Coffee cherry extract shows memory benefits in novel RCT

Writing in the journal Nutrients,​ scientists from Auburn University and VDF FutureCeuticals report that the study provides "real-world evidence of efficacy" for VDF FutureCeuticals’ proprietary coffee cherry extract (CCE).

"We believe that this current study is a contributory step towards transforming the clinical trial landscape, especially for brain health supplements," the researchers wrote. "The world is full of supplements with positive outcomes in laboratory settings that do not fulfill their promises when taken in the messiness of real life. 

“We feel that these data serve to enrich the growing body of evidence that CCE may support and potentially enhance brain health and function in older adults. Given the burgeoning global interest in brain health supplementation, it is critical that more robust research efforts are devoted toward characterizing the nature and efficacy of these supplements.”

Coffee cherry​

Coffee cherry is the outer layer of the coffee fruit (Coffea arabica​). The extract is a rich source of polyphenols, while VDF FutureCeuticals’ proprietary extraction process decaffeinates the extract. The company produces the extract from several varieties of Coffea arabica​ plants, sourcing from plantations in India.

The ingredient’s potential brain health benefits have been reported previously, with data showing that it may boost levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)​ and increase alertness. Other pre-clinical data supports a potential anti-inflammatory activity, according to background information in the new paper.

"Interestingly, all studies to date have been conducted in sterile, traditional laboratory environments, which by definition do not automatically lend themselves to real-world generalizability," the researchers wrote. "Indeed, there has been recent discussion in the literature related to the deficiencies of traditional clinical models.

"Accordingly, we designed and conducted a first-of-its-kind remote clinical trial to assess both the acute and long-term effects of CCE. We leveraged a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-arm design (i.e., placebo versus CCE). Participants were recruited from across the United States."

Study details​

The study included 323 people between the ages of 40 and 65. The "very diverse, generally healthy study population" were assigned to receive either a placebo or 200 mg per day of CCE for 28 days. Remote cognitive tests were performed at the start of the study (pre-supplementation, after one dose of the product to assess acute effects, and then weekly until the end of the trial).

The data showed that the single dose produced better results than placebo, with greater accuracy and fewer omissions during working memory and inhibitory control tasks.

Data over the course of the supplementation period showed that CCE outperformed placebo for accuracy, the researchers reported.

"Demonstrating real-world results that are consistent with, and expand, results obtained from previous laboratory-based studies provides more confidence that the effects of CCE on focus, attention, concentration and accuracy are not merely a product of a sterile, artificial environment, but are in fact real effects that can be experienced at home," they concluded.

Source: Nutrients​
2024, 16​(14), 2348; doi: 10.3390/nu16142348​
“Whole Coffee Cherry Extract Improves Working Memory and Response Inhibition: Acute and Longitudinal Results from a Remote, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial”
Authors: J.L. Robinson