Venkatakrishna_2026_Metab.Brain.Dis_41_18

This study aimed to evaluate the memory health benefits of Neurocaf, a standardized green coffee bean extract. Neurocaf was characterized for the presence of 5-hydroxytryptamide esters, eicosanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide (EHT), and chlorogenic acids using HPLC-PDA detector. The inhibitory kinetics of Neurocaf against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were assessed in vitro. Cognitive efficacy was further investigated in a scopolamine-induced amnesia mouse model. In a 25-day study, male Swiss albino mice (25-30 g) were pretreated orally with Neurocaf (200 or 400 mg/kg body weight) or donepezil (3 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days followed by behavioural assessments and a 7-day co-treatment with scopolamine (0.75 mg/kg, i.p.). Neurocaf exhibited mixed competitive AChE inhibition in vitro (IC50 = 298.4 microg/mL). At 400 mg/kg, it significantly enhanced spatial memory performance, demonstrated by reduced transfer latency in the elevated plus maze (p < 0.01) and decreased escape latency in the Morris water maze (p < 0.001). The extract dose-dependently suppressed brain AChE activity and elevated acetylcholine levels in scopolamine-treated mice. Furthermore, it attenuated oxidative stress, upregulated BDNF/TrkB signaling, modulated apoptotic protein expression (increased Bcl2, decreased Bax), and inhibited caspase activation, offering neuroprotection against scopolamine-induced neuronal damage. These findings highlight the potential memory functions of Neurocaf, supporting its further evaluation as a candidate functional food or dietary supplement for brain health.