Behavioural effects of compounds co-consumed in dietary forms of caffeinated plants

Abstract

Research into the cognitive and mood effects of caffeine in human subjects has highlighted some fairly robust and well-accepted effects. However, the majority of these studies have focused on caffeine in isolation; whilst caffeine is normally consumed in the form of plantderived products and extracts that invariably contain other potentially bioactive phytochemicals. The aim of the present review is to consider the possible mechanisms of action of co-occurring phytochemicals, and any epidemiological evidence suggesting that they contribute to potential health benefits ascribed to caffeine. Intervention studies to date that have been conducted to explore the effects on brain function of the non-caffeine components in caffeine-bearing plants (coffee, tea, cocoa, guaraná), either alone or in combination with caffeine, will also be summarised. Research is beginning to accumulate showing independent effects for several of the phytochemicals that co-occur with caffeine, and/or a modulation of the effects of caffeine when it is co-consumed with these naturally concomitant phytochemicals. The present review highlights that more research aimed at understanding the effects of these compounds is needed and, more importantly, the synergistic relationship that they may have with caffeine.

Guarana Provides Additional Stimulation over Caffeine Alone in the Planarian Model

“…It is apparent that in order to fully appreciate how energy drinks affect physiology, it is important to consider the combination of the substituents they contain in that these substances may behave differently when mixed together in the same formulation. Indeed, others have also put forward the idea of studying energy drink components in combination using human models [9, 18, 25, 61], but given the complexities in controlling human dietary habits, particularly when caffeine is involved, we suggest that the planarian system offers a straightforward first approach to examine these complex interactions. It is also noteworthy that our observations made when combining guarana seed extract, caffeine and glucose suggested a short-term benefit in low concentrations counters the general perception that ‘more is more’ in energy drink formulations.…”

Mood Components in Cocoa and Chocolate: The Mood Pyramid

“…the major natural source. In spite of its structural similarity to caffeine, theobromine is much less active on the CNS [6][7][8][9]. The polyphenolic fraction includes monomeric compounds such as (−)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin (▶ Fig.…”

Anxiety-Inducing Dietary Supplements: A Review of Herbs and Other Supplements with Anxiogenic Properties

“…Caffeine is found naturally in over 60 species of plants such as coffee (Coffea robusta/arabica), tea (Camellia sinensis), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), guarana (Paullinia cupana), yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and kola nut (Cola nitida/acuminata) [44]. These plants and their extracts are regularly consumed as part of a normal diet.…”

“…Caffeine is rapidly and completely absorbed with peak plasma concentration reached at 30 minutes post-consumption. It is metabolize extensively in the liver with an elimination half-life of 5 hours [44] [46]. At the lower dose range of 70 to 100 mg, caffeine exhibits linear pharmacokinetics.…”

“…Coffee is the third most commonly consumed beverages in the world and serves as the main source of caffeine intake in adults in the western countries [44] [52]. Coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of heart failure, stroke, diabetes mellitus, and reduced rate of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality [52].…”