Guayusa Extract | Ilex guayusa

Ecuadorian Ilex Guayusa Leaf Extract

Ilex guayusa is an Amazonian holly tree native to the rainforest canopy of eastern Ecuador. For generations, indigenous Kichwa communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon have gathered guayusa leaves for a communal morning drink, brewed before dawn to prepare for the day ahead. The practice is deeply embedded in Kichwa social life, with the pre-dawn tea circle serving as a space for storytelling, dream sharing, and planning.

Alkaloid Profile and Phytochemistry

Guayusa leaves are remarkable for containing approximately 3% caffeine, placing them among the most caffeine-dense leaves in the plant kingdom. But caffeine is only part of the picture. The leaves also contain theobromine (the alkaloid found in cacao), L-theanine (present in green tea), theophylline, and chlorogenic acids. This particular combination of xanthine alkaloids and amino acids gives guayusa a phytochemical fingerprint distinct from coffee, tea, or yerba mate.

This tincture is produced from ecologically sourced Ilex guayusa leaves and preserved in 20% alcohol, capturing the full range of water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds in one preparation.

In Your Product Range

Guayusa is gaining serious traction in European markets as consumers discover South American botanicals beyond yerba mate and guarana. The Kichwa cultural backstory gives it an authentic narrative that resonates with informed customers. The liquid extract format is practical for retail display alongside your other tinctures and extracts. Caffeine-containing botanicals remain a consistent seller for both smartshops and health stores.