Potential lipid-lowering effects of Coffea arabica pulp extract product in hyperlipidemia-obese subjects: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Background Coffea arabica pulp aqueous extract (CPE) exhibits anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-hyperglycemia, and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo . This randomized, double-blind, controlled study evaluated the lipid-lowering effects of the CPE product in hyperlipemia-obese participants. Methods Seventy-nine obese men and women [BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥ 130 mg/dL] were randomly allocated to the CPE product and control groups. The CPE product or placebo was consumed twice daily for 24 weeks. The lipid profiles, BW, BMI, fat mass, and diabetic diagnosis parameters were assessed alongside adverse events measurements. Results Within-group analysis showed a significant reduction of LDL-C, triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels by 14.9, 18.9, and 8.0%, respectively, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels by 6.0% in the CPE product group compared to baseline after 24 weeks of intervention. In the placebo group, LDL-C and HDL-C levels decreased significantly by 7.7 and 5.3%, respectively, at week 24, but TC and TG levels did not change significantly. After adjustment for screening lipid values, the CPE group showed greater reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C than the placebo group (−6.3% vs. −2.4%, p = 0.048; −12.5% vs. +1.17%, p = 0.078; and −13.7% vs. −7.1%, p = 0.01, respectively). HDL-C increased in the CPE group but decreased in the placebo group after adjustment (+7.1% vs. −5.0%, p < 0.0001). The adverse events were not different between the experimental groups. Conclusion This study suggests that the CPE product could be a nutraceutical product option for lowering lipids in hyperlipidemic patients. However, this study has limitations, including the short treatment period, the small number of enrolled participants, and its exploratory nature. Clinical trail registration This study was registered at the Thai Clinical Trial Registry with the identification number 20241117005. https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/ .