Solving the Caffeine Paradox

The average U.S. consumer will have around 220 mg of caffeine per day, which is about the amount in two cups of coffee.¹  Besides routine, the aim is to increase mental alertness and focus throughout the day. While caffeine has therapeutic benefits, it can also cause unwanted side effects i.e., the nervous, jittery feelings that make it hard to sit still and concentrate. A contradiction like this has conflicted consumers but has inspired further research into new botanical ingredients. One study finds that caffeine from the Amazonian Ilex Guayusa plant can produce a brighter, more focused energy experience while mitigating some of the unwanted results.

Consequences of Caffeine

It is sad but true. Caffeine has its repercussions. Too much of it, and you might exhibit side effects such as headache, nervousness, irritability, fast heartbeat, and muscle tremors.²  For some people that are more sensitive to caffeine, just small amounts may prompt a jittery sensation. While the end goal may be alertness or improved cognitive function, our nervous system's response to caffeine can easily defeat the purpose.

To better understand the physiological effects of caffeine, we look to a hormonal response from our adrenal medulla. Here, caffeine stimulates the release of our ‘fight or flight’ hormone, epinephrine (better known as adrenaline).³ Often induced by sudden stress, the ‘fight or flight’ response is an evolved survival mechanism, enabling people and other mammals to react quickly to life-threatening situations. Epinephrine triggers a cascade of physiological changes, including increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension.⁴ Much like caffeine's side effects, the physiological responses are not very helpful in non-life-threatening circumstances like a third cup of coffee while trying to study for a mid-term.

The Making of a Modern Energy Ingredient

The caffeine paradox inspired Applied Food Sciences (AFS) to conduct further research into a lesser-known botanical called guayusa (gwhy-you-sah), a holly species native to the Amazon with a unique blend of caffeine and polyphenol antioxidants. Studies for guayusa came on the heels of anecdotal experiences from the local Kichwa people, who are native to Ecuador and most familiar with the plant. One story of "The Night Watchmen" is told where Amazonian hunters would drink guayusa before leading their parties at night. It is said that while guayusa sharpens their awareness, it also allows them to sit perfectly still without restlessness. Consumer trials observed similar experiences in feeling guayusa as "a calmer, more focused energy." To explore this further, AFS patented its branded AmaTea® organic guayusa extract, and began conducting further clinical research.

In a double-blind crossover study, subjects were given 200 mg of caffeine from AmaTea® organic guayusa extract, a green coffee extract, and a synthetic control. One of the study's aims was to identify the impact of guayusa on certain neurotransmitter functions to determine why guayusa is experienced differently from other forms of caffeine. The most intriguing finding was that AmaTea® stimulated a significantly lower increase in epinephrine when compared to the control and the green coffee extract.³   The implications are significant in determining the therapeutic applications for AmaTea®.