Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Organic Coffeeberry

Also known as: Coffeeberry, Coffee fruit, Coffee cherry extract, Organic Coffeeberry, Coffea Fruit Extract

Overview

Organic Coffeeberry, derived from the whole fruit of the Coffea plant, is a botanical extract rich in bioactive compounds like chlorogenic acids and caffeine. It is marketed as a dietary supplement for cognitive enhancement, mood improvement, blood pressure regulation, anti-aging, and immune support. The key characteristics of coffeeberry include its high antioxidant and polyphenol content, along with a moderate amount of caffeine. Research on coffeeberry is emerging, with several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses available, particularly on green coffee extract, a related form. While the quality of evidence is moderate, some well-conducted studies support certain benefits, but more direct research on coffeeberry extract is needed to confirm these effects.

Benefits

Coffeeberry, particularly in the form of green coffee extract, has shown potential benefits in blood pressure reduction. A meta-analysis indicated that green coffee bean extract significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by approximately 3.1 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.2 mmHg in hypertensive patients with dosages under 400 mg for 4 weeks. However, studies on cognitive and mood effects have been less conclusive. One RCT found that coffeeberry extract increased mental fatigue and decreased accuracy on a rapid visual information processing task. In vitro and ex vivo studies suggest potential anti-aging effects on skin and hair cells, but clinical human data are lacking. Animal studies also indicate potential immune support and anti-cancer properties, though human trials are necessary to validate these findings.

How it works

Coffeeberry's mechanism of action primarily involves its antioxidant activity, attributed to chlorogenic acids, which help combat oxidative stress. It may also modulate vascular function, potentially through nitric oxide pathways, contributing to blood pressure regulation. The caffeine content acts as a central nervous system stimulant, influencing cognition and mood. Chlorogenic acids are absorbed and metabolized in the gut, with bioavailability varying depending on the formulation. Polyphenols in coffeeberry target oxidative stress pathways, while caffeine interacts with adenosine receptors in the brain.

Side effects

Coffeeberry is generally considered safe, with few adverse events reported in clinical trials. Common side effects are rare, and uncommon side effects, such as headache or common cold, have been reported but are not directly linked to the treatment. Potential drug interactions may occur with antihypertensive medications due to coffeeberry's blood pressure-lowering effects. The caffeine content may also interact with stimulants or medications affecting the central nervous system. Caution is advised for individuals sensitive to caffeine or with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Limited data are available regarding the safety of coffeeberry in pregnant or breastfeeding women, warranting caution in these populations.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of coffeeberry extract is approximately 100 mg, as used in cognitive studies. For blood pressure benefits, green coffee extract doses under 400 mg have been effective. An optimal dosage range is between 100 to 400 mg daily, with a duration of 4 weeks for blood pressure effects. The maximum safe dose is not well-defined, but studies using up to 400 mg/day appear safe. Acute cognitive effects have been assessed at 60 to 120 minutes post-dose, while blood pressure effects require several weeks of consistent supplementation. It is preferable to use extracts standardized for chlorogenic acid content, and bioavailability may be enhanced when taken with food. No specific cofactors are required for coffeeberry supplementation.

FAQs

Does coffeeberry improve cognition?

Current RCT evidence does not support cognitive enhancement with coffeeberry. Some studies have even observed negative effects on attention accuracy.

Is coffeeberry effective for blood pressure?

Green coffee extract, related to coffeeberry, shows modest but significant blood pressure reductions, especially in hypertensive individuals, after about 4 weeks of use.

Are there safety concerns with coffeeberry?

Coffeeberry is generally safe with minimal side effects. However, individuals sensitive to caffeine should exercise caution due to its caffeine content.

Is coffeeberry the same as green coffee extract?

They are related but not identical. Coffeeberry is derived from the whole fruit, while green coffee extract is specifically extracted from the coffee bean.

How long before benefits appear?

Blood pressure benefits may be seen after about 4 weeks of consistent use. Cognitive effects are typically assessed acutely, within a few hours of consumption.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10254646/ – This randomized controlled trial (n=72, healthy adults) investigated the acute cognitive and mood effects of coffeeberry extract. The study found no cognitive benefits and some increased mental fatigue at 60 minutes post-dose, with no serious adverse events reported, suggesting limited cognitive enhancement potential.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31429515/ – A meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials on green coffee bean extract (related to coffeeberry) demonstrated significant reductions in systolic (-3.1 mmHg) and diastolic (-2.2 mmHg) blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The study used doses less than 400 mg over 4 weeks, indicating a potential benefit for blood pressure management.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-about-coffee-fruit – This WebMD article provides a general overview of coffee fruit, highlighting its nutrient content and potential health effects. It emphasizes the antioxidant properties and potential benefits, but also notes the need for more human clinical trials to confirm these effects.
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/9/3/66 – This review discusses the nutrients found in coffee fruit and their potential health effects, emphasizing antioxidant content and potential immune and anti-cancer effects based on animal studies. The review underscores the need for further research, particularly human clinical trials, to validate these findings.
https://www.bmj.com/content/359/bmj.j5024 – This BMJ article provides information on blood pressure management and the clinical significance of even small reductions in blood pressure. It highlights that even modest reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure can contribute to cardiovascular risk reduction.