Overview of Caffeine Effects on Human Health and Emerging Delivery Strategies

July 2023 in “ Pharmaceuticals ”

Sofia M. Saraiva, Telma A. Jacinto, Ana C. Gonçalves, Dário Gaspar, Luís R. Silva

caffeine 5-alpha-reductase alopecia nanocarrier-based formulations nano/micro-carriers

TLDR Caffeine can boost health, prevent diseases, and improve performance, with new methods enhancing its benefits.

This review examines caffeine's diverse effects on human health, highlighting its roles as a stimulant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent. Caffeine is widely consumed through coffee, tea, and energy drinks, enhancing athletic performance and potentially offering protective effects against cancer, cardiovascular, immunological, inflammatory, and neurological diseases. Recent advancements in nanocarrier-based formulations aim to improve caffeine's bioavailability and efficacy. While generally safe at moderate doses, excessive caffeine can cause adverse effects like anxiety and insomnia. The review also explores caffeine's potential in treating alopecia by inhibiting 5-α-reductase and increasing blood supply to hair follicles, as well as its use in combination therapies for cancer treatment. Emerging delivery strategies, such as nano/micro-carriers, are discussed to enhance caffeine's therapeutic applications.

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Overview of Caffeine Effects on Human Health and Emerging Delivery Strategies

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