Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
wavelengths
is
the
best
approach
for
the
separation,
identification
and
quantification of phenolics and alkaloids in tea and coffee samples.
8.5 Conclusions
Accurate and reliable data on the composition of coffee and tea are crucial for
the correct assessment of their potential health implications. Understanding
the complexities of phytochemicals through extensive laboratory analysis is
fundamental for the proper utilization of their potential health benefits.
Among phytochemicals present in these foods, phenolics and alkaloids are the
focus of intensive research. However, their determination in complex matrices,
such as tea and coffee, is a multifarious task, requiring the consideration of
many aspects that can influence their determined concentration. Sample
preparation is an important but often neglected step in the determination of
alkaloids and phenolics in tea and coffee. Special attention should be paid to
this step because several factors can influence the extractability of target
analytes, from the extraction technique to the operational conditions, so that
quantitative recovery of compounds of interest is achieved. Unfortunately,
there is not a universal extraction method, and each sample should be studied
individually. In contrast, the analysis step of the whole process is advancing,
and our ability to identify and quantify a larger number of compounds is
increasing. Therefore, it is possible to perform a comprehensive analysis of the
composition of these largely consumed products. Also, analysis time is clearly
benefiting from recent technological advances, and it is now possible to have
large amounts of compositional data in relatively short times.
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Summary Points
N
This chapter presents the necessary steps for the simultaneous determina-
tion of caffeine and phenolic compounds in tea and coffee samples.
N
It is important to have accurate and reliable data about the composition of
coffee
and
tea
for
the
correct
assessment
of
their
potential
health
implications.
N
The
determination
of
alkaloids
and
phenolic
compounds
in
complex
matrices, such
as tea and coffee, is a multifarious task requiring the
consideration
of
many
aspects
that
can
influence
their
determined
concentration.
N
In the sample preparation step, the factors that influence the extractability
of the target analytes should be considered: the extraction technique used
and the optimization of the operational conditions.
N
The analysis step is advancing and our ability to identify and quantify a
larger number of compounds in a shorter time using high-performance
liquid chromatography is increasing.
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