Variação anual de metilxantinas totais em amostras de Ilex paraguariensis A. St. - Hil. (erva-mate) em Ijuí e Santa Maria, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul

摘要: Ilex paraguariensis is a native plant in Southern Brazil, whose leaves are utilized beverages such as chimarrao and terere. This study investigated variations of total methylxanthines from two populations collected at one-month intervals over the course one year. The levels varied 1.92 to 10.37 mg/g (Ijui) 1.77 9.17 (Santa Maria). Statistical analysis indicated significative variation contents all samples analysed, confirming seasonal fluctuations. These results show that period harvest might decisively influence organoleptic characteristics raw material used industry therefore commercial products.