Caffeic acid reduces oxidative stress and microglial activation in the mouse hippocampus

A number of studies have indicated the benefits of coffee consumption on physical and mental health; however, scientific evidence on these effects, in particular of the benefits to brain function, has not been determined. In the present study, we aimed to determine the benefits of caffeic acid in the nervous system. For this purpose, we administered doses of 0 or 300 mg/kg for 30 days to mice that were not otherwise affected. We analyzed survival of newly born cells, oxidative stress, inflammatory marker expression, and microglial activation in the hippocampus. We found that caffeic acid had no effect on the expression levels of neurotrophic factors and inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, caffeic acid-treated mice exhibited significantly lower levels of 4-hydroxynonenal, an oxidative stress marker, in the hippocampus, as well as significantly fewer activated microglia. Abnormally high oxidative stress, as well as activated microglia accumulation are both considered to relate to the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The present study demonstrates the physiological effects of caffeic acid and may explain the suggested benefits of coffee consumption on brain health.