The lipid fraction of coffee is composed mainly of triacylglycerols, sterols and tocopherols, the typical components found in all common edible vegetable oils. Additionally, the so-called coffee oil contains diterpenes of the kaurene family in proportions of up to 20 % of the total lipids. Diterpenes are of interest because of their analytical and physiological effects. The composition of the main lipid components of the two most important coffee species, Coffea arabica and Coffea canphora var. Robusta is presented. In addition, the influences of typical processes like roasting and steaming on selected lipid components as well as the effects of the storage of green coffee beans under different conditions will be described. Furthermore, new findings regarding the 5-hydroxytryptamides, the main parts of the coffee wax located on the outer layer of the bean and the recently identified components coffeadiol and arabiol I will also be discussed. Key words: Coffea, coffee oil, coffee wax, diterpenes, 5-hydroxytryptamides.A fração lipídica da semente de café: A fração lipídica do café é composta principalmente de triacilgliceróis, esteróis e tocoferóis, componentes típicos encontrados em todo óleo vegetal comestível comum. Adicionalmente, o chamado oleo de café contém diterpenos da família dos kaurenos, em proporção de até 20 % dos lipídeos totais. Diterpenos são de interesse por causa de seus efeitos fisiológicos. As composições dos principais componentes lipídicos das duas espécies mais importantes de café, Coffea arabica e Coffea canphora var. Robusta são apresentadas. Também, serão descritas as influências de processos tais como torração e "steaming" sobre determinados components lipídicos, assim como os efeitos do armazenamento do café verde sob diferentes condições. Além disso, serão discutidas as novas descobertas sobre as 5-hidroxitriptamidas, os principais componentes da cera de café, localizada nas camadas externas da semente, e os compostos "coffeadiol" e "arabiol I", recentemente identificados. Palavras-chave: Coffea, cera de café, diterpenos, óleo de café, 5-hidroxitriptamidas.

The Mediterranean plant Cistus incanus is rich in polyphenols and has shown several pharmacological activities, mainly antibacterial effects. Furthermore, in situ studies revealed that a C. incanus infusion reduces the initial bacterial adhesion in the oral cavity due to the polyphenols, an indication that C. incanus might reduce the risk of caries disease. In the present study, the polyphenols from four different commercial C. incanus herbal teas were extracted by standardized accelerated solvent extraction for in vitro tests and by an infusion for in situ tests. Both extracts were characterized qualitatively and quantitatively by high-performance liquid chromatography and only the polyphenol content differed slightly. By means of diode array detection and mass spectrometry, 29 polyphenols, including ellagitannins, flavanols, and glycosylated flavonols, were identified. Thereby, only quantitative but no qualitative differences between the four samples were detected. Furthermore, the in vitro antibacterial activity of the C. incanus accelerated solvent extracts against Streptococcus mutans, one of the primary cariogenic bacterial species, was examined using a live/dead assay (BacLight®). With this approach, C. incanus yielded antibacterial properties. Additional in situ experiments indicated that rinses with a C. incanus infusion reduced the initial bacterial colonization of enamel samples exposed to oral fluids for over eight hours. Furthermore, it was shown by transmission electron microscopy that the application of a C. incanus infusion modifies the ultrastructure of the acquired enamel pellicle, yielding a more electron-dense morphology. It can be assumed that the polyphenols are responsible for the observed effects.

Polyphenols are natural substances that have been shown to provide various health benefits. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic effects have been described. At the same time, they inhibit the actions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Thus, studies have also examined their effects within the oral cavity. This review provides an overview on the different polyphenols, and their structure and interactions with the tooth surface and the pellicle. In particular, the effects of various tea polyphenols on bioadhesion and erosion have been reviewed. The current research confirms that polyphenols can reduce the growth of cariogenic bacteria. Furthermore, they can decrease the adherence of bacteria to the tooth surface and improve the erosion-protective properties of the acquired enamel pellicle. Tea polyphenols, especially, have the potential to contribute to an oral health-related diet. However, in vitro studies have mainly been conducted. In situ studies and clinical studies need to be extended and supplemented in order to significantly contribute to additive prevention measures in caries prophylaxis.

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