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Coffee Whole Fruit Extract

Q: How often should it be taken?

While the optimal frequency is not yet established, daily use may be beneficial due to the acute effects observed.

Q: Is it safe for pregnant women?

There is limited data; thus, caution is advised for pregnant or nursing women.

Q: Can it be taken with other supplements?

Caution is recommended regarding potential interactions with other polyphenol-rich supplements.

Q: What cognitive benefits can be expected?

Reported benefits include improvements in working memory and response inhibition.

Q: Is it a stimulant like caffeine?

No, coffee whole fruit extract is not a stimulant; its effects are more related to BDNF and cognitive function.

Also known as: whole coffee fruit extract, coffee cherry extract, Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora, Coffee Whole Fruit Extract

Overview

Coffee whole fruit extract is derived from the entire coffee fruit, including the pulp and skin, which are rich in polyphenols and other bioactive compounds. This extract has gained attention for its potential cognitive benefits, antioxidant properties, and role as a stimulator of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), known for its importance in neuron health and cognitive function. The primary components of the extract include chlorogenic acids and hydroxycinnamates. Although research is emerging, the quality of evidence is moderate, with some promising clinical trials but a need for larger, longer-term studies. The extract is typically available in forms such as powders or capsules, and its usage is gaining interest both for general health and specific cognitive support.

Benefits

Evidence suggests several benefits associated with coffee whole fruit extract. One of the primary effects is BDNF stimulation, with a single dose capable of increasing plasma BDNF levels by up to 143%. Additional improvements in cognitive performance, particularly in working memory and response inhibition, have been observed with decaffeinated whole coffee cherry extract. The antioxidant activity of the extract also contributes to overall health benefits. Notably, older adults or individuals experiencing mild cognitive decline may derive specific advantages from its neuroprotective effects. While current studies indicate significant acute benefits, further research is necessary to solidify these findings and assess the long-term effects and optimal dosages.

How it works

The mechanisms behind the effects of coffee whole fruit extract involve stimulation of BDNF release, which is critical for neuron health and cognitive function. The extract's high polyphenol content exhibits antioxidant activity, potentially mitigating oxidative stress in neurological pathways. Furthermore, the interaction with BDNF receptors and other neuroprotective pathways signifies its impact on both neurological and cardiovascular systems, underpinning improvements in cognitive performance. However, the bioavailability of these polyphenols is still unclear and may vary based on individual gut metabolism.

Side effects

Overall, coffee whole fruit extract is generally considered safe, but safety data remains limited due to the lack of extensive large-scale studies. Common side effects are not well-documented; however, a potential for gastrointestinal upset exists due to the extract's high polyphenol content, affecting around 1-5% of users. Rare side effects (<1%) have yet to be identified reliably in clinical studies. Caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions, particularly with medications metabolized by CYP enzymes because of the polyphenols present. While there are no established contraindications, pregnant or nursing women should exercise caution due to limited safety information, and elderly patients should be monitored for interactions with other medications.

Dosage

The minimum effective dosage for coffee whole fruit extract is cited as 100 mg of whole coffee fruit concentrate, which has been shown to effectively increase BDNF levels. However, optimal dosage ranges are not yet established, and more research is necessary to determine appropriate amounts for specific effects. The maximum safe dose has not been determined, and caution is suggested when considering high doses, particularly due to potential gastrointestinal issues. Acute effects on BDNF levels are typically observed shortly after ingestion, implying possible benefits for daily use. Common forms include capsules or powders, and absorption factors may differ based on gut health and metabolism.

FAQs

How often should it be taken?

While the optimal frequency is not yet established, daily use may be beneficial due to the acute effects observed.

Is it safe for pregnant women?

There is limited data; thus, caution is advised for pregnant or nursing women.

Can it be taken with other supplements?

Caution is recommended regarding potential interactions with other polyphenol-rich supplements.

What cognitive benefits can be expected?

Reported benefits include improvements in working memory and response inhibition.

Is it a stimulant like caffeine?

No, coffee whole fruit extract is not a stimulant; its effects are more related to BDNF and cognitive function.

Research Sources

https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=36447 – This study investigated the acute effects of whole coffee fruit concentrate on plasma BDNF levels in healthy subjects, demonstrating a significant increase. The study was well-designed but had a small sample size.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23312069/ – Results from this study showed that a single dose of whole coffee fruit concentrate significantly raised BDNF levels compared to baseline. The findings highlight its potential neuroprotective benefits, although the small sample size limits generalizability.
https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/food/antioxidant-potential-of-various-whole-coffee-fruits-and-coffee-byproducts/ – This review discusses the antioxidant properties of coffee fruits and their byproducts, indicating that these compounds contribute to overall health benefits, supporting the use of whole coffee fruit extract as a polyphenol-rich supplement.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31398662/ – The study examined the cognitive performance benefits of decaffeinated whole coffee cherry extract, confirming improvements in response inhibition and memory. The longitudinal design provides stronger evidence of efficacy.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/14/2348 – This systematic review focuses on the nutritional components and health effects of coffee, highlighting the role of polyphenols in coffee fruit extracts and their contributions to cognitive health and well-being.