The Potential of Robusta Coffee Leaves as a Natural Antifungal

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 120 views

The Antifungal Ability of Robusta Coffee Leaf Methanol Extract (Coffea Canephora) to the Growth of Post-Harvest Fungi

Introduction

Post-harvest fungi are a significant problem in the agricultural industry, causing damage to crops and reducing their quality. Conventional methods of controlling post-harvest fungi often involve the use of synthetic fungicides, which can have negative environmental and health impacts. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of natural products as alternatives to synthetic fungicides. One such natural product is the Robusta coffee leaf (Coffea canephora), which has been found to contain metabolitic compounds with antifungal properties.

The Potential of Robusta Coffee Leaves as a Natural Antifungal

Robusta coffee leaves are a rich source of metabolitic compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolics. These compounds have been shown to have antifungal properties, making Robusta coffee leaves a promising natural antifungal agent. This study aims to examine the ability of Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract to inhibit the growth of several types of post-harvest fungi, including Aspergillus Candidus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus tamarii, Candida albicans, and Penicillium sp.

Materials and Methods

The study used Robusta coffee leaves obtained from farmers in Berastagi, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. The leaves were extracted using the method of maceration with methanol. The antifungal activity of the extract was then tested using a disc-diffusion method with a concentration of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. Ketoconazole 2% was used as a positive control, while DMSO 10% was used as a negative control. The minimum concentration that can inhibit (KHM) and kill (KBM) the growth of fungi was determined using a dilution method.

Results

The results showed that Robusta coffee leaf extract had antifungal activity against all types of fungi tested. The inhibition zone formed ranged from 0.62 to 9.27 mm. Extracts with a concentration of 100% showed the highest effectiveness with an inhibitory zone of 9.27 mm against Aspergillus oryzae. The KHM for all types of test mushrooms was 20%, while the KBM was obtained at a concentration of 95% for Aspergillus Candidus, 100% for Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus, and 85% for Aspergillus oryzae and Candida albicans.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract has the potential to be a natural antifungal to overcome post-harvest problems. Its ability to inhibit the growth of various types of mushrooms, especially Aspergillus Oryzae, makes Robusta coffee leaves a promising alternative to be applied as a biopesticide. However, further research needs to be done to optimize the extraction method and formulation of Robusta coffee leaf extract as a biopesticide. In addition, it is necessary to do a toxicity test to ensure the safety of the use of Robusta coffee leaf extract for humans and the environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the antifungal ability of Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract against several types of post-harvest fungi. The results of this study suggest that Robusta coffee leaves have the potential to be used as a natural antifungal agent to overcome post-harvest problems. However, further research is needed to optimize the extraction method and formulation of Robusta coffee leaf extract as a biopesticide, as well as to ensure its safety for human and environmental use.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research should be conducted to optimize the extraction method and formulation of Robusta coffee leaf extract as a biopesticide.
A toxicity test should be conducted to ensure the safety of the use of Robusta coffee leaf extract for humans and the environment.
The antifungal activity of Robusta coffee leaf extract should be tested against other types of post-harvest fungi to confirm its effectiveness.
The potential of Robusta coffee leaves as a natural antifungal agent should be explored further to determine its feasibility for commercial use.

Future Directions

The results of this study have opened up new avenues for research on the use of natural products as alternatives to synthetic fungicides. Further research is needed to explore the potential of Robusta coffee leaves as a natural antifungal agent, as well as to optimize the extraction method and formulation of Robusta coffee leaf extract as a biopesticide. The development of a safe and effective natural antifungal agent could have significant implications for the agricultural industry, reducing the need for synthetic fungicides and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Antifungal Ability of Robusta Coffee Leaf Methanol Extract

Q: What is Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract?

A: Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract is a natural product obtained from the leaves of the Robusta coffee plant (Coffea canephora). The leaves are rich in metabolitic compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolics, which have been shown to have antifungal properties.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract to inhibit the growth of several types of post-harvest fungi, including Aspergillus Candidus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus tamarii, Candida albicans, and Penicillium sp.

Q: What methods were used to test the antifungal activity of Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract?

A: The antifungal activity of Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract was tested using a disc-diffusion method with a concentration of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. Ketoconazole 2% was used as a positive control, while DMSO 10% was used as a negative control. The minimum concentration that can inhibit (KHM) and kill (KBM) the growth of fungi was determined using a dilution method.

Q: What were the results of the study?

A: The results showed that Robusta coffee leaf extract had antifungal activity against all types of fungi tested. The inhibition zone formed ranged from 0.62 to 9.27 mm. Extracts with a concentration of 100% showed the highest effectiveness with an inhibitory zone of 9.27 mm against Aspergillus oryzae. The KHM for all types of test mushrooms was 20%, while the KBM was obtained at a concentration of 95% for Aspergillus Candidus, 100% for Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus, and 85% for Aspergillus oryzae and Candida albicans.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The results of this study suggest that Robusta coffee leaves have the potential to be used as a natural antifungal agent to overcome post-harvest problems. However, further research is needed to optimize the extraction method and formulation of Robusta coffee leaf extract as a biopesticide, as well as to ensure its safety for human and environmental use.

Q: What are the potential applications of Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract?

A: The potential applications of Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract include:

As a natural antifungal agent to control post-harvest fungi
As a biopesticide to control pests and diseases in agricultural crops
As a natural preservative to extend the shelf life of food products
As a natural ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include:

The study was conducted in a laboratory setting and may not reflect real-world conditions
The study only tested the antifungal activity of Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract against a limited number of fungi
Further research is needed to optimize the extraction method and formulation of Robusta coffee leaf extract as a biopesticide, as well as to ensure its safety for human and environmental use.

Q: What are the future directions for research on Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract?

A: The future directions for research on Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract include:

Optimizing the extraction method and formulation of Robusta coffee leaf extract as a biopesticide
Conducting toxicity tests to ensure the safety of Robusta coffee leaf extract for human and environmental use
Testing the antifungal activity of Robusta coffee leaf methanol extract against a wider range of fungi
Exploring the potential of Robusta coffee leaves as a natural antifungal agent in other industries, such as food and cosmetics.