Morpho-Physiological Traits, Phytochemical Composition, and Antioxidant Activity of Canephora Coffee Leaves at Various Stages

Abstract

Coffee leaves contain a wide range of leaf compounds, which vary by growth stage. Recently, the importance of coffee leaf metabolites with beneficial phytochemicals has been widely identified. This research investigated Canephora coffee’s morphological and physiological development and analyzed the phytochemical composition of the main leaf stage. Canephora coffee leaves were harvested and classified into the following five growth stages: S1 (leaf age of 1–4 days), S2 (leaf age of 5–8 days), S3 (leaf age of 9–14 days), S4 (leaf age of 15–20 days), and S5 (leaf age of 21–27 days). The antioxidant activity, total phenol content, flavonoids, and tannin content of coffee leaves at different stages were observed. The results indicated that the highest values for the leaf area, dry weight, greenness, chlorophyll content, and carotenoid content were found at the last stage (S5). The specific leaf area (SLA) differences had higher values in the S3 and S1 growth stages. The youngest leaf phase (S1) was less green, more yellow, and brighter in color than the mature phase. By comparing the assays, it was found that a significant increase in the antioxidant activity and the contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins were observed in the S1 and S2 growth stages.