cardiometabolic registry use of Greenselect Phytosome in borderline metabolic syndrome. Registry/supplement-study from the Belcaro group, not a blinded RCT; preliminary.
  3. Gilardini L, Pasqualinotto L, Di Pierro F, Risso P, Invitti C Effects of Greenselect Phytosome on weight maintenance after weight loss in obese women: a randomized placebo-controlled study BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016;16:233. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1214-x.PubMedUsed to support: Backs weight-maintenance use of Greenselect Phytosome after weight loss. One of the stronger entries: a randomized placebo-controlled study, though small and including an Indena-affiliated co-author.
  4. Pietta P, Simonetti P, Gardana C, Brusamolino A, Morazzoni P, Bombardelli E Relationship between rate and extent of catechin absorption and plasma antioxidant status Biochem Mol Biol Int. 1998;46(5):895-903. doi: 10.1080/15216549800204442.PubMedUsed to support: Backs the underlying pharmacokinetic/absorption rationale (catechin absorption and plasma antioxidant status) for the green tea phospholipid (Phytosome) approach. Early human absorption study from the Indena (Morazzoni/Bombardelli) group.