Variation of Caffeine Content of Individuals of a Guayusa Crop in the Ecuadorian Amazonia.

Variation of Caffeine Content of Individuals of a Guayusa Crop in the Ecuadorian Amazonia L. Cobos1., M. Rocha1, P. Crespo1, S. Balarezo2, P. Marañón3, G. García1* Information about agronomy and bioactive metabolites such as caffeine content of guayusa (Ilex guayusa) is scarce. The objective of this study was to determine the variation of the caffeine content within an organic commercial plantation. Guayusa is a neglected native tree from the Ecuadorian Amazonia and considered as a sacred plant due to its stimulant and curative properties. It is usually found in wild form and rarely as a commercial crop. Studies about caffeine content are limited to a few wild individuals scattered in different environments. In this study, we determined the total average caffeine content was 2.39 mg. 100 mg-1, ranged from 1.05 mg. 100 mg-1 to 4.72 mg. 100 mg-1. Few samples showed contents of 3.1 mg.100 mg-1 to 4.72 mg. 100 mg-1. The observed variation could be an effect of the environment since; the crop was established with cuttings derived from asexual propagation. This is the first study reporting solid data about the caffeine content in a commercial crop. Further studies will allow setting quality parameters for the development of the nutraceutical, pharmacological and cosmetic industries and producer will benefit with premium prices associated with quality. Key words: Caffeine, guayusa, content variation, quality 1 Universidad Central del Ecuador. Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas. *Corresponding author 2 Laboratorios Quimicas Ariston 3 Huasquilla Lodge