Coffeeberry Coffee Fruit Extract
Also known as: Coffeeberry extract, Coffee fruit extract, Whole coffee fruit extract, Coffee pulp extract, Coffeeberry Coffee Fruit Extract
Overview
Coffeeberry Coffee Fruit Extract is derived from the whole fruit of the *Coffea* plant, typically *Coffea arabica* or *Coffea canephora*. This extract is distinct from coffee bean extracts, containing higher levels of chlorogenic acids, procyanidins, and other polyphenols. It is primarily used for its potential cognitive and mood-enhancing effects, antioxidant support, and possible metabolic benefits, such as lipid control and anti-obesity effects. The extract boasts a high antioxidant capacity and a relatively low caffeine content compared to coffee beans. Research on coffee fruit extract is still emerging, with some clinical trials and animal studies available, but systematic reviews and meta-analyses are limited. Current evidence includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and animal studies, but more large-scale, long-term human studies are needed to confirm its benefits and safety comprehensively. The extract is obtained from the fruit pulp surrounding the coffee bean.
Benefits
The cognitive and mood effects of Coffeeberry Coffee Fruit Extract are currently inconsistent. One RCT indicated that a 100 mg dose increased mental fatigue and decreased accuracy on a rapid visual information processing task, suggesting no acute cognitive benefit and possible mild negative effects on specific cognitive tasks. A 12-week study using 28 g/day of coffee pulp juice concentrate demonstrated safety in healthy volunteers and hinted at potential lipid control benefits, though detailed efficacy data were limited. Animal studies suggest potential benefits on obesity-related metabolic syndromes, including improvements in hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. The acute cognitive effects observed were statistically significant but small and not clearly beneficial. Metabolic benefits in animals are promising but require human confirmation.
How it works
Coffeeberry Coffee Fruit Extract's mechanism of action primarily involves its antioxidant activity, attributed to chlorogenic acids and procyanidins. These compounds modulate oxidative stress and inflammation and may influence glucose metabolism and lipid profiles. The extract interacts with the central nervous system, potentially affecting cognition and mood, as well as the metabolic system, influencing lipid and glucose metabolism. Chlorogenic acids may inhibit glucose-6-phosphatase, modulate inflammatory cytokines, and indirectly influence neurotransmitter systems. These compounds are absorbed and metabolized in the gut, with bioavailability varying based on the formulation and individual metabolism.
Side effects
Coffeeberry Coffee Fruit Extract is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse events reported in human trials lasting up to 12 weeks. Common side effects have not been clearly reported. No significant side effects were reported in the uncommon side effects category (1-5%). Rare side effects are unknown due to limited data. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised due to the polyphenol content, which could potentially affect drug metabolism. No contraindications have been established. The safety of coffeeberry extract in pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with chronic diseases has not been well-studied. More research is needed to fully understand the safety profile in these populations.
Dosage
A minimum effective dose of Coffeeberry Coffee Fruit Extract has not been definitively established; however, 100 mg of a standardized extract was used in acute cognitive studies. Optimal dosage ranges have not been clearly defined, but up to 28 g/day of coffee pulp juice concentrate was used safely in a 12-week trial. The maximum safe dose is also not clearly defined, with no adverse effects reported at the doses studied. Acute cognitive effects have been measured at 60-120 minutes post-dose. Standardized extracts with a defined chlorogenic acid content (e.g., 40%) are commonly used in research. Absorption may be influenced by co-ingestion with other phenolics or the food matrix. No specific cofactors are required.
FAQs
Does coffeeberry extract improve cognition?
Current evidence does not support acute cognitive enhancement; some measures showed mild negative effects on attention tasks in one study. More research is needed to determine any long-term cognitive benefits.
Is coffeeberry extract safe for long-term use?
Limited data suggest safety up to 12 weeks at moderate doses. Long-term safety studies are needed to fully assess the risks and benefits of prolonged use.
How does coffeeberry compare to caffeine?
Coffeeberry has a much lower caffeine content and does not produce the same stimulant effects as caffeine. It is primarily valued for its antioxidant and polyphenol content.
Can coffeeberry extract aid weight loss or metabolic health?
Animal studies are promising, but human evidence is preliminary and insufficient for firm conclusions. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness for weight loss or metabolic health.
Is coffeeberry extract the same as coffee bean extract?
No, coffeeberry extract is derived from the whole fruit, including the pulp, and contains different phytochemical profiles compared to coffee bean extract.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10254646/ – This RCT compared the effects of 100 mg and 300 mg of coffeeberry extract against a placebo and caffeine control in healthy adults. The study found that a 100 mg dose increased mental fatigue and decreased accuracy on a cognitive task, suggesting no significant mood or cognitive benefits. The limitations include acute dosing, a small sample size, and a lack of long-term data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10097379/ – This 12-week RCT administered 28 g/day of coffee pulp juice concentrate to healthy volunteers, demonstrating safety with no adverse events. The study suggested potential lipid control efficacy, although detailed efficacy data and placebo control details were limited. This study provides preliminary evidence of safety and potential metabolic benefits.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/1/10 – This preclinical study in mice assessed the effects of coffee berry pulp extract on obesity, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance. The study found improvements in metabolic parameters and antioxidant status. While promising, the results require confirmation in human trials to determine their applicability to human health.
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-about-coffee-fruit – This WebMD article provides a general overview of coffee fruit, highlighting its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. It emphasizes that coffee fruit extract is different from coffee beans and contains unique compounds that may offer various health advantages. However, it is important to note that this source is not a peer-reviewed scientific study.
- https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Coffee-fruit-Cognitive-Vitality-For-Researchers.pdf – This document from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation summarizes research on coffee fruit extract and its potential cognitive benefits. It highlights the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of the extract, suggesting it may support brain health. However, it also notes that more research is needed to confirm these benefits in humans.