Omnia Sana · Plant Monograph
Coffee (Arabica & Robusta)
Coffea arabica
This monograph compiles 2 pharmacological actions, 4 traditional / indicated uses, supported by 9 cited sources, drawn directly from the Omnia Sana plant database.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from neuroprotective action
more plants for cognitive function →detailed sources →inferred from neuroprotective action
more plants for memory →detailed sources →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).
References & Sources
- 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 - 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 - 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
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