Darcy Roberto Lima

Effects of Coffee in Alcoholics

Excerpt To the Editors:We studied the effects of two coffee brands on psychometric test results and ethanol intake among 20 chronic alcoholics (6 women and 14 men, 35 to 53 years of age, each with ...

CAFFEINE AND CHLOROGENIC ACIDS IN COFFEE AND EFFECTS O N SELECTED NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

Much controversy and misunderstanding has surrounded the disputed health impact of coffee consumption. Recent studies now hel p clarify the pharmacological and neurological health promotin g properties of coffee daily intake. Benefits are shown attributable to coffee’s rich phytochemistry that includes (besides caffein e ), phenolic compounds , such as chlorogenic acids, diterpenes, trigonelline, minerals, amino acids and other volatile compoun ds . 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 nervou s 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 disc ussion will highlight possible molecular mechanisms responsible for the respective pharmacological benefits. Keyword s : coffee, central nervous system caffeine, chlorogenic acid, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinsonism, Huntington Chorea, Multiple sclerosis

Coffee Health Effects from Early Fetal Development Through Childhood and Adolescence

Coffee is a complex mixture of bioactive compounds and the major source of caffeine in the adult diet. Caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant, which is widely used by adults and increasingly adopted by the youth in the form of coffee, sodas and energy drinks. Caffeine is a legal drug that is still the object and focus of research on possible toxic and teratogenic effects on human health. As a consequence, coffee consumption during pregnancy, possible effects on the fetus and early and later ages of human development, such as childhood and adolescence, are important areas of translational toxicology to be investigated and better understood. This chapter is a tentative effort to review the most important data over the last 20 years on coffee effects, in particular, about its caffeine content, in terms of what is available regarding harmful or beneficial effects of drinking coffee regularly during pregnancy and its possible consequences to the fetus, neonate, infant and adolescent. The great majority of the studies found were epidemiological studies where the frequency of coffee consumption was self-reported by a questionnaire. Some valuable animal studies are also included as well as human studies with healthy volunteers. Overall, the take home message is that coffee consumed in moderation, 3–4 cups a day in adults and 1–2 cups a day during pregnancy is safe for human health.