“I have researched polyphenols and their effect on skin firmness and cellulite for more than two decades and I have to say that EGCG from green tea is one of my favourites. This research shows that EGCG works on collagen type IV, which is essential for the integrity of the dermal-epidermal junction, which in turn is crucial for skin tightness. Additionally, collagen IV is also important for blood vessel strength, so the effect of EGCG in skin firmness and cellulite is even more important.”
Collagen type IV helps ensures skin remains firm and blood vessels healthy - and EGCG from green tea stimulates its synthesis
EGCG Protects collagen type IV via MMP9 inhibition
EGCG, Green tea, blood vessels, skin firmness and cellulite
EGCG for collagen type IV: frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Does green tea contain collagen? Is green tea good for collagen?
How much EGCG in matcha?
What are EGCG benefits for skin?
Inhibition of MMP-9 by Green Tea Catechins and Prediction of Their Interaction by Molecular Docking Analysis
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EGCG Protects collagen type IV via MMP9 inhibition
This in-vitro study has shown that the main active molecule in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), inhibits the metalloproteinase MMP9 and its precursor proMMP9.
MMPs are useful for various body processes, as they are collagen remodelling agents, but excessive MMP synthesis can lead to excessive connective tissue breakdown. Usually MMPs are over-activated by inflammation or free radical damage, i.e. when tissue injury occurs.
In the case of MMP9, it breaks down collagen IV. Thereby an inhibitor of MMP9, such as EGCG from green tea, would help preserve collagen IV from excessive breakdown.
This can help protect the integrity of both skin (especially the dermal-epidermal junction) and blood vessels, where collagen IV is found.
Green tea and EGCG are already known to help protect collagen IV and this study further confirms this action.
EGCG, Green tea, blood vessels, skin firmness and cellulite
In simple terms, we want to have low amounts (neither zero nor high) of MMP9, in order to keep our collagen IV and consequently our blood vessels and skin firm and healthy:
Drinking green tea lowers MMP9 and can help protect your skin and blood vessels - ideal for cellulite prevention
A concentrated cream rich in EGCG and other polyphenols could potentially help preserve collagen and therefore skin tightness in skin
EGCG for collagen type IV: frequently asked questions (FAQs)
I hope everything is now clear regarding EGCG, collagen IV and skin tightening.
Below are some straight, quick answers to the most common questions related to this subject, to clarify finer points and add more detail.
Does green tea contain collagen? Is green tea good for collagen?
No, green tea does not contain collagen but helps protect collagen (as this study shows and boost its synthesis (as other studies show).
How much EGCG in matcha?
Is matcha rich in EGCG? Yes, it is but no more than other teas, as research shows.
Matcha tea was traditionally developed to be rich in caffeine, not EGCG. So you can get even higher amounts of EGCG from other teas, depending on variety and cultivation, with less caffeine burden.
And unless the producer officially states certificated EGCG levels about their green tea you would not know which contains more and which less (you should be looking at about 7% EGCG in dried tea leaves, i.e. ~180mg of EGCG in a normal 2.5g tea bag).
If you wish to definitely get more EGCG:
Try to find a green tea with certificate of analysis stating EGCG content
Simply drink more green tea
Or have an EGCG supplement - there are plenty on the market from quality manufacturers (but don’t take more than 500mg per day, as it may be too much for your liver; always consult a health practitioner first)
What are EGCG benefits for skin?
Green tea is widely researched for its antioxidant, skin firming, circulation-boosting, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, lipolytic and anti-glycation action, which makes it ideal for anti-ageing and cellulite.
Inhibition of MMP-9 by Green Tea Catechins and Prediction of Their Interaction by Molecular Docking Analysis
Research paper link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0753332216312537
Abstract: “Green tea polyphenolic catechins have been shown to prevent various types of diseases such as pulmonary hypertension (PAH), cancer and cardiac and neurological disorders. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the development of PAH. The present study demonstrated that among the four green tea catechins (EGCG, ECG, EC and EGC), EGCG and ECG inhibit pro-/active MMP-9 activities in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell culture supernatant. Based on the above, we investigated the interactions of pro-/active MMP-9 with the green tea catechins by computational methods. In silico molecular docking analysis revealed a strong interaction between pro-/active MMP-9 and EGCG/ECG, and galloyl group appears to be responsible for this enhanced interaction. The molecular docking studies corroborate our experimental observation that EGCG and ECG are mainly active in preventing both the proMMP-9 and MMP-9 activities.”
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