Description
The extract of Guayusa leaves (Ilex guayusa), an Amazonian holly closely related to Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) but distinct in cultural origin and chemical profile. Traditionally consumed by indigenous Kichwa communities of the Ecuadorian Amazon and used in ceremonial early-morning brewing practices. Contains caffeine and theobromine in distinctive proportions alongside L-theanine and chlorogenic acids.
Light green to brown free-flowing powder. Highly water-soluble.
We supply food-grade Guayusa Extract from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include Guayusa Whole Leaf Powder (the traditional beverage grade), Guayusa Spray-Dried Extract (the instant beverage and supplement grade), Guayusa 10 percent Caffeine Standardized Extract (the energy-supplement grade), and Guayusa L-Theanine Co-Standardized Extract (the calm-energy positioning grade).
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering caffeine content (HPLC), theobromine content, L-theanine content, total polyphenols, chlorogenic acid content, residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbiology.
Introduction
Guayusa has been consumed by indigenous communities of the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon for at least 1,500 years, with archaeological evidence from pre-Columbian burial sites. The traditional consumption practice involves early-morning communal brewing and consumption (often before dawn) to support alertness for hunting, fishing, and ceremonial purposes. Western commercial development began in the late 2000s, particularly through the U.S. company Runa which built a market around fair-trade sourcing from Kichwa communities and reforestation-positioning specialty applications.
Industrial production proceeds by drying, milling, and either direct powder application or hot-water extraction to produce spray-dried extracts. The caffeine content (1.5 to 3 percent of dry leaf weight) is intermediate between yerba mate and coffee. The distinctive feature versus other caffeine sources is the natural co-occurrence of L-theanine (typically 0.1 to 0.3 percent) which supports calm-energy positioning differentiated from typical caffeine sources.
Recognized as a permitted food ingredient by the U.S. FDA and equivalent regulators worldwide. The EU recognized guayusa under the Novel Food regulation in 2018 with specific application and dosage parameters.
Strategic positioning targets the natural calm-energy supplement segment leveraging the caffeine-L-theanine combination, premium specialty tea applications, and the high-visibility Amazon sustainability and indigenous-community social-impact positioning.
Where it is used
- Natural energy supplements: calm-energy positioning leveraging the natural caffeine-L-theanine combination
- Cognitive-support supplements: focus, attention, and sustained alertness positioning
- Functional beverages: guayusa-positioned ready-to-drink products, cold brew alternatives, and clean-label energy drinks
- Premium specialty tea applications
- Sports nutrition: pre-workout and endurance-positioned products
- Indigenous Amazon community sustainability programs (the high-visibility social-impact application)
- Antioxidant dietary supplements
- Cosmetic skincare: antioxidant and energizing positioned formulations
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Light green to brown free-flowing powder |
| Caffeine content (HPLC) | 1.5% to 10% (grade dependent) |
| Theobromine content | 0.05% to 0.2% |
| L-Theanine content | declared per batch (typically 0.1% to 0.3%) |
| Total polyphenols | ≥ 5% (powder) to ≥ 30% (concentrate) |
| Chlorogenic acid | declared per batch |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Source | Ilex guayusa leaves |
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