Annual variations of methylxanthines in Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil (maté) samples in Ijui and Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul

[摘要] Ilex paraguariensis is a native plant in Southern Brazil, whose leaves are utilized in beverages such as chimarrão and tererê. This study investigated variations of total methylxanthines in leaves from two Ilex populations collected at one-month intervals over the course of one year. The levels varied from 1.92 to 10.37 mg/g (Ijuí) and 1.77 to 9.17 mg/g (Santa Maria). Statistical analysis indicated a significative variation in the contents of all samples analysed, confirming seasonal fluctuations. These results show that the period of harvest might decisively influence the organoleptic characteristics of raw material used in industry and therefore in commercial products.

[学科分类] 化学（综合）

[关键词] Ilex paraguariensis;methylxanthines;seasonal fluctuation.