Major Bioactive Compounds in Seeds, Husks, and Leaves of Selected Genotypes of Coffea canephora cv. Conilon from Three Consecutive Crops

This study aimed to investigate: (1) the bioactive profile of seeds, husks, and leaves of selected conilon coffee genotypes (n = 42) from three consecutive crops for the selection of plants to meet health interests, (2) the variability in the content of these bioactive compounds over the crops, and (3) possible correlations among the contents of the evaluated compounds in the different parts of the plant. Selected conilon plants were reproduced by clonal propagation. Bioactive compounds were analyzed using HPLC-DAD. Eight chlorogenic acids (CGA), caffeine, trigonelline, and minor phenolic compounds were quantified (dry basis) in all extracts. CGA contents in seeds, husks, and leaves ranged between 3.71 and 9.71 g/100 g, 0.43 and 1.65 g/100 g, and 0.80 and 2.22 g/100 g, respectively. Caffeine contents ranged between 1.21 and 2.63 g/100 g, 0.13 and 0.84 g/100 g, and 0.33 and 2.01 g/100 g in seeds, husks, and leaves, respectively. Trigonelline contents ranged between 0.83 and 1.12 g/100 g, 0.59 and 1.24 g/100 g, and 0.74 and 1.84 g/100 g, respectively. Variation among the three crops was observed to be higher for CGA. A discrete correlation between CGA and caffeine was observed in the seeds (r: 0.72, p = 0.003). Some of the genotypes showed consistently higher contents of these bioactive compounds than others (not only in the seeds but also in the husks and leaves), being good candidates for cultivar registration to meet various market demands in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Studies that evaluate the potential use of new genotypes and byproducts are important for diversification and maximum use of coffee plants, promoting sustainability and financial return to the farmers and the producing country.