ISSN (Online) : 2277-4572
Author(s): Santos Roseane Maria Maia*, Hunter Tracy, Wright Nick, Lima Darcy Roberto Andrade
Much controversy and misunderstanding has surrounded the disputed health impact of coffee consumption. Recent studies now help clarify the pharmacological and neurological health promoting properties of coffee daily intake. Benefits are shown attributable to coffee’s rich phytochemistry that includes (besides caffeine), phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acids, diterpenes, trigonelline, minerals, amino acids and other volatile compounds. It is also a powerful disease fighting antioxidant, the primary source of antioxidants in several countries. The purpose of this article is to review results from current epidemiological and mechanistic studies on the central nervous system attributed to coffee. A primary focus to this review is the activity of caffeine and chlorogenic acids and their implications to CNS health. The discussion will highlight possible molecular mechanisms responsible for the respective pharmacological benefits.
