Evidence supporting the use of: Epicatechin
For the health condition: Circulation (poor)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Epicatechin is a flavonoid found in foods such as cocoa, green tea, and certain fruits. There is emerging scientific evidence suggesting that epicatechin may support circulation, primarily through its effects on endothelial function and nitric oxide bioavailability. Several small clinical studies and animal experiments have shown that epicatechin can enhance the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. For example, research involving healthy adults consuming high-flavanol cocoa demonstrated improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a marker of vascular health, and these effects have been attributed in part to epicatechin content.

However, while some positive data exist, most clinical studies are small, short-term, and often use cocoa products containing a mixture of flavanols, not purified epicatechin. There are also studies suggesting benefits in populations with cardiovascular risk factors, but robust, large-scale trials specifically isolating epicatechin’s effects are lacking. Thus, while the mechanism is plausible and early data are promising, the overall evidence for using epicatechin specifically to treat or support poor circulation remains limited but suggestive.

In summary, the scientific basis for epicatechin’s use in supporting circulation is present but not definitive, with a need for larger and more rigorous human trials to establish clear efficacy and optimal dosing.

More about epicatechin
More about Circulation (poor)

Other ingredients used for Circulation (poor)

acetyl l-carnitine
ajoene
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anthocyanins
arjun tree
ashwagandha
asparagus
astaxanthin
astragalus
beet
bergamot
berry flavor
bilberry
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
black pepper
sesame
black tea
blueberry
bromelain
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
butcher's broom
caffeine
capsaicinoids
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
celery
chen pi
cherry
Chinese salvia root
chokeberry
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coleus forskohlii
cordyceps
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
diallyl trisulfide (DATS)
dong quai root
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
garlic bulb
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
hawthorn
hesperetin
hesperidin
hibiscus
horse chestnut
horseradish
Indian tinospora
iron
knotweed
kudzu
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
lovage
mackerel
magnesium
marine lipid
moringa
mustard seed
naringin
nattokinase
nettle
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
oyster mushroom
pine bark
policosanol
pomegranate
quercetin
redcurrant
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
rutin
safflower oil
sardines
shiitake mushroom
black ginger
spinach
tocotrienols
triphala
ubiquinol
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin E
seaweed
water
watercress
watermelon
mulberry
sarsaparilla
suma
jiaogulan
tangerine
gastrodia
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
Indian bael
inula racemosa
punarnava
commiphora
smilax
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
prickly ash
siler root
cistanche
dioscorea
dodder
ganoderma
morinda
zanthoxylum
birch
polyphenols
purslane
yerba mate
biota seed
goji berry
herbal blend (proprietary)
Sichuan pepper
yohimbe
cocoa
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
2-(nitrooxy)ethyl 2-amino-3-methylbutanoate
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Aralia
Arjuna
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Autumn elaeagnus
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Angelica
Aronia melanocarpa
Allicin
Arginine aspartate
Achyranthes
Auricularia
Adrenergic amines
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
anthocyanidins
Asteracea
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Allium tuberosum
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Atractylone
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berry
Bur-Reed
Bioflavonoids
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Buddha's Hand
Buckwheat
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
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Chinese Mountain Ant
Carqueja
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Coca
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Costus
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cola nut
Currant
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Danshen
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Date
Diosmetin
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
epicatechin
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Elk antler
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Garlic
Ginkgo Flavone Glycoside
Mustard
Mistletoe
Pistachio
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
yohimbine
Zucchini

Products containing epicatechin

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.