Green coffee bean extract improves human vasoreactivity.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Previous research indicated antihypertensive effects of green coffee bean extract (GCE) in rats, attributed to chlorogenic acid (CQA) and its metabolite, ferulic acid, influencing nitric oxide (NO) pathways.
• Healthy individuals with impaired vasodilation responses were selected to assess the vascular effects of GCE in humans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of GCE ingestion on vascular function and related biochemical parameters in healthy males with reduced vasodilation.
• To determine if GCE supplementation can improve endothelial function and reduce cardiovascular risk markers.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 20 healthy males with impaired vasodilation.
• Participants ingested either a GCE-containing drink (140 mg CQA/day) or a placebo for 4 months.
• Vascular reactivity was assessed using strain gauge plethysmography (SPG) to measure reactive hyperemia ratio (RHR). Pulse wave velocity (PWV), acceleration plethysmograms (APG), and serum biochemical parameters were also monitored.

Main Results:

• The GCE group showed a significant increase in RHR after 1 month, which was significantly higher than the placebo group at 3 and 4 months (p <0.05).
• After 4 months, the GCE group exhibited a significant reduction in plasma total homocysteine levels (p <0.01) compared to baseline.
• No significant differences were observed in PWV or APG between the GCE and placebo groups.

Conclusions:

• GCE ingestion improves vasoreactivity in healthy males, suggesting enhanced endothelial function.
• GCE supplementation may contribute to cardiovascular health by improving blood vessel responsiveness and reducing homocysteine levels.