Work

More than just caffeine: psychopharmacology of methylxanthine interactions with plant-derived phytochemicals

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: In general, preparations of coffee, teas, and cocoa containing high levels of polyphenols, L-theanine and other bioactive compounds selectively enhance mood and cognition effects of caffeine. This review summarizes the bioactive components of commonly consumed natural caffeine sources (e.g. guayusa, mate and camellia teas, coffee and cocoa) and analyzes the psychopharmacology of constituent phytochemicals: methylxanthines, polyphenols, and L-theanine. Acute and chronic synergistic effects of these compounds on mood and cognition are compared and discussed. Specific sets of constituent compounds such as polyphenols, theobromine and L-theanine appear to enhance mood and cognition effects of caffeine and alleviate negative psychophysiological effects of caffeine. However, more research is needed to identify optimal combinations and ratios of caffeine and phytochemicals for enhancement of cognitive performance.

Source: Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.09.005

Authors: Julius Schuster, Ellen S. Mitchell

Institutions: University of Amsterdam, Pepsi (United States)

Language: English

Topic: Coffee research and impacts

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,380