Nutricional and Physicochemical aspects of Ilex laurina Kunth (Aquifoliaceae) : A Comparative Study with Ilex Paraguariensis

ABSTRACT: Ilex laurina K., a Colombian plant whose infusion presents antioxidant and antiproliferative properties, belongs to a species of Yerba Mate tea. Objective: Evaluate the nutritional and physiochemical properties of an infusion using Ilex laurina K. leaves as a potential raw material, functional food and substitute for the conventional Ilex paraguariensis tea. Objective: To evaluate the nutritional and physiochemical properties of an infusion using Ilex laurina K. leaves as a potential raw material, functional food and substitute for the conventional Ilex paraguariensis tea. Materials and Methods: Phytochemicals and carbohydrates by HPLC analysis, solubility, mineral measurement using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and sensorial analysis. Results: The Ilex laurina K. infusión compared with Ilex paraguariensis infusion found higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid (429.2 ± 20.2 versus 47.4 ± 1.9 mg / kg), p-coumaric (47.3 ± 2.4 versus 24.4 ± 0.9 mg / kg), xanthines (1.4-1.8 times), iron, copper, zinc, and the likes of caffeic acid (52.6 ± 18.8 versus 47.4 ± 1.9 mg / L) (p> 0.05). Ferulic acid (21.5 ± 1.6 mg / L) and fructose (0.4 ± 0.003 g / L) were detected, while glucose (0.8 ± 0.007 g / L) and higher concentrations of magnesium and manganese (p<0.05) we found in the Ilex paraguariensis. Ilex laurina K. infusion was accepted by 64% of consumers, regardless of gender; and respective acceptability of the following characteristics: color (51%), smell (47%), flavor (42%) and sweetness (47%). Conclusions: Ilex laurina K. infusion is well accepted by consumers, and contains a higher concentration of phenol compounds, xanthines, iron, copper, zinc and fructose than Ilex paraguariensis infusion, and contributes less glucose, magnesium and manganese. Keywords: Ilex paraguariensis, mate, sensory test, phytochemicals, minerals, macronutrients.RESUMEN: La Ilex laurina K., planta colombiana cuya infusión presenta actividad antioxidante y antiproliferativa, pertenece al género del té de yerba mate. Objetivo: evaluar las propiedades nutricionales y fisicoquímicas de una infusión de hojas de Ilex laurina K. como potencial materia prima, alimento funcional y sustituyente del convencional té de mate Ilex paraguariensis. Materiales y métodos: análisis por HPLC de fitoquímicos y carbohidratos, solubilidad, medición de minerales por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica y análisis sensorial. Resultados: en la infusión de Ilex laurina K. en comparación con la de Ilex paraguariensis se encontraron mayores concentraciones de ácido clorogénico (429,2±20,2 frente a47,4±1,9 mg/kg), de p-cumárico (47,3±2,4 versus 24,4±0,9 mg/kg), de metilxantinas (1,4-1,8 veces), hierro, cobre y zinc, y similares de ácido cafeico (52,6±18,8 versus 47,4±1,9 mg/L) (p>0,05). Se detectaron ácido ferúlico (21,5±1,6 mg/L) y fructosa (0,4±0,003 g/L), mientras en la de Ilex paraguariensis se encontró glucosa (0,8±0,007 g/L) y mayores concentraciones de magnesio y manganeso (p