by Ari Magill, MD
Introduction
Human Studies
BDNF levels were the only significant treatment, increasing by an average of 143%, more than four times that of grape seed extract and green coffee caffeine powder. The authors speculated that the high procyanidinb content of coffee fruit (or its unique combination of polyphenols) is driving BDNF production since grape seed extract contains higher levels of polyphenols but lower levels of procyanidins; the concentrate has only low levels of caffeine, negligible amounts compared to green coffee caffeine powder.
Leal et al highlighted the importance of BDNF in memory formation,3 since it plays a regulatory role in the molecular underpinnings of learning and memory, known as long-term potentiation (LTP). Its action is especially great among hippocampus neurons and plays a central role in the differentiation, health and maintenance, and neurogenesis.4
In a follow-up study, Reyes-Izquierdo et al looked at the effects of WCFC not only on BDNF blood levels but also within exosomesc released into the bloodstream.5 Twenty healthy subjects between the ages of 25 and 35 participated; WCFC were compared to freshly brewed coffee and placebo, with each agent being administered to all subjects on three separate successive days.
Investigators again found that WCFC significantly increased these blood levels compared to placebo and was produced by freshly brewed coffee. Exosomes isolated from blood samples taken from subjects at baseline were shown to carry BDNF. An increased quantity of this was found after subjects took WCFC.
Robinson et al conducted a clinical study on the effects of coffee fruit extract on cognitive function.6 They enrolled 71 subjects with mild cognitive deficits who received either coffee fruit extract (taken in the morning or twice per day) or placebo over 28 days and assessed with working memory tests. Cognitive benefits from coffee fruit extract were demonstrated at one week and maintained during the study. Reaction time was significantly improved, with a trend toward an increase in accuracy.
Animal Study
Conclusion
Notes
They are plant metabolism products that provide defense against insults including ultraviolet light and microbial pathogens. Studies suggest that consistently eating polyphenol-rich diets decreases risk for diseases in humans, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases.9
Multistep coffee fruit extractions led to higher levels of the chlorogenic acid and greater antioxidant activity (up to 25 times higher) compared to single-step extraction and freeze-dried powders, with lower percentages of caffeine.10
b Procyanidins are another phytonutrient found in plant products (including apples, grapes, and teas) with powerful antioxidant properties.
c Exosomes are tiny vesicles containing lipids, protein, and genetic material released by cells that influence the metabolism and functioning of neighboring cells
References
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- Reyes-Izquierdo T, et al. Modulatory effect of coffee fruit extract on plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy subjects. Br J Nutr. 2013;110(3):420-425. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512005338.
- Leal G, et al. BDNF and hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Vitam Horm. 2017;104:153-195. doi: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.10.004.
- Numakawa T, et al. Actions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glucocorticoid stress in neurogenesis. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(11): 2312. doi: 10.3390/ijms18112312.
- Reyes-Izquierdo T, et al. Stimulatory effect of whole coffee fruit concentrate powder on plasma levels of total and exosomal brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy subjects: An acute within-subject clinical study. Br J Nutr. 2013.
- Robinson JL, et al. Cognitive short-and long-term effects of coffee cherry extract in older adults with mild cognitive decline. Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cog. 2020;27(6):918-934. doi: 10.1080/13825585.2019.1702622.
- Heimbach JT, et al. Safety studies on products from whole coffee fruit. Food Chem Toxicol. 2010;48(8-9):2517-2525. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2010.06.025.
- Heeger A, et al. Bioactives of coffee cherry pulp and its utilisation for production of Cascara beverage. Food Chem. 2017;221:969-975. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.11.067.
- Pandey KB, Syed IR. Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2009;2(5):270-278. doi: 10.4161/oxim.2.5.9498.
- Mullen W, et al. The antioxidant and chlorogenic acid profiles of whole coffee fruits are influenced by the extraction procedures. J Agric Food Chem. 2011;59(8):3754-3762. doi: 10.1021/jf200122m.
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