Organic Coffee Cherry Extract
Also known as: Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora, Coffee cherry extract, Coffee fruit extract, Cascara (dried fruit pulp), Coffea arabica (Coffee Cherry Extract)
Overview
Organic coffee cherry extract is derived from the fruit surrounding the coffee bean, typically from *Coffea arabica* or *Coffea canephora*. A byproduct of coffee production, it's rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. It is often decaffeinated for supplement use. Primary applications include cognitive enhancement, antioxidant support, metabolic health, and skin health. Research is emerging, with a growing body of clinical studies, mostly small to moderate-sized RCTs and pilot studies. Evidence quality is moderate for cognitive and metabolic effects, but limited for other uses. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are rare, though some exist for related coffee polyphenols. It is considered generally safe, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort rarely reported.
Benefits
Coffee cherry extract demonstrates cognitive benefits, with one RCT showing improved working memory and cognitive performance in healthy adults (Cohen’s d ~0.4–0.6 for working memory tasks). In vitro and animal studies suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but human data are limited. Pilot studies indicate potential for improved glucose metabolism and reduced insulin resistance in individuals with type 2 diabetes, though replication is needed. Limited evidence suggests increased weight loss when combined with exercise. Topical application studies show improved skin hydration and reduced fine lines, but oral supplement data are lacking. Benefits are most pronounced in healthy adults (cognitive and antioxidant) and overweight/obese individuals (metabolic and weight management). Cognitive improvements can be seen acutely and sustained over 28 days.
How it works
Coffee cherry extract's mechanism of action involves several biological pathways. Its polyphenols and flavonoids scavenge free radicals, providing antioxidant effects. It inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects. Cognitively, it may enhance cerebral blood flow and neuroprotection via polyphenol-mediated pathways. Metabolically, it improves insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, possibly via modulation of AMPK and PPARγ pathways. It interacts with the central nervous system (cognitive enhancement), the metabolic system (glucose and lipid metabolism), and the integumentary system (skin health, when applied topically). Polyphenols act on Nrf2, NF-κB, AMPK, and PPARγ. Polyphenols are absorbed in the gut, with variable bioavailability.
Side effects
Coffee cherry extract is generally well-tolerated in clinical studies, with no serious adverse events reported in trials. Common side effects are rare, but may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects are not well documented, but likely similar to other polyphenol-rich supplements (e.g., mild headache, nausea). Rare side effects have not been reported in available literature. No significant drug interactions have been reported, though there is a theoretical risk with anticoagulants due to polyphenol content. There are no established contraindications, but caution is advised in individuals with polyphenol sensitivity. Safety has not been established in pregnancy, lactation, or children.
Dosage
While the minimum effective dose is not well established, clinical studies have used 100–300 mg/day of polyphenol-rich extract. The optimal dosage range is 100–300 mg/day of standardized extract (polyphenol content specified). The maximum safe dose is not established, but no toxicity has been reported at studied doses. It may be taken with or without food, with no strong evidence for timing effects. A standardized decaffeinated extract is preferred for cognitive and metabolic benefits. Polyphenol absorption may be enhanced with food. No required cofactors have been identified.
FAQs
Is coffee cherry extract safe?
It is generally safe for most adults at recommended doses, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort being the most commonly reported side effect.
When should I take coffee cherry extract?
It can be taken at any time of day, as there is no strong evidence for optimal timing. It can be taken with or without food.
What are the expected benefits?
You may experience small to moderate improvements in working memory and cognitive performance. There are also possible metabolic benefits in at-risk populations.
Is coffee cherry extract the same as coffee beans?
No, it is not a substitute for coffee beans in terms of caffeine content, as it is typically decaffeinated. The benefits are primarily due to polyphenols, not caffeine.
Research Sources
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/14/2348 – This randomized controlled trial (n=71, healthy adults) found that polyphenol-rich, decaffeinated whole coffee cherry extract improved working memory and cognitive performance acutely and over 28 days. The effect sizes were in the small to moderate range (Cohen’s d ~0.4–0.6) for working memory tasks, suggesting a potential cognitive benefit.
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-about-coffee-fruit – This article provides a general overview of coffee fruit, highlighting its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. It notes that coffee fruit is rich in polyphenols and may offer benefits for cognitive function and overall health, though more research is needed to confirm these effects.
- https://www.bmj.com/content/359/bmj.j5024 – This umbrella review of meta-analyses examined the association between coffee consumption and various health outcomes. While it focuses on coffee beans rather than coffee cherry extract, it suggests that coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of several chronic diseases, providing indirect evidence for the potential health benefits of coffee-derived products.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/9/5/665 – This narrative review discusses coffee by-products, including coffee cherry extract, and highlights their potential health benefits due to their rich polyphenol and antioxidant content. It notes that clinical evidence is limited and mostly from small studies, emphasizing the need for further research to confirm these effects.
- https://www.100percentpure.com/pages/ingredient-coffee-cherry-extract – This page describes coffee cherry extract as an ingredient, highlighting its antioxidant properties and potential benefits for skin health. It suggests that coffee cherry extract can help improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines, though it primarily focuses on topical applications.
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