EpiCat™ (Green Tea Extract & Epicatechin)
The Myostatin-Follistatin Axis and Epicatechin
Myostatin, also known as growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF-8), is a myokine belonging to the TGF-beta superfamily. It acts as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass, essentially putting a 'ceiling' on how much muscle an individual can naturally build. Epicatechin, a flavanol found heavily in dark chocolate and green tea, has been shown in emerging research to modulate this pathway. It does not directly destroy myostatin; rather, it stimulates the endogenous production and release of follistatin. Follistatin is a glycoprotein that binds directly to myostatin, neutralizing its ability to dock with the ActRIIB receptor on muscle cells. By increasing the follistatin-to-myostatin ratio, epicatechin effectively removes the biological brakes on muscle hypertrophy, facilitating enhanced muscle protein synthesis and differentiation.
Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Inhibition via EGCG
The green tea extract component of EpiCat™ is standardized for catechins, most notably Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a potent inhibitor of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT), the enzyme responsible for degrading intracellular catecholamines like norepinephrine. By inhibiting COMT, EGCG prolongs the half-life of norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft. This sustained adrenergic signaling enhances lipolysis (the breakdown of triglycerides into free fatty acids) and upregulates thermogenesis. When combined with exercise, this mechanism significantly increases the rate of fat oxidation.
Antioxidant Capacity and ROS Buffering
Intense resistance training generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). While a baseline level of ROS is necessary for cellular signaling and adaptation, excessive oxidative stress leads to lipid peroxidation, protein degradation, and delayed recovery. The polyphenols in green tea extract act as direct free radical scavengers. They donate electrons to neutralize ROS, thereby protecting the sarcolemma (muscle cell membrane) from damage. This reduction in exercise-induced oxidative stress accelerates recovery times between intense training sessions.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability
The bioavailability of both epicatechin and EGCG is notoriously low due to extensive first-pass metabolism, rapid glucuronidation, and poor intestinal absorption. Taking green tea extract on an empty stomach significantly increases the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of EGCG; however, clinical data indicates that high doses of EGCG taken in a fasted state dramatically increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. Therefore, while fasting improves absorption, it is clinically recommended to consume these extracts with food to mitigate liver stress.
What does Epicat do? +
Does green tea reduce myostatin? +
What medications interact with green tea extract? +
What medications are not good with green tea? +
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What not to take with EGCG? +
Is EpiCat a steroid? +
How much epicatechin is in EpiCat? +
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Can women take EpiCat? +
Does EpiCat contain caffeine? +
Should I take EpiCat on an empty stomach? +
How long does it take to see results from EpiCat? +
What is myostatin? +
How does follistatin interact with myostatin? +
Can EpiCat help with weight loss? +
Are there liver risks with green tea extract? +
What is the best time to take EpiCat? +
Does EpiCat cause hair loss? +
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Everything About EpiCat™ (Green Tea Extract & Epicatechin) Article
What is EpiCat™?
EpiCat™ is a specialized, non-hormonal muscle-building and body-recomposition supplement formulated by Blackstone Labs. It leverages two highly researched natural compounds: Green Tea Extract and Epicatechins (often sourced from dark chocolate or Camellia sinensis). Unlike traditional prohormones or exogenous androgens, EpiCat™ does not alter your endocrine system. Instead, it targets the genetic and enzymatic pathways that govern muscle growth and fat storage, specifically focusing on the myostatin-follistatin axis and catecholamine degradation.
With a clinical dose of 1000mg per serving (700mg Green Tea Extract and 300mg Epicatechins), EpiCat™ is designed to help athletes break through genetic plateaus, increase lean tissue accrual, and simultaneously support fat oxidation.
The Science of Muscle Growth: Defeating Myostatin
To understand why EpiCat™ is highly regarded in the sports nutrition space, you must understand myostatin. Myostatin is a protein produced primarily in skeletal muscle cells that circulates in the blood and acts on muscle tissue to inhibit muscle growth. It is an evolutionary survival mechanism designed to prevent the body from carrying too much metabolically expensive muscle mass.
How Epicatechin Flips the Switch Epicatechin, the primary active ingredient in EpiCat™, is a bioactive flavanol. Research indicates that epicatechin administration stimulates the release of another protein called follistatin. Follistatin is a direct antagonist to myostatin. It binds to myostatin in the bloodstream, neutralizing it and preventing it from docking with the ActRIIB receptors on your muscle cells.
By artificially elevating follistatin through epicatechin supplementation, you effectively lower myostatin activity. This removes the biological "brakes" on muscle hypertrophy, allowing your body to build muscle beyond its normal genetic ceiling. Because this process does not involve the androgen receptor, it is completely safe for both men and women and requires no Post Cycle Therapy (PCT).
Green Tea Extract: The Ultimate Recomp Agent
While the 300mg of epicatechins handles the muscle-building side of the equation, the 700mg of Green Tea Extract (standardized for catechins like EGCG) handles fat loss and recovery.
Thermogenesis and COMT Inhibition Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a potent inhibitor of an enzyme called Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT). COMT's job is to break down norepinephrine, the primary neurotransmitter responsible for lipolysis (fat burning). By inhibiting COMT, EGCG allows norepinephrine to remain active in your system for much longer. This prolonged sympathetic nervous system activity increases resting metabolic rate and significantly enhances the amount of fat your body burns during exercise.
Antioxidant Protection and Recovery Intense weightlifting creates microscopic tears in muscle fibers and generates a massive amount of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). While some ROS is needed for adaptation, too much leads to severe oxidative stress, prolonged soreness, and delayed recovery. Green tea extract is one of nature's most powerful antioxidants. It scavenges these free radicals, protecting the muscle cell membrane and allowing you to recover faster and train harder in your next session.
Clinical Dosing and How to Take It
The standard dosage of EpiCat™ is two capsules daily, yielding 1000mg of total active ingredients.
Crucial Safety Note on Dosing: According to clinical monographs from authoritative sources like Drugs.com, high doses of green tea extract (specifically EGCG) taken on an empty stomach can lead to dangerously high plasma levels that stress the liver. There have been documented cases of hepatotoxicity associated with fasted green tea extract consumption. Always take EpiCat™ with a meal.
Who Should Use EpiCat™?
EpiCat™ is ideal for: Natural Athletes: Those looking to maximize their genetic potential without crossing into enhanced territory. Women: Because it is non-hormonal, women can use it to build lean muscle without fear of virilization (masculinizing side effects). Older Lifters: As we age, myostatin levels naturally rise. Epicatechin can help combat age-related sarcopenia by keeping myostatin in check. During PCT: Enhanced athletes often use epicatechin during their Post Cycle Therapy to help maintain muscle mass while their natural testosterone levels recover.
Potential Side Effects and Interactions
While generally recognized as safe, the green tea extract in EpiCat™ comes with specific warnings: Liver Health: As mentioned, do not take on an empty stomach. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should avoid high-dose green tea extracts. Medication Interactions: Green tea extract can interact with blood thinners (like Warfarin), MAOIs (antidepressants), and certain stimulants. Always consult a physician if you are on prescription medication. Caffeine Sensitivity: Depending on the specific extraction process, green tea extract may contain residual caffeine. If you are highly sensitive to stimulants, avoid taking it close to bedtime.
Stacking EpiCat™
For maximum natural muscle growth, EpiCat™ is frequently stacked with other non-hormonal anabolics. A popular combination is stacking it with Laxogenin (found in products like Blackstone Labs Anogenin). While epicatechin lowers muscle-destroying proteins (myostatin), laxogenin increases muscle-building processes (protein synthesis). Together, they create a highly synergistic environment for body recomposition.