Towards sustainable extraction of bioactive compounds from guayusa (Ilex guayusa): A comparative study on compressed fluids’ performance

Deep in the Amazon, a caffeinated leaf holds the key to natural neuroprotection—and scientists just found a greener way to unlock it. Compressed gases, not harsh chemicals, are now the secret to harvesting its power.

Ilex guayusa, a traditional Amazonian plant rich in caffeine and polyphenols, has long been valued for its antioxidant and neuroprotective potential. But extracting those bioactive compounds sustainably has been a challenge. A new study puts three green techniques head-to-head: pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), gas-expanded liquids (GXL), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE).

Key Points

• GXL extraction yielded the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity.
• Water maceration showed stronger cholinesterase inhibition, suggesting complementary neuroprotection.
• Green solvents like CO2, ethanol, and 2-MTHF optimized via mixture design.