CoffeeBerry Coffee Berry extract
Also known as: Coffea canephora, CoffeeBerry, coffee cherry extract, whole coffee fruit extract (WCFE), coffeeberry extract, Coffea arabica L.
Overview
CoffeeBerry extract is derived from the fruit (cherry) of the coffee plant, specifically the fleshy outer layer, which is typically discarded during coffee bean production. It is distinct from roasted coffee beans, containing higher concentrations of polyphenols, particularly chlorogenic acids (CGA) and procyanidins, and lower caffeine content (typically <2% of extract weight). Marketed for cognitive enhancement, mood support, and antioxidant benefits, it is often positioned as a 'nootropic' or brain health supplement. The extract boasts a high antioxidant capacity and is often standardized to contain 40% or higher chlorogenic acid content. Research into CoffeeBerry is emerging, with a small but growing number of human clinical trials, primarily focusing on acute neurophysiological effects. The overall quality of evidence is moderate for acute effects but limited for long-term cognitive or mood benefits, with most studies being small, short-term randomized controlled trials.
Benefits
Evidence for the benefits of CoffeeBerry extract is mixed and primarily focuses on acute effects. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study (n=20, healthy older adults) found that acute administration of 100 mg of whole coffee cherry extract (WCCE) was associated with decreased reaction time and reduced cognitive errors on working memory and response inhibition tasks. This study also reported increased connectivity in decision-making networks and elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glutamate/GABA ratio, suggesting acute neurophysiological changes supportive of attention and processing speed in older adults. However, another randomized controlled trial (n=72, healthy adults) found no benefit on mood, mental energy, or cognition at 100 mg or 300 mg doses; in fact, 100 mg increased mental fatigue and reduced sustained attention accuracy compared to placebo in this younger population. A PepsiCo-sponsored study reported alertness and mood benefits with a coffee berry/apple extract blend, but the absence of a coffee berry-only arm limits its interpretability. While CoffeeBerry has high antioxidant content, its clinical relevance for chronic disease prevention in humans is not yet established. Overall, effects, when present, are modest and transient, with no large or clinically meaningful long-term benefits demonstrated in rigorous trials.
How it works
CoffeeBerry extract's mechanism of action is primarily attributed to its rich polyphenol content, particularly chlorogenic acids. These compounds are believed to modulate neurophysiology through several pathways. They may exert antioxidant activity, which can protect neural cells from oxidative stress. Research suggests that polyphenols in CoffeeBerry can lead to an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for neuronal growth, survival, and synaptic plasticity. Additionally, it may alter the balance of glutamate and GABA, key neurotransmitters involved in excitatory and inhibitory signaling, respectively, thereby influencing brain activity. Studies have observed enhanced functional connectivity in brain regions associated with attention and decision-making. While chlorogenic acids are absorbed, they undergo extensive metabolism, and the specific bioavailability and brain penetration of CoffeeBerry-specific polyphenols in humans are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
CoffeeBerry extract appears to be safe for short-term use at doses up to 300 mg, with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials. Common, uncommon, or rare side effects (e.g., >5%, 1-5%, or <1% frequency) have not been reported in available studies. There is currently no data on drug interactions, although a theoretical risk of interaction with drugs metabolized by CYP450 enzymes exists, but remains unproven. No contraindications have been established. Specific safety data for special populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals, or those with significant comorbidities, is lacking. Due to its low caffeine content, the stimulant-related risks typically associated with coffee are significantly reduced. Long-term safety data is not available, and further research is needed to fully understand its safety profile over extended periods.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for CoffeeBerry extract is not clearly established. While one study in older adults observed acute neurophysiological effects at 100 mg, another study in healthy adults found negative cognitive effects at the same dose. Optimal dosage ranges are currently insufficient, with studies testing doses between 100 mg and 300 mg yielding mixed results. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses up to 300 mg have appeared safe in short-term studies. Acute effects, when observed, typically occur within 2 hours of administration; however, there is no data regarding long-term supplementation timing. Standardized extracts, often containing 40% or more chlorogenic acid, are commonly used. Absorption factors are not well characterized and are likely influenced by the food matrix and individual physiological variations. No specific cofactors have been identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is CoffeeBerry extract effective for mood or cognition?
Current evidence is mixed. Some studies show acute improvements in reaction time and attention in older adults, but others find no benefit or even transient negative effects in healthy adults. No robust, replicated evidence supports long-term cognitive or mood enhancement.
Is it safe?
Short-term use at studied doses (up to 300 mg) appears safe, with no significant side effects reported. However, long-term safety is unknown, and data for special populations like pregnant women is lacking.
When should I take it?
If used, acute effects may occur within 1–2 hours. Optimal timing and duration for consistent benefits are not established due to limited research on long-term effects.
What should I expect?
You might experience modest, transient changes in attention or processing speed, particularly if you are an older adult. However, dramatic or consistent benefits are not strongly supported by current scientific evidence.
Is CoffeeBerry a 'superfood'?
CoffeeBerry is not a 'superfood' with proven broad health benefits. While it has high antioxidant content in vitro, its clinical relevance for chronic disease prevention is unproven. It is also not a substitute for caffeine-containing coffee for alertness.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10254646/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with 72 healthy adults found that 100 mg of whole coffee fruit extract increased mental fatigue and reduced sustained attention accuracy compared to placebo. The 300 mg dose had no significant effect on mood, mental energy, or cognition. The study highlights the transient and sometimes negative cognitive effects in a healthy adult population.
- https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Coffee-fruit-Cognitive-Vitality-For-Researchers.pdf – This source provides a comprehensive overview of coffee fruit extract, detailing its chemical composition, primary uses, and the current state of research. It emphasizes the high polyphenol content and low caffeine, positioning it as a potential nootropic, but also notes the emerging and limited nature of human clinical trials.
- https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2021/12/13/Coffee-berry-extract-may-boost-alertness-mood-PepsiCo-study/ – This article reports on a PepsiCo-sponsored study suggesting that a blend containing coffee berry and apple extract improved alertness and mood. However, the absence of a coffee berry-only arm in the study limits the interpretability of the specific effects attributable solely to coffee berry extract.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7909261/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 20 healthy older adults found that 100 mg of whole coffee cherry extract acutely decreased reaction time, reduced cognitive errors, and increased BDNF and glutamate/GABA ratios. It also showed enhanced functional connectivity in decision-making networks, suggesting acute neurophysiological benefits in this demographic.
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/coffee-fruit/ – This source provides general information about coffee fruit, highlighting its antioxidant properties. While it discusses potential health benefits, it is a general health article and does not present detailed scientific study findings or rigorous clinical trial data.