Ilex guayusa
Ilex guayusa
Ilex guayusa is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest, primarily found in Ecuador. Traditionally, its use has not been extensively documented; however, Kichwa families have recently adapted their consumption and preparation methods of guayusa leaves. Scientific studies indicate that Ilex guayusa leaf extract may improve mood, energy, and cognitive performance, with higher doses enhancing motor-cognitive function but potentially causing jitteriness in women. The metabolite profile of the plant varies based on its age and sunlight exposure, affecting levels of chlorogenic acids involved in metabolic pathways. While no major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded, these findings are preliminary and require further investigation to confirm their broader applicability.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Ilex guayusa leaf extract improved mood, energy, and cognitive performance at both doses tested, with higher doses enhancing motor-cognitive performance but increasing jitteriness in women.
- The study found that both plant age and sunlight exposure significantly influenced the metabolite profile of Ilex guayusa leaves, affecting levels of various metabolites involved in different metabolic pathways.
- The study developed an integrated workflow for the profiling of chlorogenic acids in Ilex guayusa using HPLC-UV and UPLC-MS/MS, enhancing structural characterization without complete isomer-resolved quantification.
- The study found that while some traditional practices persist, Kichwa families' consumption and preparation of guayusa have evolved in recent years.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ilex guayusa?
Ilex guayusa (Ilex guayusa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Ilex guayusa?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Ilex guayusa; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Ilex guayusa leaf extract improved mood, energy, and cognitive performance at both doses tested, with higher doses enhancing motor-cognitive performance but increasing jitteriness in women.
How strong is the evidence for Ilex guayusa?
The strongest finding for Ilex guayusa carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Ilex guayusa safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Ilex guayusa in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Ilex guayusa interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Ilex guayusa in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Ilex guayusa a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Acute, dose-response effects of guayusa leaf extract on mood, cognitive and motor-cognitive performance, and blood pressure, heart rate, and ventricular repolarization. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Integrated HPLC-UV validation and LC-MS/MS optimization with molecular networking and chemometrics for advanced characterization of chlorogenic acids in Ilex guayusa. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Influence of plant age and sunlight exposure on the volatile profile and metabolomic pathways of Ilex guayusa leaves used in the traditional Amazonian beverage. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Socio-cultural components related to the cropping, harvesting, and consumption of guayusa (Ilex guayusa Loes) in Amazonian Kichwa communities. literature abstract metadata