Neurofactor Dried Whole Coffee Fruit Concentrate
Also known as: Coffee fruit, Coffee cherry, Neurofactor, Dried whole coffee fruit concentrate, WCFC, Coffea arabica
Overview
Neurofactor is a proprietary dried whole coffee fruit concentrate powder derived from the whole fruit of Coffea arabica, distinct from traditional coffee bean extracts. It is rich in polyphenols, including chlorogenic acids, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds, along with a small amount of caffeine. Primarily utilized as a cognitive enhancer and neuroprotective agent, its main purported mechanism involves increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. BDNF is a crucial protein that supports neuronal survival, growth, and synaptic plasticity, playing a vital role in brain health, memory, and learning. While relatively new to the supplement market, preliminary clinical research suggests its potential in acutely boosting BDNF and improving certain cognitive functions. However, the evidence base is still emerging, with a limited number of large-scale randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses available to date.
Benefits
The primary benefit of Neurofactor is its ability to significantly increase plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels in healthy adults, as demonstrated in acute administration studies with 100 mg doses. This increase in BDNF is strongly linked to enhanced neuroplasticity and overall cognitive function. Research indicates that Neurofactor may improve specific cognitive parameters such as reaction time, sustained attention, working memory, and response inhibition, observed in randomized, placebo-controlled crossover studies. Beyond cognitive enhancement, the rich polyphenol content of coffee fruit provides secondary benefits through its antioxidant properties, which may contribute to neuroprotection by reducing oxidative stress. While promising, evidence for long-term cognitive benefits or its efficacy in clinical populations (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) is currently limited and requires further extensive research.
How it works
Neurofactor primarily exerts its effects by increasing circulating levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a key neurotrophin essential for neuronal survival, growth, and synaptic plasticity. This elevation in BDNF supports brain health and cognitive function. Additionally, it is believed to modulate neurotransmitter systems, specifically by increasing the glutamate/GABA ratio, which may enhance excitatory neurotransmission and improve cognitive processing. The polyphenols and antioxidants present in the whole coffee fruit concentrate also contribute to its neuroprotective properties by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation within the brain. Bioavailability studies suggest effective delivery of its active compounds, such as chlorogenic acids, though detailed pharmacokinetics are still under investigation.
Side effects
Neurofactor appears to be well-tolerated and safe at acute doses of 100 mg, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical studies. Due to its low caffeine content compared to traditional coffee, severe caffeine-related side effects are unlikely, but sensitive individuals might experience mild symptoms such as nervousness or sleep disturbances. Long-term safety data for Neurofactor are currently lacking, meaning its effects over extended periods are not yet fully understood. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been specifically reported for Neurofactor; however, individuals sensitive to caffeine or those with pre-existing medical conditions should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals on medication should also seek medical advice.
Dosage
The effective dosage of Neurofactor, as established in clinical studies, is typically 100 mg. This can be administered as a single dose or as 100 mg twice daily (morning and evening) for up to 28 days. In trials, doses were often taken before breakfast and dinner. Optimal dosing beyond these ranges has not been established due to limited research. Neurofactor is commonly available in encapsulated powder form. While not specifically studied, absorption may potentially be enhanced when taken with food. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds beyond the studied doses, and long-term dosing guidelines are still under investigation. It is crucial to adhere to recommended dosages and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
FAQs
Is Neurofactor safe?
Yes, at studied doses (100 mg), Neurofactor is generally well-tolerated with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials. Long-term safety data are still emerging.
How fast do effects appear?
Acute increases in BDNF levels and improvements in certain cognitive functions have been observed within hours of a single dose of Neurofactor.
Is it stimulant-like?
Neurofactor contains a low amount of caffeine, significantly less than a cup of coffee. Its primary effects are related to neurotrophic modulation rather than direct stimulation.
Can it prevent cognitive decline?
While Neurofactor shows promise in acutely boosting BDNF and improving some cognitive functions, there is currently insufficient evidence to confirm its ability to prevent or reverse cognitive decline. More research is needed.
Research Sources
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0007114512005338 – This randomized controlled trial investigated the acute effects of whole coffee fruit concentrate (WCFC) on plasma BDNF levels. It found that a single 100 mg dose of WCFC significantly increased plasma BDNF compared to placebo in healthy adults. The study was limited by its small sample size and acute design, providing no long-term data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7909261/ – This double-blind, crossover RCT with 21 healthy older adults demonstrated that whole coffee fruit extract (WCCE) acutely increased BDNF levels and the glutamate/GABA ratio. It also showed improvements in reaction time and attention, with fMRI indicating increased connectivity in cognitive networks. The study's limitation is its small sample size and focus on acute effects.
- https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Coffee-fruit-Cognitive-Vitality-For-Researchers.pdf – This report from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation summarizes a 28-day RCT where 100 mg of Neurofactor taken twice daily increased plasma BDNF. Secondary cognitive tests showed trends toward improvement. This study is limited by its small sample size and preliminary nature, as the full peer-reviewed article was not available at the time of this report.