# Caturra Coffee (Coffea arabica)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/caturra-coffee
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Coffee Cultivars
**Also Known As:** Coffea arabica var. Caturra, Dwarf Bourbon Coffee, Brazilian Dwarf Coffee, Compact Arabica, Caturra Arabica, Central American Dwarf Coffee

## Overview

Caturra is a natural dwarf mutation of Coffea arabica first identified in Brazil, containing caffeine, chlorogenic acids, and diterpenes cafestol and kahweol as its primary bioactive compounds. These compounds modulate adenosine receptors, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) enzymes, and lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) pathways, producing effects consistent with broader C. arabica research rather than Caturra-specific evidence.

## Health Benefits

• No clinical evidence exists specifically for Caturra coffee health benefits - only general C. arabica research applies
• General coffee consumption (3-5 cups/day) associated with [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) benefits - evidence quality: not established for Caturra specifically
• Contains standard coffee compounds like caffeine (1-2%) and chlorogenic acids - evidence quality: compositional data only
• May share general C. arabica [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties from polyphenols - evidence quality: no Caturra-specific studies
• Potential [cognitive](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) benefits through caffeine content affecting adenosine receptors - evidence quality: mechanism inferred from general coffee research

## Mechanism of Action

Caffeine in Caturra coffee competitively antagonizes adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in the central nervous system, increasing [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood)rgic and noradrenergic neurotransmission to enhance alertness and reduce perceived fatigue. Chlorogenic acids, primarily 5-caffeoylquinic acid, inhibit glucose-6-phosphatase and slow intestinal glucose absorption, contributing to modest glycemic modulation. Diterpenes cafestol and kahweol act as ligands for farnesoid X receptor and pregnane X receptor, influencing bile acid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and hepatic enzyme induction, which partly explains their dual [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and cholesterol-raising properties.

## Clinical Summary

No randomized controlled trials or observational studies have been conducted specifically on Caturra coffee as a distinct cultivar; all clinical inferences are extrapolated from general Coffea arabica and pooled coffee research. A 2012 meta-analysis of 36 prospective cohort studies (N > 1,200,000) found habitual coffee consumption of 3–5 cups/day associated with a roughly 15% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, though cultivar composition was not controlled. Chlorogenic acid supplementation trials using 140–720 mg/day have demonstrated statistically significant but modest reductions in systolic [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) (3–4 mmHg) and fasting glucose in pre-diabetic adults. Evidence strength for Caturra-specific health claims is currently nonexistent, and any benefits attributed to it rely entirely on chemical similarity to other C. arabica varieties.

## Nutritional Profile

Caturra coffee beans (green, unroasted, per 100g dry weight) contain approximately 10-13% protein (primarily storage proteins and enzymes), 15-17% lipids (concentrated in the coffee oil/wax fraction, rich in diterpenes cafestol and kahweol at 0.2-0.8% of green bean weight), and 50-55% total carbohydrates (predominantly polysaccharides including galactomannans and arabinogalactans; sucrose ~6-9% in green beans, degrading significantly upon roasting). Dietary fiber content is approximately 33-40% of dry green bean weight (largely insoluble). As a C. arabica cultivar, Caturra shares the characteristic arabica caffeine range of 0.9-1.4% dry weight (lower than robusta's 1.7-4%), with trigonelline at 0.6-1.2% (a niacin precursor partially converted to niacin B3 during roasting). Chlorogenic acids (CGAs) are the dominant bioactive polyphenols at 5.5-8.0% of green bean dry weight, primarily 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA); roasting degrades CGAs by 50-95% depending on roast level. Roasted Caturra coffee (brewed, per 240ml cup) delivers approximately 80-120mg caffeine, 20-50mg CGAs, and trace minerals including magnesium (~7mg), potassium (~116mg), and niacin (~0.5mg). Lipid bioavailability is brew-method dependent: paper-filtered coffee retains <0.1mg/cup diterpenes, while unfiltered (French press, espresso) delivers 2-4mg cafestol+kahweol per cup. Caturra-specific compositional data is limited; values are extrapolated from C. arabica cultivar literature, with Caturra's compact plant morphology not documented to alter primary metabolite profiles relative to Typica parent.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges exist for Caturra coffee in any form (extract, powder, standardized). General coffee consumption guidelines of 3-5 cups per day for C. arabica apply indirectly, but without Caturra-specific standardization data. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Caffeine doses above 400 mg/day (approximately 4 standard cups) are associated with [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), tachycardia, anxiety, and elevated blood pressure in sensitive individuals, with a lethal dose estimated above 10 g in healthy adults. Caturra coffee's caffeine content inhibits CYP1A2 enzyme activity, potentially raising plasma levels of clozapine, theophylline, and certain antidepressants metabolized by this pathway. Unfiltered Caturra preparations (espresso, French press) retain cafestol and kahweol, which can raise [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by 6–8 mg/dL with regular high-volume consumption. Pregnant individuals are advised to limit total caffeine intake to under 200 mg/day due to associations between higher intake and reduced fetal birth weight; individuals with GERD, anxiety disorders, or arrhythmias should use caution.

## Scientific Research

No clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specific to Caturra coffee were identified in PubMed-indexed studies. General Coffea arabica research exists on coffee compounds like caffeine and chlorogenic acids, but no human studies differentiate Caturra by cultivar. One agronomic study characterized C. arabica parent plants including Caturra roja for morphological traits, but lacks clinical outcomes (PMID unavailable).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Caturra has no documented historical use in traditional medicine systems, as it is a modern agricultural cultivar developed in the 20th century for yield and flavor rather than medicinal purposes. While general Coffea arabica has traditional uses in Ethiopian and Yemeni systems for stimulation, Caturra-specific traditional evidence is absent. The cultivar was developed primarily for agricultural efficiency and sensory qualities like citrus and cacao flavor notes.

## Synergistic Combinations

L-theanine, Green tea extract, Rhodiola rosea, B-complex vitamins, Magnesium

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What makes Caturra coffee different from regular arabica coffee?

Caturra is a spontaneous single-gene mutation of Coffea arabica discovered in Minas Gerais, Brazil around 1915, characterized by a dwarf stature caused by the Caturra gene (a mutation at the Ct locus). Its smaller canopy allows denser planting and potentially higher yields per hectare, but its biochemical profile of caffeine, chlorogenic acids, and trigonelline is not meaningfully distinct from other C. arabica cultivars based on current analytical data.

### How much caffeine is in Caturra coffee compared to other varieties?

Caturra coffee contains approximately 1.2–1.5% caffeine by dry weight of green bean, which falls squarely within the typical C. arabica range of 0.9–1.7%, compared to Coffea canephora (robusta) which averages 2.0–2.7%. A standard 240 mL brewed cup prepared from Caturra beans delivers roughly 80–120 mg of caffeine depending on roast level, grind, and brew method, as lighter roasts preserve slightly more caffeine than very dark roasts.

### Does Caturra coffee have more antioxidants than other coffee types?

There is no peer-reviewed evidence demonstrating that Caturra cultivar has superior antioxidant content compared to other C. arabica varieties. Chlorogenic acid concentrations in green C. arabica beans generally range from 6–9% dry weight, and roasting degrades 50–95% of these polyphenols depending on temperature and duration. Any antioxidant differences between Caturra and other arabica cultivars are more likely driven by roast profile, altitude of cultivation, and processing method than by cultivar genetics.

### Can Caturra coffee help with weight loss?

No clinical trials have tested Caturra coffee specifically for weight management; evidence is borrowed from general coffee and isolated chlorogenic acid research. Caffeine transiently increases resting metabolic rate by approximately 3–11% and enhances lipolysis via beta-adrenergic receptor activation and phosphodiesterase inhibition, but these effects diminish significantly with habitual use due to adenosine receptor upregulation. Chlorogenic acid supplementation at 400–800 mg/day has shown modest reductions in body weight (1–3 kg over 4–12 weeks) in a few small trials, but results are inconsistent and effect sizes are small.

### Is Caturra coffee safe for people with high blood pressure?

Acute caffeine ingestion raises systolic blood pressure by 3–15 mmHg within 30–60 minutes, primarily via adenosine receptor antagonism and sympathoadrenal stimulation, making high-volume Caturra consumption a concern for unmedicated hypertensive individuals. Paradoxically, long-term habitual coffee consumption in epidemiological studies is not strongly associated with sustained hypertension in habitual drinkers due to tolerance development, though this is not a Caturra-specific finding. Individuals taking antihypertensive medications such as calcium channel blockers should consult a healthcare provider, as caffeine can transiently blunt their blood pressure-lowering effect.

### Is there clinical research specifically on Caturra coffee, or only general arabica coffee studies?

Clinical research on Caturra coffee specifically is extremely limited; most health-related findings come from studies on general Coffea arabica or coffee consumption broadly. While Caturra shares the same species and basic chemical composition as other arabica varieties, research showing cardiovascular or metabolic benefits cannot be directly attributed to Caturra without dedicated studies. Any health claims about Caturra should be understood as preliminary and based on general arabica coffee evidence rather than Caturra-specific trials.

### Who should avoid Caturra coffee due to caffeine sensitivity or medical conditions?

Individuals with uncontrolled anxiety disorders, certain heart arrhythmias, or those sensitive to caffeine should limit or avoid Caturra coffee, as it contains standard arabica caffeine levels (1-2%). Pregnant and nursing women are typically advised to limit caffeine intake, and the effect of Caturra would be consistent with general coffee guidelines. Those taking certain medications or with severe insomnia should consult a healthcare provider before regular consumption.

### How does Caturra coffee's chlorogenic acid content compare to other arabica varieties?

Caturra coffee contains chlorogenic acids typical of Coffea arabica species, though specific comparative data between Caturra and other named arabica cultivars is rarely available in scientific literature. Chlorogenic acid levels in arabica coffee are generally higher than in robusta varieties, but variation between individual plants and growing conditions often exceeds differences between cultivars. Without direct analytical comparisons, assuming Caturra has similar chlorogenic acid profiles to other arabica coffees is the most evidence-based approach.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*