Epicatechin · (-)-Epicatechin
A cocoa-derived flavonoid that may inhibit myostatin and support muscle retention; human evidence is early-stage.
Short answer
Epicatechin ((-)-Epicatechin) is a myostatin inhibitor / antioxidant with evidence grade D, meaning it is primarily supported by animal studies. We track 1 produkter containing Epicatechin. Typical doses range from 750 to 750 mg per portion. The top-ranked product scores 5.0 out of 10 on our composite scale (dose, evidence, price, testing, transparency). Prices range up to $24.95 per månad.
Top Epicatechin produkter
| Product | Varumärke | Dose | Pris/mo | 3rd-party tested | Poäng |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epicatechin Extract 750mg | 750 mg | $24.95 | Yes | 5.0 |
Scores are editorial judgments, not a scientific standard. Se how we score.
What it is
Epicatechin is a flavonoid found naturally in dark chocolate, green tea, and certain fruits. It has attracted interest for its potential to inhibit myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth, and for antioxidant and cardioprotective effects.
Why people take it
In animal studies, epicatechin increased muscle mass, improved exercise capacity, and reduced myostatin levels. Small human trials show modest improvements in grip strength and fatigue resistance. Long-term safety and efficacy data are limited.
Our verdict
Mechanistically interesting as a natural myostatin modulator, but the evidence base is early-stage with small sample sizes. Safe at typical doses.
Structure & class
(-)-Epicatechin, a flavan-3-ol. Found in cacao (Theobroma cacao), Camellia sinensis. Myostatin (GDF-8) inhibition observed in vitro and in vivo; also modulates follistatin, nitric oxide, and IGF-1 pathways.
Mechanism & clinical data
Gutierrez-Salmean 2014 showed 1 mg/kg epicatechin improved grip strength and reduced myostatin in human subjects (n=6). Hüttenhower 2013 showed dose-dependent myostatin inhibition in C2C12 myotubes. Larger RCTs are lacking.
Pharmacokinetics
2 to 3 hours; conjugated metabolites circulate longer.
Dose & forms
What to watch out for
Quality varies between cocoa extracts; check (-)-epicatechin content specifically, as some produkter contain mostly (+)-epicatechin or other catechins.
Where this dose comes from
The trial dose above is our editorial pick from the published human trials for this ingredient. We choose the dose that the best-available studies used on the endpoint most relevant to longevity. The range shows the lowest and highest doses tested in published trials. The landmark studies below are the papers we read to set it. You can click through and check our work.
When new trials publish, our automated sweeps flag them. If a new study materially changes the dose, we update it through editorial review and record the old dose, new dose, and the triggering study in every affected product's recommendation history. The dose is never changed automatically.
Regelverk status
Timeline
Regelverk events, evidence grade changes, and key research milestones for Epicatechin, most recent first. Every entry links to its primär source.
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EU Court sharpens the bar for botanical health claimsA Court of Justice of the European Union ruling in april 2025 further tightened the requirements for how botanical ingredients (herbs, plant extracts) can be marketed with health claims in the EU, effectively removing much of the flexibility of the on-hold list.
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EU report identifies 117 supplement substances as potential health risksThe HoA Working Group on Food Supplements (26 European countries) published its first report evaluating 117 substances used in food supplements. Of these, 65 were assessed as likely novel foods, 6 were already regulated, 34 had insufficient data, and 12 were prioritized for Article 8 restriction under Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006. The 12 priority substances include ashwagandha, curcumin, melatonin, piperine, St. John's wort, coumarin, p-synephrine, maca, holy basil, Melaleuca, black cohosh, and L-tryptophan. The report drew on 1,500 RASFF alerts reviewed between 2017 and mid-2022.
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Gutierrez-Salmean 2014 (Clin Nutr)RCT (n=6): 1 mg/kg (-)-epicatechin for 7 days improved grip strength and reduced serum myostatin by 8% in healthy older adults.
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Ramirez-Sanchez 2013 (Food Chem Toxicol)In vitro and mouse study: epicatechin increased follistatin, decreased myostatin, and improved muscle performance.
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EU Health Claims Regulation adoptedRegulation (EC) No 1924/2006 laid down harmonised rules for nutrition and health claims made on foods, including supplements. Only claims listed in the EU Register of authorised claims can be used. Rejected botanical claims are held in a separate on-hold list.
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EU introduces the Novel Food RegulationRegulation (EC) No 258/97 required any food or food ingredient without a history of consumption in the EU before 15 maj 1997 to be authorised before being placed on the market. This is the framework that captures NMN, spermidine as a supplement ingredient, urolithin A, and many other longevity actives.
Landmark studies
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Gutierrez-Salmean 2014 (Clin Nutr)
RCT (n=6): 1 mg/kg (-)-epicatechin for 7 days improved grip strength and reduced serum myostatin by 8% in healthy older adults.
Läs studie → -
Ramirez-Sanchez 2013 (Food Chem Toxicol)
In vitro and mouse study: epicatechin increased follistatin, decreased myostatin, and improved muscle performance.
Läs studie →
Found in these produkter (1)
Alla produkter in our catalog that contain Epicatechin, ranked by our overall score. Ranking is editorial, never paid.
Buying guides and comparisons
Related ingredients
Se alla in Myostatin inhibitor / Antioxidant →Molekyler in the same class, plus the actives most often formulated alongside Epicatechin in our catalogue.
Nothing else in the database sits close enough to this molecule to list.
Frequently asked questions
What is Epicatechin?
Epicatechin is a flavonoid found naturally in dark chocolate, green tea, and certain fruits. It has attracted interest for its potential to inhibit myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth, and for antioxidant and cardioprotective effects.
What dose of Epicatechin should I take?
The trial dose in published human studies is 500 mg per dag, with a range of 200 to 1000 mg per dag. Always consult a qualified clinician before starting any supplement.
Is Epicatechin safe?
Quality varies between cocoa extracts; check (-)-epicatechin content specifically, as some produkter contain mostly (+)-epicatechin or other catechins.
What is the best Epicatechin supplement?
We track 1 produkter containing Epicatechin. The top-ranked product scores 5.0 out of 10 on our composite scale, which evaluates dose, evidence, price, third-party testing, and transparency. See the comparison table above. Scores are editorial judgments, not a scientific standard.
What is the evidence grade for Epicatechin?
Epicatechin has evidence grade D, meaning it is primarily supported by animal studies. Grade A means replicated human RCTs with hard endpoints. Grade B means human RCTs with biomarker outcomes. Grade C means mixed or small human trials. See our evidence grading methodology.
Data verification
Bevisning grades are reviewed when new human RCTs are published. Product counts update automatically as new produkter are added. Dose ranges reflect published trial data, not brand recommendations. Read how we verify.