Plant Comparison
Tea vs Coffee (Arabica & Robusta)
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Tea and Coffee (Arabica & Robusta): they share 4 indicated uses (cardiovascular / heart health, cognitive function, memory, …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Tea | Coffee (Arabica & Robusta) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular / heart health | 1/10 | 9/10 | Stronger for Coffee (Arabica & Robusta) |
| Cognitive function | 1/10 | 9/10 | Stronger for Coffee (Arabica & Robusta) |
| Memory | 1/10 | 9/10 | Stronger for Coffee (Arabica & Robusta) |
| Metabolic support | 1/10 | 9/10 | Stronger for Coffee (Arabica & Robusta) |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Principal antioxidant polyphenols, most concentrated in minimally oxidised green tea; epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the best studied.
Caffeine gives tea its mild stimulant effect; L-theanine, a unique amino acid, is associated with calm alertness and modulates caffeine's effects.
Oxidative polymerisation products of catechins formed during black tea processing, contributing to black tea's colour and its own antioxidant profile.
The principal stimulant alkaloid, driving alertness and much of coffee's pharmacological activity.
Major antioxidant polyphenols of the green and roasted bean, linked to metabolic and hypoglycaemic effects.
Present in unfiltered coffee (e.g. French press, espresso); raise LDL cholesterol, unlike paper-filtered coffee where they are largely removed.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from neuroprotective action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally safe in moderate consumption. High caffeine intake may cause insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, or dependence. Large amounts of green tea extract supplements may be hepatotoxic (rare). May reduce iron absorption if consumed with meals. Avoid very high supplement doses during pregnancy.
Duke (2002) rates tea (Camellia sinensis) as ++ and notes anti-aggregant, antioxidant, anticariogenic, and antibacterial activities at the experimental level (score 1). The catechins (EGCG, ECG) and polyphenols are responsible for the antioxidant and anticancer properties under research investigation. Duke notes that green tea preserves more polyphenols than black tea due to less oxidation. Regular tea consumption is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. Excess consumption (>10 cups daily) may cause fluoride-related bone changes. Caffeine content is relevant for sleep disturbance, anxiety, and interactions with cardiovascular medications (Duke, 2002).
Caffeine is the primary psychoactive component; excessive intake (>400 mg/day in adults, >200 mg/day in pregnancy) can cause anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, and elevated blood pressure. Caffeine dependence and withdrawal (headaches, fatigue) are well documented. Individuals with anxiety disorders, arrhythmias, or hypertension should limit intake. Cafestol and kahweol in unfiltered coffee (e.g., French press, espresso) raise LDL cholesterol; paper-filtered coffee removes these compounds. During pregnancy, limit to <200 mg caffeine/day due to risk of foetal growth restriction. Coffee may interact with certain medications including thyroid hormones, levothyroxine, and some antibiotics (ciprofloxacin increases caffeine levels). Heartburn and gastro-oesophageal reflux are common side effects in sensitive individuals (EFSA, 2015; NIH, 2023).
Duke (2002) notes clinical evidence (score 2) for coffee as an adsorbent (activated charcoal use), astringent, bronchodilator, and gastric stimulant. A key safety concern: unfiltered (e.g., French press or boiled) coffee raises LDL cholesterol (hypercholesterolemic effect, score 2) due to diterpenes cafestol and kahweol. Filtered coffee does not carry this risk. Duke notes coffee's CNS stimulant, diuretic, and hepatoprotective properties, though excessive consumption is associated with increased anxiety, tachycardia, and hypertension. It is contraindicated in peptic ulcer disease due to gastric acid stimulation (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green, leathery, finely toothed leaves. Small, fragrant, white flowers with a prominent central boss of yellow stamens are borne singly or in small clusters in the leaf axils. Commercial tea is made from the young leaves and unopened leaf buds ('sprouts'), processed differently to yield green, black, white or oolong tea from the same species.[15]
Evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green, oval leaves in opposite pairs. Small, fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers cluster along the branches, followed by clusters of green berries ('cherries') that ripen to red and each contain two flattened seeds - the coffee beans.[1]
Habitat
Native to the subtropical and tropical forests and hillsides of East and South Asia (China, India, Myanmar); cultivated extensively across Asia, Africa and elsewhere on well-drained, acidic upland soils.[15]
Native to the highland forests of Ethiopia and South Sudan; cultivated across the tropical highland belt worldwide (Latin America, Africa, Asia) at elevation, on well-drained, often volcanic soils.
Harvesting
The youngest leaves and unopened leaf buds ('flush') are hand- or machine-picked repeatedly through the growing season; how the fresh leaf is subsequently processed (withered, rolled, oxidised, fixed and dried) determines whether it becomes green, black, white or oolong tea.[15]
Ripe red berries are hand- or machine-picked, then processed (washed or dried) to remove the fruit pulp and expose the two seeds ('beans'), which are dried, hulled and roasted before use.
Traditional Uses
Coffee has a centuries-long tradition, originating in Ethiopia and spreading through the Arab world and beyond, as a stimulant beverage taken for alertness and to counter fatigue; its seed and leaf extracts have more recently been studied for antioxidant, metabolic and neuroprotective properties.[1]
Preparations
Young leaf, minimally oxidised, infused in hot water; the least-processed and most-studied form for antioxidant polyphenol content.
Concentrated leaf extract standardised to catechin (e.g. EGCG) content, taken as capsules; used in some clinical studies, though high-dose extracts carry rare hepatotoxicity concerns.
Decaffeinated or standardised green/roasted bean or leaf extract, taken as capsules for antioxidant or metabolic support studies.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph on green tea leaf (Camelliae sinensis non fermentatum folium) gives, for adults and elderly, 1.8-2.2 g of the whole or comminuted leaf in 100-150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, 3-5 times daily; a powdered herbal substance at 390 mg three times daily (up to 5 if necessary) is also listed. Contraindicated in gastric and duodenal ulcers, cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and arrhythmia, and hyperthyroidism. Not recommended under 18 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EFSA Scientific Opinion on the safety of caffeine concluded that habitual caffeine intakes up to about 400 mg daily (roughly 3-4 cups of brewed coffee) do not raise safety concerns for healthy adults, and that single doses up to 200 mg are likewise not of concern. For pregnant women EFSA sets a lower figure of up to 200 mg per day. Note this is a safe-intake ceiling for caffeine, not a therapeutic dose of coffee. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- Mancini, E., Beglinger, C., Drewe, J., Zanchi, D. et al (2017) 'Green tea effects on cognition, mood and human brain function: A systematic review', Phytomedicine, 34, pp. 26-37. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2017.07.008 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2017.07.008 - Musial, C., Kuban-Jankowska, A. and Gorska-Ponikowska, M (2020) 'Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(5), pp. 1744. doi:10.3390/ijms21051744 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21051744 - Ohishi, T., Goto, S., Monira, P., Isemura, M. and Nakamura, Y (2016) 'Anti-inflammatory Action of Green Tea', Anti-inflammatory & Anti-allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 15(2), pp. 74-90. doi:10.2174/1871523015666160915154443 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/1871523015666160915154443 - Zhao, T., Li, C., Wang, S. and Song, X (2022) 'Green Tea (Camellia sinensis): A Review of Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology', Molecules, 27(12), pp. 3909. doi:10.3390/molecules27123909 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123909 - Filippini, T., Malavolti, M., Borrelli, F., Izzo, A.A., Fairweather-Tait, S.J., Horneber, M. and Vinceti, M (2020) 'Green tea (Camellia sinensis) for the prevention of cancer', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3(3), pp. CD005004. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005004.pub3 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005004.pub3 - Prasanth, M.I., Sivamaruthi, B.S., Chaiyasut, C. and Tencomnao, T (2019) 'A Review of the Role of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) in Antiphotoaging, Stress Resistance, Neuroprotection, and Autophagy', Nutrients, 11(2), pp. 474. doi:10.3390/nu11020474 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11020474 - Bedrood, Z., Rameshrad, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2018) 'Toxicological effects of Camellia sinensis (green tea): A review', Phytotherapy Research, 32(7), pp. 1163-1180. doi:10.1002/ptr.6063 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6063 - Hamilton-Miller, J.M.T (2001) 'Anti-cariogenic properties of tea (Camellia sinensis)', Journal of Medical Microbiology, 50(4), pp. 299-302. doi:10.1099/0022-1317-50-4-299 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1099/0022-1317-50-4-299 - Conde, V.R., Alves, M.G., Oliveira, P.F. and Silva, B.M (2015) 'Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.)): a putative anticancer agent in bladder carcinoma?', Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, 15(1), pp. 26-36. doi:10.2174/1566524014666141203143143 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1566524014666141203143143 - Moore, R.J., Jackson, K.G. and Minihane, A.M (2009) 'Green tea (Camellia sinensis) catechins and vascular function', British Journal of Nutrition, 102(12), pp. 1790-1802. doi:10.1017/S0007114509991218 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114509991218 - Gaur, R. and Bao, G.H (2021) 'Chemistry and Pharmacology of Natural Catechins from Camellia sinensis as Anti-MRSA Agents', Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 21(17), pp. 1519-1537. doi:10.2174/1568026621666210524100632 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026621666210524100632 - Tafazoli, A. and Tafazoli Moghadam, E (2020) 'Camellia Sinensis Mouthwashes in Oral Care: a Systematic Review', Journal of Dentistry (Shiraz), 21(4), pp. 249-262. doi:10.30476/DENTJODS.2020.83204.1045 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.30476/DENTJODS.2020.83204.1045 - Albassam, A.A. and Markowitz, J.S (2017) 'An Appraisal of Drug-Drug Interactions with Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)', Planta Medica, 83(6), pp. 496-508. doi:10.1055/s-0043-100934 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-100934 - Gramza-Michalowska, A (2014) 'Caffeine in tea Camellia sinensis - content, absorption, benefits and risks of consumption', Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 18(2), pp. 143-149. doi:10.1007/s12603-013-0404-1 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-013-0404-1 - Chacko, S.M. et al (2010) 'Beneficial effects of green tea: a literature review'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Beneficial%20effects%20of%20green%20tea%3A%20a%20literature%20review - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2013) 'Community herbal monograph on Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, non fermentatum folium'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-camellia-sinensis-l-kuntze-non-fermentatum-folium_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-camellia-sinensis-l-kuntze-non-fermentatum-folium_en.pdf - Drake, V.J (2015) 'Tea catechins and cardiovascular disease risk', 74(1), pp. 39--46. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Tea%20catechins%20and%20cardiovascular%20disease%20risk - Nobre, A.C., Rao, A. and Owen, G.N (2008) 'L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state', pp. 167--168. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=L-theanine%2C%20a%20natural%20constituent%20in%20tea%2C%20and%20its%20effect%20on%20mental%20state - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Misaka, S., Yatabe, J., Muller, F., Takano, K., Kawabe, K., Glaeser, H., Yatabe, M.S., Onoue, S., Werba, J.P., Watanabe, H., Yamada, S., Fromm, M.F. and Kimura, J (2014) 'Green tea ingestion greatly reduces plasma concentrations of nadolol in healthy subjects', Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 95(4), pp. 432-438. doi:10.1038/clpt.2013.241 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1038/clpt.2013.241 - Werba, J.P., Misaka, S., Giroli, M.G., Shimomura, K., Amato, M., Simonelli, N., Vigo, L. and Tremoli, E (2018) 'Update of green tea interactions with cardiovascular drugs and putative mechanisms', Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 26(2S), pp. S72-S77. doi:10.1016/j.jfda.2018.01.008 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2018.01.008
- Nascimento, G.O. and Marques, S.P.D. and Maia, C.E.G. and de Sousa, A.F. and Cunha, R.L. and Malta, M.R. and Owen, R.W. and Ferreira, M.K.A. and da Silva, A.W. and Reboucas, E.L. and de Menezes, J.E.S.A. and Marinho, M.M. and Marinho, E.S. and Dos Santos, H.S. and Saliba, A.S.M.C. and Massarioli, A.P. and Alencar, S.M. and Sartori, A.G.O. and Trevisan, M.T.S (2023) 'Hypoglycemic effect of Coffea arabica leaf extracts and major bioactive constituents', Journal of Biomolecular Structure & Dynamics, 41(24), pp. 14871-14886. doi:10.1080/07391102.2023.2188421 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/07391102.2023.2188421 - Malakar, V.K. and Roy, D. and Malakar, C.C. and Khetmalis, Y.M. and Mali, P.C. and Poddar, N.K (2025) 'Targeting IDO1 in Huntington's Disease: Network Pharmacology and Preclinical Evidence from Coffea arabica', Neurochemical Research, 50(1), pp. 263. doi:10.1007/s11064-025-04509-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-025-04509-5 - Ruse, G. and Jijie, A.R. and Moaca, E.A. and Patrascu, D. and Ardelean, F. and Jojic, A.A. and Ardelean, S. and Tchiakpe-Antal, D.S (2025) 'Coffea arabica: An Emerging Active Ingredient in Dermato-Cosmetic Applications', Pharmaceuticals, 18(2), pp. 171. doi:10.3390/ph18020171 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18020171 - Matosinhos, R.C. and Bezerra, J.P. and Barros, C.H. and Fernandes Pereira Ferreira Bernardes, A.C. and Coelho, G.B. and Carolina de Paula Michel Araujo, M. and Dian de Oliveira Aguiar Soares, R. and Sachs, D. and Saude-Guimaraes, D.A (2021) 'Coffea arabica extracts and their chemical constituents in a murine model of gouty arthritis: How they modulate pain and inflammation', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 284, pp. 114778. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114778 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114778 - Chang, Q.X. and Lyu, J.L. and Wu, P.Y. and Wen, K.C. and Chang, C.C. and Chiang, H.M (2023) 'Coffea arabica Extract Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis-like Skin Lesions by Regulating NLRP3 Inflammasome Expression and Skin Barrier Functions', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(15), pp. 12367. doi:10.3390/ijms241512367 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512367 - Hutachok, N. and Angkasith, P. and Chumpun, C. and Fucharoen, S. and Mackie, I.J. and Porter, J.B. and Srichairatanakool, S (2020) 'Anti-Platelet Aggregation and Anti-Cyclooxygenase Activities for a Range of Coffee Extracts (Coffea arabica)', Molecules, 26(1), pp. 10. doi:10.3390/molecules26010010 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010010 - Capek, P. and Paulovicova, E. and Matulova, M. and Mislovicova, D. and Navarini, L. and Suggi-Liverani, F (2014) 'Coffea arabica instant coffee - chemical view and immunomodulating properties', Carbohydrate Polymers, 103, pp. 418-426. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.12.068 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.12.068 - Cangeloni, L. and Bonechi, C. and Leone, G. and Consumi, M. and Andreassi, M. and Magnani, A. and Rossi, C. and Tamasi, G (2022) 'Characterization of Extracts of Coffee Leaves (Coffea arabica L.) by Spectroscopic and Chromatographic/Spectrometric Techniques', Foods, 11(16), pp. 2495. doi:10.3390/foods11162495 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11162495 - European Food Safety Authority (2015) 'Scientific Opinion on the safety of caffeine', 13(5). doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4102 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4102 - Ding, M., Bhupathiraju, S.N., Satija, A., van Dam, R.M. and Hu, F.B (2014) 'Long-term coffee consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies', 129(6), pp. 643--659. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.113.005925 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.113.005925 - Goldstein, E.R., Ziegenfuss, T., Kalman, D. et al (2010) 'International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and performance', 7(1), pp. 5. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-7-5 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-7-5 - Higdon, J.V. and Frei, B (2006) 'Coffee and health: a review of recent human research', 46(2), pp. 101--123. doi:10.1080/10408390500400009 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/10408390500400009 - International Coffee Organization (2023) 'Coffee Report & Outlook 2023'. Available at: https://icocoffee.org Traditional / reference
https://icocoffee.org - Kennedy, O.J., Roderick, P., Buchanan, R. et al (2016) 'Systematic review with meta-analysis: coffee consumption and the risk of cirrhosis', 43(5), pp. 562--574. doi:10.1111/apt.13523 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13523 - National Institutes of Health (2023) 'Caffeine'. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/caffeine.html Traditional / reference
https://medlineplus.gov/caffeine.html - Ross, G.W., Abbott, R.D., Petrovitch, H. et al (2000) 'Association of coffee and caffeine intake with the risk of Parkinson disease', 283(20), pp. 2674--2679. doi:10.1001/jama.283.20.2674 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.283.20.2674 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.) 'Coffea arabica L'. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:http://ipni.org:names:320737-2 Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:http://ipni.org:names:320737-2 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.