Epicatechin
Also known as: (-)-Epicatechin, epicatechin (a flavan-3-ol)
Large trials and meta-analyses of flavan-3-ol interventions that include (-)-epicatechin show improved endothelial function and modest reductions in blood pressure, and a large randomized trial of cocoa extract containing 80 mg/day (-)-epicatechin did not reduce total cardiovascular events but lowered cardiovascular mortality in secondary analyses. Effects on other ageing biomarkers were not seen in a prespecified ancillary analysis.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 3 indexed studies
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Overview
Epicatechin is a flavan-3-ol found in cocoa, tea and some fruits. Human trials have tested isolated cocoa flavanol supplements that contain a defined amount of (-)-epicatechin for effects on vascular outcomes and blood pressure.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Clinical data point to improved endothelial function (increased flow-mediated dilation) and modest blood pressure lowering after chronic intake of flavan-3-ol–rich interventions; these vascular effects are the presumed mechanisms linking epicatechin-containing supplements to cardiovascular outcomes.
Physiological Role
Modulation of endothelial function and vascular tone; antioxidant and vasoactive effects as part of flavan-3-ol activity.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
By improving endothelial function and lowering blood pressure modestly, epicatechin-containing supplements may influence cardiovascular health and related functional outcomes, though direct ergogenic effects on exercise performance are not established in the provided abstracts.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 80 mg/day (-)-epicatechin was used in large randomized trials (COSMOS).
- Optimal Range
- Not established from the provided abstracts; flavan-3-ol totals in meta-analysed interventions varied widely and dose–response with epicatechin was observed in cocoa studies.
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established
- Timing
- Not established
- Best Format
- Cocoa extract or flavan-3-ol supplements standardised for flavanols/(-)-epicatechin
- Bioavailability
- Bioavailability of flavan-3-ols is variable and influenced by the food matrix and formulation.
- Absorption Considerations
- Chronic repetitive intake was the context for many observed vascular benefits; acute and chronic effects on endothelial function have both been reported in the literature synthesised by the meta-analysis.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Minor adverse events reported infrequently in trials (low overall rate in meta-analysis).
Monitoring
Monitor blood pressure when using for cardiovascular risk modification or alongside antihypertensive therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Epicatechin typically used or indicated?
Epicatechin is most commonly used for: Cardiovascular support, Vascular endothelial function, General antioxidant / polyphenol supplementation. Modulation of endothelial function and vascular tone; antioxidant and vasoactive effects as part of flavan-3-ol activity.
How does Epicatechin work?
Clinical data point to improved endothelial function (increased flow-mediated dilation) and modest blood pressure lowering after chronic intake of flavan-3-ol–rich interventions; these vascular effects are the presumed mechanisms linking epicatechin-containing supplements to cardiovascular outcomes.
What is the recommended dose of Epicatechin?
The optimal range is Not established from the provided abstracts; flavan-3-ol totals in meta-analysed interventions varied widely and dose–response with epicatechin was observed in cocoa studies.. with a minimum effective dose of 80 mg/day (-)-epicatechin was used in large randomized trials (COSMOS).. Best taken: Not established. Upper / caution level: Not established.
What are the side effects of Epicatechin?
Reported side effects include: Minor adverse events reported infrequently in trials (low overall rate in meta-analysis).. Monitoring: Monitor blood pressure when using for cardiovascular risk modification or alongside antihypertensive therapy.
How strong is the evidence for Epicatechin?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 52/100), based on 3 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (3)
Effect of cocoa flavanol supplementation for the prevention of cardiovascular disease events: the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial.
Large randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (COSMOS) tested cocoa extract providing 500 mg flavanols/day including 80 mg (-)-epicatechin versus placebo in 21,442 older adults over a median 3.6 years for prevention of cardiovascular events.
Long-Term Effect of Cocoa Extract Supplementation on Incident Hypertension.
Prespecified analysis of COSMOS participants free of baseline hypertension examined incident hypertension with cocoa extract (500 mg flavanols/day including 80 mg (-)-epicatechin) versus placebo over median 3.4 years.
Impact of flavan-3-ols on blood pressure and endothelial function in diverse populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 145 randomized controlled trials (109 publications, 5205 participants) of flavan-3-ol interventions (including epicatechin, cocoa, tea, grape and apple sources) assessing blood pressure and flow-mediated dilation.
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Maltodextrin
78/100Short-chain α-1,4 linked glucose polymer that is rapidly hydrolysed by brush-border maltase to glucose; near-equivalent glycaemic response to glucose but lower osmolality at concentration.
Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD)
72/100Produced via cyclic-glucanotransferase action on amylopectin, HBCD forms cluster-like macromolecules ~160 kDa that solubilise at low osmolality (≈4 mOsm/L) and clear the stomach faster than maltodextrin or glucose polymers.
Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/epicatechin
SuppIndex. (2026). Epicatechin: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/epicatechin
Based on 3 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Was tested together with a daily multivitamin in a factorial trial without safety concerns; typically combined with other dietary polyphenols or standard supplements.