Can You Take Green Tea Extract (EGCG) and Kava Together?

Use extra care with this pair

The short answer

Both Green Tea Extract (EGCG) and Kava have well-documented hepatotoxic potential. EGCG at high doses causes oxidative liver injury, while kavalactones cause hepatocellular damage. Combined use may significantly increase liver stress.

How to arrange timing

Avoid combining high-dose EGCG supplements with Kava. If use is necessary, monitor liver function tests regularly and limit duration of concurrent use.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Teschke R., Ann Intern Med 2010; Navarro VJ et al., Hepatology 2017

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.