Quantitation of methylxanthinic alkaloids and phenolic compounds in mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and their effects on blood vessel formation in chick embryos.

Methylxanthinic alkaloids and phenolic compounds are related to the therapeutic properties of Ilex paraguariensis infusions. Considering the known vascular tropism of xanthines, an aqueous extract (mate) and caffeine were evaluated on blood vessel formation, in connection with the analysis of those secondary metabolites, which was performed in young and mature leaf samples collected in three cultivation systems located in the southern region in Brazil (Santa Catarina State). Samples of young and mature leaves from a monoculture cultivation system (MC) showed the highest content of phenolic compounds (149.