Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Coffee (Arabica & Robusta) vs Cleavers
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
Coffee (Arabica & Robusta) and Cleavers: both belong to the Rubiaceae family; 1 pharmacological action in common.
Key Constituents
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.
Characteristic Rubiaceae iridoids shared with related bedstraws, contributing to the plant's traditional activity.
Antioxidant constituents supporting the plant's antimicrobial and wound-healing activity.
Astringent constituents contributing to the traditional topical use for skin and wounds.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from emollient action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
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).
Duke (2002) describes cleavers as a diuretic, lymph tonic, and depurative with experimental support (score 1). The plant has been used in traditional medicine for swollen lymph nodes, urinary complaints, and skin conditions. Diuretic and anti-inflammatory activities are supported experimentally. No Commission E approval. Safety rating is ++ (relatively safe), with no known significant contraindications at usual herbal doses (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
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]
Scrambling, sprawling annual herb covered in tiny hooked bristles on its square stems, leaves and seed capsules, allowing it to cling to clothing, fur and neighbouring plants as it climbs ('stickyweed'). The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, borne in whorls of six to eight. Tiny white, four-petalled flowers give way to small, round, bristly-hooked twin seed capsules ('goosegrass burrs').[6]
Habitat
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.
A common scrambling weed of hedgerows, waste ground, gardens and field margins, climbing over other vegetation for support; native to Europe, Asia and North Africa and widely naturalised elsewhere.[6]
Harvesting
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.
The whole aerial plant (leaf, stem and seed) is cut in spring to early summer, before the fruit fully hardens, and used fresh (as juice) or dried.
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]
Cleavers has a long European folk history as a lymphatic and diuretic 'spring tonic' herb, traditionally used to support the urinary system and lymphatic drainage, and topically as a soothing, emollient wash or poultice for skin irritation, wounds and minor swellings.[6]
Preparations
Decaffeinated or standardised green/roasted bean or leaf extract, taken as capsules for antioxidant or metabolic support studies.
Dosage
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.
Not documented
References
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- 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
- Laanet, P.R., Saar-Reismaa, P., Jõul, P., Bragina, O. and Vaher, M (2023) 'Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Estonian Galium Species', Molecules, 28(6), pp. 2867. doi:10.3390/molecules28062867 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062867 - Antoniak, K., Studzińska-Sroka, E., Szymański, M., Dudek-Makuch, M. et al (2023) 'Antiangiogenic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Bidens tripartita Herb, Galium verum Herb and Rumex hydrolapathum Root', Molecules, 28(13), pp. 4966. doi:10.3390/molecules28134966 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28134966 - Razzivina, V., Vasiljeva, A., Kronberga, A., Skudrins, G. et al (2024) 'Phenolic Content and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cultivated and Wild-Type Galium odoratum Extracts in Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages', Antioxidants (Basel), 13(12), pp. 1447. doi:10.3390/antiox13121447 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121447 - Sahin, B., Karabulut, S., Filiz, A.K., Ozkaraca, M., Gezer, A. and Akpulat, H.A (2022) 'Galium aparine L. protects against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats', Chemico-Biological Interactions, 366, pp. 110119. doi:10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110119 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110119 - Lee, S.Y., Park, S.Y. and Park, H.J (2024) 'Immuno-Enhancing Effects of Galium aparine L. in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Animal Models', Nutrients, 16(5), pp. 597. doi:10.3390/nu16050597 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050597 - Beirami, A.D., Akhtari, N., Noroozi, R., Hatamabadi, D., Hasan, S.M.F. and Ayatollahi, S.A (2024) 'Bringing back Galium aparine L. from forgotten corners of traditional wound treatment procedures: an antimicrobial, antioxidant, and in-vitro wound healing assay along with HPTLC fingerprinting study', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24(1), pp. 279. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04355-y Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04355-y - Ilina, T., Kashpur, N., Granica, S., Bazylko, A., Shinkovenko, I. and Kovalyova, A (2019) 'Phytochemical Profiles and In Vitro Immunomodulatory Activity of Ethanolic Extracts from Galium aparine L', Plants, 8(12), pp. 541. doi:10.3390/plants8120541 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants8120541 - Atmaca, H., Bozkurt, E., Cittan, M. and Dilek Tepe, H (2016) 'Effects of Galium aparine extract on the cell viability, cell cycle and cell death in breast cancer cell lines', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 186, pp. 305-310. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.04.007 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.04.007 - Bokhari, J., Khan, M.R., Shabbir, M., Rashid, U., Jan, S. and Zai, J.A (2012) 'Evaluation of diverse antioxidant activities of Galium aparine', Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 102, pp. 24-29. doi:10.1016/j.saa.2012.09.056 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2012.09.056 - Shi, G., Liu, J., Zhao, W., Liu, Y. and Tian, X (2016) 'Separation and purification and in vitro anti-proliferative activity of leukemia cell K562 of Galium aparine L. petroleum ether phase', Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 24(3), pp. 241-247. doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2016.04.005 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2016.04.005 - Quinlan, F.J (1883) 'Galium Aparine as a Remedy for Chronic Ulcers', British Medical Journal, 1(1172), pp. 1173-1174. doi:10.1136/bmj.1.1172.1173 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.1172.1173 - British Herbal Medicine Association (1983) 'British Herbal Pharmacopoeia'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=British%20Herbal%20Pharmacopoeia - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism%3A%20The%20Science%20and%20Practice%20of%20Herbal%20Medicine - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - 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.