Coffeeberry Whole Coffee Fruit Concentrate
Also known as: Coffeeberry, whole coffee fruit concentrate, coffee cherry extract, WCCE, Coffea arabica whole fruit concentrate
Overview
Coffeeberry Whole Coffee Fruit Concentrate is a nutraceutical derived from the entire fruit of the Coffea arabica plant, encompassing the pulp and skin, distinct from roasted coffee beans. It is naturally abundant in chlorogenic acids and other polyphenols, while containing a low amount of caffeine. This supplement is primarily utilized for its potential in cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection, attributed to its significant antioxidant and neurotrophic properties. Its antioxidant capacity surpasses that of roasted coffee beans and many other fruits. While research is ongoing, current clinical studies are limited in number and often small-scale, focusing on acute cognitive and mood effects. The evidence quality is moderate, with some randomized controlled trials and neuroimaging studies, but a lack of large-scale meta-analyses specifically for coffeeberry extract.
Benefits
Coffeeberry Whole Coffee Fruit Concentrate offers several potential benefits, primarily in neuroprotection and cognitive function. Acute administration has been shown to significantly increase plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in healthy adults, with increases up to 137% compared to baseline, suggesting neuroprotective potential. This effect is crucial for neuronal growth, survival, and synaptic plasticity. One randomized controlled trial (RCT) indicated acute improvements in reaction time, sustained attention, and increased functional connectivity in brain regions associated with decision-making and attention, alongside elevated BDNF and glutamate/GABA ratios. However, another RCT found no cognitive or mood benefits at a 300 mg dose, and a 100 mg dose showed some transient negative effects on mental fatigue and sustained attention, highlighting mixed results. Beyond neurocognitive effects, coffeeberry extracts possess antioxidant activity several times higher than roasted coffee beans, which may contribute to cellular protection and reduction of oxidative stress.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Coffeeberry Whole Coffee Fruit Concentrate is attributed to its rich content of chlorogenic acids and other polyphenols, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A key pathway involves the significant increase in plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein vital for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons, as well as for synaptic plasticity. This neurotrophic effect contributes to neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement. Additionally, the extract modulates neurotransmitter balance by increasing the glutamate/GABA ratio, which may facilitate improved cognitive processing speed and attention. The low caffeine content ensures that these neuroactive benefits are delivered with minimal stimulant-related side effects.
Side effects
Coffeeberry Whole Coffee Fruit Concentrate generally appears safe, primarily due to its low caffeine content, which is approximately 1.5% of the maximum daily caffeine dose per gram of extract, thereby minimizing stimulant-related risks. No significant adverse effects have been reported in the reviewed randomized controlled trials. One study observed transient negative cognitive effects, such as increased mental fatigue and decreased sustained attention, at a lower dose of 100 mg; however, these effects were not consistently replicated at higher doses and should be interpreted with caution. Currently, there are no documented significant drug interactions or contraindications for coffeeberry extract in the available literature. Individuals sensitive to caffeine, even in small amounts, should exercise caution. As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Dosage
Clinical studies on Coffeeberry Whole Coffee Fruit Concentrate have utilized doses ranging from 100 mg to 300 mg, typically standardized to approximately 40% chlorogenic acid. Acute cognitive and neurophysiological effects have been observed at both 100 mg and 300 mg doses. However, it is important to note that one study reported inconsistent, transient negative effects on mental fatigue and sustained attention at the 100 mg dose. The timing of administration in studies has been acute, with effects measured within 60 to 120 minutes post-ingestion. Optimal dosing for sustained, long-term benefits has not yet been established due to the limited availability of long-term research. Users should adhere to product-specific recommendations or consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially given the mixed findings on lower doses.
FAQs
Does coffeeberry extract improve cognition?
Some studies suggest acute improvements in attention and reaction time, potentially through increased BDNF, but findings are mixed, and more research is needed to confirm consistent cognitive benefits.
Is coffeeberry extract safe?
Yes, it generally appears safe with a very low caffeine content and no major adverse effects reported in clinical studies. Transient negative effects were noted in one study at a low dose.
How quickly does coffeeberry extract work?
Acute studies have observed effects, such as increased BDNF and cognitive improvements, within 1 to 2 hours following ingestion.
Is coffeeberry extract better than regular coffee?
Coffeeberry extract contains higher levels of beneficial polyphenols and significantly less caffeine than brewed coffee, potentially offering antioxidant and neurotrophic benefits without strong stimulant effects.
Research Sources
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/modulatory-effect-of-coffee-fruit-extract-on-plasma-levels-of-brainderived-neurotrophic-factor-in-healthy-subjects/8B291E8D053143AA5A8D33B65496B034 – This randomized controlled trial with 25 healthy adults demonstrated a significant 137% increase in plasma BDNF levels after acute administration of whole coffee fruit concentrate compared to placebo. The study suggests potential neuroprotective benefits of the extract.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10254646/ – This double-blind crossover RCT involving 72 healthy adults investigated the acute effects of coffeeberry extract on cognition and mood. It found no significant cognitive or mood benefits at a 300 mg dose, and a 100 mg dose showed some transient negative effects on mental fatigue and sustained attention, indicating mixed results.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7909261/ – This double-blind crossover RCT with 20 healthy adults utilized fMRI and MRS to show that acute administration of 100 mg whole coffee cherry extract improved reaction time and sustained attention. It also found increased BDNF and an elevated glutamate/GABA ratio, providing mechanistic insights into its neurophysiological effects.
- https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Coffee-fruit-Cognitive-Vitality-For-Researchers.pdf – This source provides a comprehensive overview of coffee fruit's potential for cognitive vitality, summarizing existing research on its neuroprotective and cognitive benefits, particularly highlighting its antioxidant capacity and impact on BDNF levels. It also discusses the limitations of current research.