Coffee cherry extract sharpens memory and focus, study finds
By dominguez // 2026-01-27
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  • A 200 mg dose of decaffeinated coffee cherry extract (CCE) significantly improved memory, focus and accuracy in adults (40–65) compared to placebo.
  • Unlike caffeine in coffee beans, CCE's polyphenols enhance neural efficiency, reducing inflammation and supporting long-term brain health.
  • CCE brought immediate and sustained improvements, such as 80% fewer memory errors and 11% better accuracy after one hour, and 28% higher accuracy and 64% fewer false alarms after 28 days of supplementation.
  • Remote testing proved CCE works amid daily distractions, unlike controlled lab studies.
  • CCE's cognitive benefits may stem from increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for neuron growth, learning and preventing cognitive decline.
Forget your morning cup of joe—the real cognitive powerhouse might be hiding in the coffee cherry. A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nutrients reveals that a decaffeinated extract from coffee cherries can significantly sharpen memory, focus and accuracy—both immediately and over time. The study tested 200 milligram (mg) doses of whole coffee cherry extract (CCE) against a placebo in adults aged 40 to 65. The results? A clear win for CCE, with participants showing faster mental processing, fewer errors and better attention control.

The science behind the buzz

Coffee cherries—the fruit surrounding coffee beans—are packed with polyphenols, natural compounds known to combat inflammation and support brain health. Unlike caffeine, which offers a short-lived jolt, CCE's polyphenols appear to enhance cognitive function by promoting neural efficiency. In the study, participants took cognitive tests remotely from their homes, mimicking real-world conditions. One task, the n-back test, required remembering sequences of shapes—a challenge for working memory. Another, the Go/No-Go test, measured impulse control by asking subjects to resist pressing a button for certain cues. The study reported that CCE conferred the following cognitive benefits:
  • Acute effects: Just one hour after taking CCE, participants made 80% fewer memory errors and showed improved accuracy by 11% compared to placebo.
  • Long-term gains: After 28 days, CCE users showed 28% better accuracy in memory tasks and 64% fewer false alarms, suggesting sustained mental clarity.
  • Real-world relevance: Unlike lab studies, this trial's remote design accounted for distractions, proving CCE works even amid daily chaos.

Why this matters

With cognitive decline a growing concern as populations age, natural solutions like CCE offer hope. The researchers noted that CCE didn't just sharpen focus temporarily, but it also caused lasting improvements in how the brain processes information. In addition, their study pioneers a new model for clinical trials—remote, diverse and accessible—ensuring results apply to everyday life. CCE joins a wave of research on plant-based brain boosters, from blueberries to green tea. But its unique mechanism, potentially linked to increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—a protein vital for neuron growth—sets it apart. As explained by BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, BDNF is a crucial protein that supports the survival, growth and function of brain cells, particularly in areas involved in learning, memory and higher thinking. BDNF also promotes neurogenesis and brain plasticity and helps maintain mental health and cognitive function. Low levels of this protein are linked to depression, dementia, addiction and other neurological disorders. CCE is caffeine-free, making it an excellent option for people who are sensitive to stimulants. Future studies will explore optimal dosing and mechanisms, but for now, coffee's forgotten fruit might just be the next big thing in cognitive health. Watch this video to learn more about the health benefits of coffee cherries. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: MDPI.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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