Researchers tested a green coffee bean extract called Neurocaf™ to see if it could help protect memory and brain health. Using mice with memory problems, they found that the extract seemed to reduce memory loss and protect brain cells from damage. The extract contains compounds that may help preserve a chemical in the brain important for memory. While these results are promising, this was an animal study, so more research in humans is needed before we know if it would work the same way for people.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a green coffee bean extract could help restore memory and protect brain cells in mice that had been given a drug to cause memory loss
  • Who participated: Male Swiss albino mice weighing 25-30 grams. The mice were divided into groups that received either the coffee extract at two different doses, a known memory-helping medication, or no treatment
  • Key finding: Mice that received the higher dose of the extract (400 mg per kilogram of body weight) showed significantly better memory performance compared to untreated mice, with improvements in both spatial memory tests (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001)
  • What it means for you: This suggests that compounds in green coffee beans may help protect memory, but this is early-stage research in animals. It’s too soon to recommend it for human memory problems, and more studies in people would be needed to confirm these benefits

The Research Details

Scientists first analyzed the green coffee extract to identify its active compounds using a laboratory technique called HPLC. They tested how well the extract blocked an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase in test tubes. Then they moved to animal testing, giving mice the extract for 14 days before exposing them to a drug that causes memory loss. The mice continued receiving the extract for 7 more days while being treated with the memory-loss drug. Researchers then tested the mice’s memory using two standard tests: one where mice navigate a maze and another where they find their way through an elevated platform.

The study lasted 25 days total and compared three treatment groups: mice receiving the extract at a lower dose, mice receiving the extract at a higher dose, and mice receiving a standard memory-helping medication called donepezil. A control group received no treatment.

After behavioral testing, scientists examined the mice’s brains to measure chemical changes, including levels of acetylcholine (a memory-related brain chemical), oxidative stress (cellular damage), and proteins involved in cell survival and death.

This research approach is important because it uses established animal models and well-known memory tests that scientists have used for decades. By measuring both behavior and brain chemistry, the researchers could see not just whether memory improved, but also what changes in the brain might explain that improvement. This helps determine if the extract works through the expected biological pathway

This is a controlled laboratory study with clear comparison groups, which is a solid research design. However, the study was conducted only in animals, not humans, so results may not apply to people. The extract was tested at specific doses in a specific type of mouse, so results might differ in other conditions. The study appears to be well-designed with appropriate controls and multiple measurements of brain function

What the Results Show

The green coffee extract significantly improved memory in mice that had been given a drug to cause memory loss. In the elevated plus maze test (a standard memory test), mice receiving the higher dose of extract showed much faster performance, meaning they remembered the correct path better. In the Morris water maze test (another standard memory test), these mice also escaped faster, indicating better spatial memory.

The extract worked in a dose-dependent manner, meaning the higher dose (400 mg/kg) worked better than the lower dose (200 mg/kg). Interestingly, the higher dose of the extract performed similarly to donepezil, a medication already used to help with memory problems in humans.

When scientists examined the mice’s brains, they found that the extract reduced the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. By reducing this enzyme’s activity, the extract allowed acetylcholine to accumulate in the brain, which is important for memory function. The extract also reduced oxidative stress, which is a type of cellular damage that can harm brain cells.

Beyond memory improvement, the extract showed protective effects on brain cells. It increased levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that helps brain cells survive and form new connections. The extract also changed the balance of proteins involved in cell death and survival, increasing protective proteins (Bcl2) and decreasing harmful ones (Bax). It also reduced the activation of caspases, enzymes that trigger cell death. These changes suggest the extract protected brain cells from the damage caused by the memory-loss drug

This research builds on previous studies showing that chlorogenic acids and related compounds in coffee may have brain-protective effects. The finding that the extract works through acetylcholinesterase inhibition is consistent with how some existing memory-supporting medications work. However, this is one of the first studies specifically testing this particular green coffee extract (Neurocaf™) in an animal memory model, so it adds new information to the field

This study was conducted only in mice, not humans, so we cannot be certain the results would be the same in people. The memory loss in the mice was artificially induced by a drug, which may not perfectly mimic natural memory loss in aging or disease. The study did not test whether the extract would work if given after memory loss occurred, only when given before. The study also did not examine potential side effects or safety concerns with long-term use. Finally, the sample size and specific characteristics of the mice tested were not fully detailed in the abstract

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, green coffee bean extract shows promise for brain health, but human studies are needed before recommendations can be made. If you’re interested in memory support, discuss evidence-based options with your healthcare provider. This research suggests green coffee compounds may be worth investigating further, but it’s not yet ready for clinical use (confidence level: low to moderate, animal studies only)

This research is most relevant to scientists studying memory and brain health, pharmaceutical companies developing new treatments, and people interested in the science behind coffee and brain function. It’s not yet ready for people seeking memory support to use as a treatment. However, it may interest older adults concerned about memory, people with family histories of memory problems, and those interested in functional foods for brain health

In this animal study, improvements appeared after 14 days of pretreatment. However, human studies would likely take much longer to show results, potentially weeks to months. If human studies eventually confirm these findings, realistic timelines for benefits would need to be determined through clinical trials

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If users are interested in memory support, they could track memory-related activities: daily crossword puzzles or memory games (score/time), number of new things learned or remembered, or subjective memory quality on a 1-10 scale. This would establish a baseline before any interventions and allow monitoring of changes over time
  • Users could add a daily habit of consuming green coffee or green coffee extract (if available) and pair it with cognitive exercises. The app could send reminders to complete memory challenges or brain games on days the supplement is taken, creating a habit stack that combines the supplement with cognitive activity
  • Implement a weekly memory assessment using simple tests built into the app (like pattern recognition or word recall games). Track scores over 8-12 weeks to identify trends. Users could also log any subjective changes in memory, focus, or mental clarity. This long-term tracking would help users and their healthcare providers assess whether any intervention is having real effects

This research was conducted in mice and has not been tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Green coffee extract is not approved by the FDA as a medical treatment. Before taking any supplement, including green coffee extract, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you take medications, have health conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. This summary is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Individual results may vary, and more human research is needed to confirm these animal study findings.