Preliminary Findings for the Effectiveness of Whole Green Coffee Powder (WGCP) versus Placebo in a Double-blind Withdrawal Design Study with Young Adults on Three Tasks of Executive Function

Abstract

Objective This study compared relative effects of whole green coffee powder (WGCP) on cognitive functioning in neurotypical adults under three treatment conditions: placebo (A), low-dose 889.9 mg WGCP (B1), and moderate-dose 1334.4 mg WGCP (B2). Method Fourteen adults aged 18–25 years, acted as their own controls in three treatment conditions within a seven-session withdrawal design. Participants completed the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at each session. The Side Effects Behavior Monitoring Scale (SEBMS), used to assess stimulant effects in individuals with ADHD, was a secondary outcome measure to assess adverse events associated with caffeine intake delivered by capsule. Self-report of qualitative effects was collected. Results Results indicated that moderate doses of WGCP significantly improved sustained attention (vs placebo and low dose) and working memory (vs low dose only) but had no effect on response inhibition. Low doses of WGCP showed decreased sustained attention. Fifty percent of subjects reported positive subjective improvement in well-being. No side effects were reported. Conclusion Commercially available WGCP (ie, sold as GoBean®) in moderate doses improved executive functioning for sustained attention and working memory but had no effect on response inhibition. Implications for individuals with attention difficulties are discussed.