Dubai, September 3, 2025 (Qahwa World) – A new scientific study has uncovered hidden health benefits in the daily cup of coffee. Researchers identified three novel diterpene esters in roasted Arabica beans, named caffaldehydes A, B, and C, which demonstrated strong blood sugar–lowering properties. Remarkably, their activity against the enzyme α-glucosidase was found to be even stronger than acarbose, a widely prescribed antidiabetic drug.
The findings, published in Beverage Plant Research, also revealed three additional trace diterpenes with similar activity. Together, these discoveries highlight coffee’s potential role as a functional food – one that delivers health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Coffee as a Functional Food
Functional foods are whole or enriched foods that contain biologically active compounds offering extra benefits, such as antioxidant, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, or lipid-lowering effects. Coffee stands out as one of the world’s most consumed beverages and one of the most economically valuable crops.
Among coffee’s bioactive compounds, diterpenoids are particularly significant. More than 70 types have been documented, with known molecules such as kahweol and cafestol already linked to anticancer and blood sugar-reducing effects. Yet roasted beans are chemically complex, making the discovery of new bioactive molecules especially challenging.
Advanced Research Methods
Traditional phytochemical analysis can be slow and resource-intensive. To overcome these challenges, the research team combined Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) with Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This innovative approach accelerated compound detection while reducing solvent use, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Using a three-step strategy – screening extracts with ¹H-NMR, purifying active fractions with HPLC, and confirming structures with advanced spectroscopic tools – the scientists successfully isolated and validated the newly discovered compounds.
Key Findings
The study divided the diterpene extract into 19 fractions. Fractions 9–13 showed the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, leading to the identification of caffaldehyde A, B, and C. Each was structurally confirmed as a novel diterpene ester with potent antidiabetic effects.
In addition, three more diterpenes – magaric acid, octadecenoic acid, and nonadecanoic acid – were identified through molecular networking, further expanding the scope of coffee’s bioactive potential.
Wnioski
The discovery of six previously unknown diterpenes in roasted Arabica coffee provides fresh scientific evidence of coffee’s potential role in managing blood sugar levels. Beyond its cultural and economic significance, coffee continues to emerge as a natural source of compounds with therapeutic promise.
This research not only enhances understanding of coffee’s complex chemistry but also introduces a new, eco-friendly analytical approach that could be applied to other functional foods in the future.
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