Coffee
Coffea arabica
Other names: Arabica coffee, qava (Geo.)
Edible plantPhoto credit: Marcelo Corrêa / Wikimedia Commons
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: high single doses (>500 mg) -> anxiety, tachycardia, tremor, insomnia; very high doses dangerous. Dependence/withdrawal (headache). Unfiltered coffee diterpenes (cafestol) can modestly raise LDL cholesterol.
Contraindications: pregnancy/breastfeeding (limit ~200 mg/day), arrhythmias/uncontrolled hypertension, anxiety/insomnia disorders, children.
Interactions: additive with other stimulants (incl. kola, guarana, ephedra-type); CYP1A2 substrate - interacts with fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin, some antiarrhythmics; may potentiate effects/clearance of theophylline, clozapine; reduces iron absorption.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: limit to ~200 mg/day in pregnancy/breastfeeding
Evidence level
Supported by clinical trials in humans.
Preparations
infusion · roasted seed
Part used: roasted seed
Traditional use: stimulant, anti-fatigue, alertness, digestive
Proposed mechanism: caffeine adenosine-receptor antagonism
Associated conditions
Edibility
Edible parts: beans brewed as beverage; cascara (fruit husk) approved as EU novel food; whole roasted beans edible in small amounts
Nutritional notes
caffeine, chlorogenic acids (antioxidant), niacin, potassium; near-zero calories when black
Healing traditions
Sources (3)
- EFSA Scientific Opinion on the safety of caffeine (EFSA, 2015)
- EFSA news: safe caffeine intakes (EFSA)
- Safety of dried coffee husk (cascara) novel food (EFSA/PMC)