American scientists from the University of Texas at El Paso have identified compounds in coffee grounds that may help counter neurodegenerative changes in the brain, including those associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The study was published in the scientific journal Environmental Research (ER).
According to the researchers, caffeic acid, a substance obtained from ground coffee beans, can be used to create so-called carbon quantum dots. These microscopic particles are being actively studied for their potential role in protecting brain cells from damage.
“Our goal is to explore treatments by targeting the atomic and molecular mechanisms that contribute to neurodegenerative conditions,” said Jyotish Kumar, the lead author of the study. He explained that carbon quantum dots based on caffeic acid may open new perspectives in the study of neurological disorders.
Neurodegenerative diseases are primarily characterized by the gradual loss of neurons — brain cells responsible for cognitive functions, movement, and speech. This process can significantly affect a person’s quality of life over time.
The research team found that carbon quantum dots derived from coffee grounds may help protect neural tissue by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Importantly, the study did not reveal any significant side effects during laboratory testing, making this approach especially promising for further research.
While scientists emphasize that more studies are needed before practical medical applications become available, the findings highlight the unexpected scientific potential of coffee byproducts, which are usually discarded as waste.
