Systematic review: coffee-derived chlorogenic acid and caffeine as adjunctive treatments for depression and schizophrenia in adults and adolescents
General Medicine, 2025, 27(6), 58-64.
A. Susilowati1,2, S. Widiyanto3, D. L. Kusindarta4, N. Wijayanti3, R. W. Basrowi5,6,7*, M. P. Wijoyo8, P. Rahmadani9
1Doctoral Program, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada – Yogyakarta, Indonesia
2Academy of Health Dr. Soedjono – Central Java, Indonesia
3Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology
4Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada – Yogyakarta, Indonesia
5Caucus of Indonesian Mental Health Care Community – Jakarta, Indonesia
6Indonesia Health Development Center – Jakarta, Indonesia
7Occupational Medicine Master Program, Department of Community Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia – Jakarta, Indonesia
8Directorate General of Taxes, Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia
9Varians Statistik Kesehatan
Abstract. Individuals with depression and schizophrenia often consume coffee, though its effects differ. For some, coffee offers relief or clarity; for others, it may increase anxiety or worsen symptoms. This review examines how chlorogenic acid (CGA) and caffeine, the primary active compounds in coffee, influence mental health in adolescents and adults with major depression and schizophrenia. We reviewed 11 high-quality studies from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCOHost on the relationship between coffee and mental health. Findings suggest that CGA may protect brain cells, influence serotonin levels, and offer neuroprotection. Caffeine acts as a stimulant by blocking the action of specific neurotransmitters. The mental health effects of coffee depend on the balance of CGA and caffeine, as well as individual biological differences.
Key words: chlorogenic acid, caffeine, depression, schizophrenia, adolescents, neuroprotection, coffee
Address for correspondence: Ray Wagiu Basrowi*, e-mail: ray.basrowi@gmail.com