Summary
This study evaluated the bioactive potential and gastrointestinal bioaccessibility of a phenolic-rich extract from Coffea arabica coffee pulp, an agroindustrial byproduct. The extract demonstrated substantial polyphenol and flavonoid content with measurable antioxidant activity and modest enzyme inhibition properties relevant to postprandial glucose control. However, in vitro digestion modelling revealed significant loss of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, with negligible bioaccessibility of condensed tannins and undetectable polyphenols in the dialysable fraction, suggesting that bioavailability may limit the functional benefits despite the extract's apparent safety profile.
Regional applicability
The study is not geographically located, but the findings are relevant to United Kingdom food and beverage industries investigating valorisation of coffee processing waste and development of functional food ingredients. The gap between in vitro bioactivity and gastrointestinal bioaccessibility identified here has implications for claims substantiation under UK and EU food regulations.
Key measures
Total polyphenol content (mg GAE/g), condensed tannins (mg PC1eq/g), total flavonoids (mg CE/g), antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, TAA, FRAP; mg TE/g), α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition (%), in vitro gastrointestinal stability, median lethal concentration (LC50) in Artemia salina
Outcomes reported
The study characterised the polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibition capacity of coffee pulp extract, and assessed its stability during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and toxicity in Artemia salina. Results showed moderate enzyme inhibition and significant loss of bioactive compounds during digestion, with the extract classified as non-toxic.
Supporting research
The primary experiment characterises coffee-pulp extract, in-vitro digestion/bioaccessibility and enzyme inhibition for food by-product utilisation.
Limits: Laboratory methods/mechanisms only. Artemia lethality and undetectable dialysed polyphenols do not establish safety, efficacy or bioavailability in humans eating a food product.
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