Abstract
Although numerous studies have focused on the stress-reducing effects of coffee drinking, few reports have addressed the beneficial effects of coffee volatiles. To clarify the relationship between volatile compounds in roasted coffee beans and psychological stress, this study investigated the stress-reducing potential of coffee volatiles using several behavioral pharmacology methods in mice. In the elevated plus-maze test, exposure to coffee volatiles increased the time spent and the numbers of entries into the open arms without spontaneous ambulation activity. In addition, pentobarbital-induced sleep time was prolonged. No significant effects were detected in the open-field and forced swim tests. These results suggest that the volatile compounds in roasted coffee beans lower the levels of arousal and exert anti-anxiety-like, stress-reducing effects in mice.
