Coffee: Physiology, Benefits, Side Effects, and Therapeutic Uses
90 Minutes 
 
It possesses anti diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cholagogue, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, and antidepressant effects. Regular consumption reduces the incidence of cardiac-related and all-cause mortality in a dose-dependent manner. It is the only herbal remedy shown to extend life in epidemiological studies. It has been proposed as a ‘functional food’ by the prestigious British Journal of Nutrition. This panacea would undoubtedly be named ‘Herb of the Century’ but for its name: Coffee. Research over the last ten years has seen the emergence of scientific consensus on the broad health benefits of Caffea arabica, one of the world's most frequently consumed herbal decoctions.
 
In these fully reference lecture notes we describe the physiology and pathophysiology of caffeine metabolism, the physiology of receptor down-regulation, tolerance, and dependence, and the benefits, risks and adverse effects of coffee. We dispel a number of prevalent myths. And finally, we offer formulation of various herbs with coffee to amplify or complement the effects of the herbs.  
 
Materials
The audio lecture
Lecture notes
Caffea review article
Supplemental (sometimes comical) slide show
 
This lecture is offered as Continuing Education by the NAIMH but has not been pre-approved for CE credits by any professional board.