Researchers in Thailand investigated whether CPE can improve lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in obese individuals with high cholesterol over 24 weeks. They also examined its effects on body weight, fat mass, blood sugar and insulin resistance.
Natural compounds in coffee pulp show promise against obesity-related diseases
Research links obesity to abnormal lipid levels, chronic inflammation and a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and conditions such as type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. Lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol reduces cardiovascular risk, so preventing and managing obesity is critical to reducing related complications and mortality, the researchers noted.
“Currently, there are various approaches for weight reduction, and the use of natural dietary supplements has become an increasingly popular option,” the researchers wrote. “Therefore, this study focuses on natural products to minimize potential side effects.”
Coffee pulp contains beneficial compounds like chlorogenic acid (CGA) which shows anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects, and previous research found that CPE may reduce cholesterol absorption, improve lipid profiles, enhance insulin sensitivity and decrease inflammation.
Coffee pulp extract improves lipid profiles and insulin resistance
The researchers prepared a CPE product by heating it to eliminate microorganisms while preserving bioactive compounds, then created a visually identical placebo for comparison.
The CPE was tested for CGA, caffeine, polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. It contained significantly higher levels of polyphenols, chlorogenic acid and caffeine than the placebo and showed strong antioxidant activity.
The team first assessed how CPE affected cholesterol behavior by examining micelle structure, size, solubility and bile acid binding as a predictive tool for how it might reduce cholesterol absorption in the body.
Results showed that CPE altered cholesterol behavior by increasing the size of cholesterol micelles, which the researchers noted may reduce cholesterol absorption, although it did not change cholesterol solubility. It also showed selective binding to certain bile acids, suggesting a potential mechanism for interfering with cholesterol metabolism.
They then recruited adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 25) and high LDL cholesterol (≥130 mg/dL) to participate in the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Unlike earlier research, the trial focused specifically on obese individuals with hypercholesterolemia and used a longer intervention period, the researchers noted.
They randomly assigned participants to consume either 75 mL of CPE or a placebo twice daily, and collected baseline health data including blood tests, body composition and imaging scans, and repeated assessments throughout the study. They also instructed participants to follow a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise plan while recording food intake and physical activity.
The CPE group showed significant improvements in lipid profiles, with decreased levels of LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased. These improvements were greater than those seen in the placebo group and were more pronounced in women and older participants.
However, CPE only had modest effects on inflammation, and while some markers decreased over time in both groups, only C-reactive protein showed a significant improvement compared to placebo.
Participants taking CPE experienced small but significant reductions in body weight, BMI and waist circumference, along with improved insulin resistance and stable blood sugar levels. In contrast, the placebo group showed less favorable metabolic changes. However, CPE did not significantly change overall body fat distribution.
The researchers noted that CPE likely lowered lipid levels by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption. They suggested that it disrupted cholesterol micelle formation, reduced bile acid binding and blocked the NPC1L1 transporter in intestinal cells, thereby decreasing cholesterol uptake into the bloodstream.
In addition, it may have promoted hepatic fat breakdown, increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation, and helped maintain intestinal barrier integrity.
The researchers noted that while current options like monacolin K containing red yeast rice supplements can reduce LDL and total cholesterol, CPE also helps strengthen the gut lining, potentially combatting weakened gut barriers caused by low-level inflammation.
“Consumption of the polyphenol- and CGA–rich CPE product was associated with favorable lipid profile changes in adults with hyperlipidemia and obesity, including reductions in LDL-C, total cholesterol and triglycerides, along with an increase in HDL-C,” the researchers concluded. “Larger studies are warranted to further characterize the safety profile of CPE.”
Source: Frontiers in Nutrition. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1755054. “Potential lipid-lowering effects of Coffea arabica pulp extract product in hyperlipidemia-obese subjects: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial”. Authors: S. Buranapin et al.
