Chlorogenic Acid: Overview and Health Aspects
1) Conditions Studied
Chlorogenic acid has been studied for various health conditions, including:
- Obesity and weight management
- Type 2 diabetes and glucose metabolism
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions
Scientific research has shown mixed results regarding the efficacy of chlorogenic acid in treating the aforementioned conditions. While some studies suggest potential benefits, others have found limited or no significant effects. The evidence is not conclusive and more research is necessary to determine its effectiveness.
3) Health Benefits
Chlorogenic acid is associated with several health benefits, such as:
- Reducing the absorption of glucose and improving insulin sensitivity
- Lowering blood pressure and having a positive effect on endothelial function
- Exhibiting antioxidative properties which may protect against cellular damage
- Possibly reducing the risk of chronic diseases due to its anti-inflammatory effects
4) Downsides
There are potential downsides to consider with the intake of chlorogenic acid, including:
- It may cause side effects in some individuals, such as acid reflux, diarrhea, and increased heart rate.
- High doses may lead to an imbalance in mineral absorption, particularly iron.
- Its interaction with certain medications may alter their effectiveness.
5) Genetic Variations
Research into the relationship between chlorogenic acid and genetic variations is ongoing. Some studies suggest that genetic differences in metabolism may influence how an individual responds to chlorogenic acid, potentially making it more beneficial or harmful. However, conclusive evidence on specific genetic variations and their effects is still limited, and further investigation is required.
Studies examine the antioxidant properties and chemical composition of spent coffee grounds and coffee husks, revealing that chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a primary compound identified in supercritical extracts from coffee husks. Traditional extraction methods like ultrasound and Soxhlet yield high overall extraction, with coffee husk extracts obtained by low-pressure methods showing the best antioxidant activity.
Clinical trials demonstrate that chlorogenic acids (CGAs) from green coffee bean extract significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension without affecting body mass index, pulse rate, or causing side effects, indicating that CGA is a safe and effective treatment for lowering blood pressure.
Research on CGA absorption and metabolism in the gut of rats finds that ingested CGA has low bioavailability, with a small fraction recovered in urine. Microbial metabolites, including m-coumaric acid and derivatives of phenylpropionic, benzoic, and hippuric acids, represent a significant portion of consumed CGA. The gut microflora plays a crucial role in CGA metabolism, suggesting that the health-promoting effects of dietary polyphenols may largely depend on gut bacteria.
Chlorogenic acid has been shown to improve body weight, lipid metabolism, and hormone levels associated with obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet. It is more effective than caffeic acid in reducing body weight and regulating lipid metabolism.
Chlorogenic acid content in strawberries and mulberries increases as the fruits mature, contributing to the rise in total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity.
Studies indicate that CGA can stimulate glucose uptake in muscle cells and may aid in managing metabolic issues associated with obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, CGA inhibits glucose-6-phosphatase in the liver, reducing glucose production and potentially lowering the glycaemic index of foods.
Research suggests that CGA and decaffeinated coffee can protect neuronal cells from oxidative damage, which is relevant for neurodegenerative diseases. Chlorogenic acid also reduces neurotoxicity from microglial activation, improving the survival of dopaminergic neurons.
While there is atopic hypersensitivity to a protein in the green coffee bean, chlorogenic acid does not provoke allergic reactions and is not an allergen when administered intravenously. It may, however, contribute to organ injuries observed with the use of Chinese herbal injections.