caffeoylquinic acids

PhytochemicalPolyphenolBest with a meal

What is it

Caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) are a family of polyphenols formed by esterification of caffeic acid with quinic acid. The most abundant member is chlorogenic acid (5-CQA), found in coffee, artichoke, and many other plants.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Weight management (modest)

Limited Evidence

Green coffee extract trials show small reductions in body weight (typically <2 kg) over 8-12 weeks. Methodological quality has been criticized.

Postprandial glucose

Limited Evidence

Small RCTs suggest CQA-rich extracts modestly blunt postprandial glucose excursions.

How it works

CQAs are absorbed in small amounts intact and are also hydrolyzed and metabolized by gut microbiota to caffeic and phenolic acids that enter circulation. They have antioxidant effects, modulate glucose absorption by inhibiting intestinal glucose-6-phosphatase, and may slow carbohydrate digestion. Green coffee bean extracts standardized for CQA content have shown modest effects on body weight and glucose markers in clinical trials.

Dosage

No RDA. Green coffee extract trials use 200-1000 mg/day of CQAs. Coffee itself contributes 50-200 mg of chlorogenic acid per cup.

When and how to take it

Often taken with meals to support glucose modulation; no strict timing required.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Green coffee bean extract

Most common supplement form.

Standardized to CQA percentage.

Artichoke leaf extract

Used for digestive and lipid effects.

Rich in CQAs and cynarin.

Safety

Well tolerated. High doses of green coffee extract can raise blood pressure in some individuals due to small amounts of caffeine. Pure CQA extracts have low caffeine content.

Who should be cautious

People with uncontrolled hypertension should choose decaffeinated forms. Pregnancy: limited data for concentrated extracts; coffee-level intake is generally considered safe.

Interactions

May modestly affect glucose absorption; combine with caution with antidiabetic medication. No major drug interactions documented.

Food sources

Brewed coffee, 1 cup (240 mL)

Amount
~50-200 mg CQAs (mostly chlorogenic acid)
%DV
—

Artichoke heart, 100 g

Amount
~80 mg CQAs
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Are CQAs the same as chlorogenic acid?⌄

Chlorogenic acid is one specific CQA (5-CQA). The CQA family also includes related isomers and diesters.

Does coffee count as a source?⌄

Yes, brewed coffee is one of the largest dietary sources of chlorogenic acids.

References

caffeoylquinic acids on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on caffeoylquinic acids (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.