The relationship between leaf morphology on the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg tea

Abstract

Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess.) O. Berg, commonly known as guavira, is a native Brazilian species of great socioeconomic relevance, due to the commercialization of its fruits and cultural importance, being officially recognized as the fruit symbol of the state fruit of Mato Grosso do Sul. Although it exhibits considerable genetic and morphological variability. This study investigated the influence of leaf morphology on the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of C. adamantium infusions. Leaves from seven wild individuals were collected and characterized based on length, width, mass, moisture content, and venation pattern. Chemical analyses quantified total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins, as well as antioxidant capacity (DPPH assay). Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) grouped the samples into three morphological clusters: small leaves (samples 1, 3, and 6), narrow and elongated leaves (samples 2 and 5), and large leaves (samples 4 and 7). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated a strong correlation between chemical composition and leaf morphology. The narrow and elongated leaves showed higher contents of phenolic compounds (210.47-220.13 µg GAE mL^-1), flavonoids (48.67-52.89 µg RE mL^-1), tannins (122.85-125.85 µg TAE mL^-1), and antioxidant potential (567.25-568.50 µg TE mL^-1). These results support the potential for selecting morphotypes with desirable traits for cultivation and commercial use, thus promoting the standardization and quality improvement of C. adamantium-based leaf products.