COMPARISON OF METHYLXANTHINE, PHENOLICS AND SAPONIN CONTENTS IN LEAVES, BRANCHES AND UNRIPE FRUITS FROM <i>ILEX PARAGUARIENSIS</i> A. ST.-HIL (MATE)

Abstract

The contents of the methylxanthines, saponins, and phenolics compounds were determined in different parts of Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil., in order to investigate the chemical differences among some well explored plant parts, leaves and branches, with an innovative raw source as the unripe fruits of the specie. Three specific LC methods were employed. In the plant raw material, the highest contents of methylxanthines (caffeine and theobromine) were found in leaves (0.86% and 0.15%), while the lowest content was observed in the fruits (0.04% and 0.04%). In the same manner the content of phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid and rutin) was greater in leaves (0.14% and 1.09%) and lowest in unripe fruits (0.03% and not detectable). In contrast, the unripe fruits presented the highest saponin content (12.30%), followed by the leaves (4.14%), and the branches (0.94%). In a mate commercial beverage the high amounts of phenolic compounds (3.82% and 0.51%) and methylxanthines (0.79% and 0.30%) were observed.