BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND HEAVY METALS CONTENT IN CASCARA COFFEA ARABICA

The primary aim of the scientific article is to comprehensively analyze the chemical composition of Cascara. This study investigates the physicochemical properties of Cascara (100% Coffea arabica) sourced from America (Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Brazil, Guatemala). The cascara samples were analyzed for dry matter content, pH, water activity, polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, chlorogenic acids profile, caffeine content and heavy metals (copper, zinc, manganese, iron, nickel, cobalt, lead, cadmium) concentrations. Our results revealed significant variations among the samples. Dry matter content ranged from 85.46% to 88.49%, with the highest levels found in the Guatemala sample (5C). pH values varied significantly, from 3.58 in the Colombian sample (1C) to 4.50 in the Brazilian sample (4C). Water activity was lowest in the Colombian sample (0.49) and highest in the Guatemala sample (0.55). In terms of bioactive compounds, chlorogenic acids content was highest in the Guatemala sample (0.97 mg.100 g-1), while the highest caffeine concentration was detected in the Costa Rican sample (2.22 mg.100 g-1). The total antioxidant capacity was highest in the Brazilian sample using the DPPH method (84.635%) and in the Panamanian sample using the ABTS method (92.30%). Heavy metal analysis indicated significant differences, with the highest concentrations of copper (10.13 mg.kg-1) and iron (112.09 mg.kg-1) in the Costa Rican sample, and the highest zinc (5.17 mg.kg-1) in the Panamanian sample. The lowest concentrations of nickel (0.07 mg.kg-1) and cobalt (0.24 mg.kg-1) were found in the Colombian sample. The presence of lead and cadmium, particularly in American samples, highlights potential health risks, necessitating stringent monitoring. A strong positive correlation was found between neochlorogenic acid concentration and total phenolic content (TPC) (r = 0.84) and between neochlorogenic acid concentration and manganese (Mn) presence (r = 0.83). Concentrations of nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) (r = 0.920) and Pb and Cd (r = 0.74) also demonstrated strong correlations. Detailed knowledge of Cascara’s chemical composition can aid in the development of new food and beverage products. This can expand the market for Cascara, promoting sustainability by utilizing coffee by-products more effectively.