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Can Caffeic Acid Keep You Awake?

Although caffeic acid is a component of coffee, it is not related to caffeine. A naturally occurring organic compound, it may be found in many plants including fruits, nuts, and coffee beans. It does not inhibit sleep and shows no known ill-effects in humans. As caffeic acid is assimilated in the body, it forms several metabolic derivatives that include Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE). These derivatives have shown positive effects in reducing carcinogenic incidence, especially in the liver.

  1. Effects on Sleep

    • Caffeic acid is a primary chemical constituent of valerian root that acts as a nervous system sedative. Valerian root is a popular herbal sleep sedative that is not related to the family of drugs known as diazepam. It improves sleep quality without inducing residual morning grogginess, acts as a relaxant for smooth and skeletal muscle and also reduces anxiety, stress and insomnia. The valerian herb is safe in that it is not addictive, and alcohol and barbiturates do not increase its sedative effects.

    Herbal Sources

    • Plants producing caffeic acid and CAPE include fruits such as pears, grapes and apples. Herbal sources are basil, thyme, verbena, oregano, tarragon, turmeric, dandelion, rosemary, yarrow, lavender, lemon balm, camomile and valerian root. These herbs are popular herbal remedies for promoting calmness, anxiety reduction and sleep. The experimental use of valerian preparations in Italy and Germany has shown therapeutic value over the last 15 years as an effective treatment for hyperactivity and behavioral disorders in children. It aids motor coordination, calming anxiety, restlessness and aggression.

    Traditional and Alternative Medicines

    • Herbs containing caffeic acid and its metabolic derivatives have an ancient history of medical uses dating back to Hippocrates (400 years BCE). These plants have found popular use as sleep aids for thousands of years. Moderate daily intake of coffee and caffeic acid can promote human health by increasing the antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic intake. Caffeic acid metabolic derivatives also reduce the immune and inflammatory response of the body to various assaults by toxins.

    Other Beneficial Effects

    • Research shows that caffeic acid is a natural antioxidant and carcinogenic inhibitor in addition to its sleep inducing effects. Carcinogens accelerate the activity of cancer-causing carcinogens by increasing the cancer risk of an individual as they damage the DNA on the cellular level. The body attempts to eliminate toxins by making them more soluble so that the excretion organs such as the kidneys can flush them out of the system. By increasing carcinogenic inhibitor and antioxidant levels, caffeic acid helps promote human health.

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