Guayusa (gwhy-you-sah) the Next Generation of Caffeine

The average US consumer will have around 240 mg of caffeine per day. A primary reason is to increase mental alertness and focus throughout the workday. This has helped inspire research at Applied Food Sciences (AFS) into pursuing the development of more nootropic functionalities from botanicals. The objective is to find new ingredients that increase mental alertness while mitigating some of the side effects of caffeine i.e. the nervous, jittery feelings that make it hard to sit still and concentrate.

Caffeine Induces Adrenaline

Caffeine has both therapeutic benefits and negative side-effects in how it interacts with the body. One vindicating factor is due to an adrenal medulla response to caffeine in the release of epinephrine, a “fight-or-flight” hormone (Krieger, 2016​). Therefore, side-effects of caffeine resemble those same feelings of flightiness or anxiety that are associated when the body is under stress. Consumers likely know what this feels like after they have had one too many cups of coffee.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the common side effects to having too much caffeine are nervousness, irritability or restlessness, amongst others (Mayo Clinic, 2017​). For some people, that are more sensitive to caffeine, just small amounts may prompt these unwanted effects. While the end goal may be alertness or improved cognitive function, the neurotransmitter stimulation provoked by caffeine can often defeat its very purpose.

The Next Generation of Caffeine?

The body of evidence showing how the body responds to caffeine presents a problem for consumers. However, for the ingredient development team at AFS, it also provides an opportunity for what AFS declares is the “Next Generation of Caffeine.” Highlighting this category is a patented and clinically studied ingredient called, AMATEA™ organic guayusa extract.

In a double-blind crossover clinical trial, subjects were given 200 mg of caffeine from AMATEA™ organic guayusa extract, a green coffee extract, and a synthetic control, the results showed that the guayusa leaf extract stimulated a significantly lower increase in epinephrine when compared to what was provoked by the control and the green coffee extract (Krieger, 2016​). 

Where guayusa is grown around the upper Amazon regions of Ecuador and Peru, it is known by Amazonian hunters as ‘The Night Watchman’ because they find it helps sharpen awareness while allowing them to remain perfectly still on hunting expeditions,” explains Jackson Zapp, VP of Innovation with AFS. “It is fascinating how our recent clinical evidence supports this historic use of guayusa and we can now see exactly how this ingredient influences the body so differently than traditional caffeine sources.”

Enhanced Mood, Motivation, and Cognitive Performance 

Additional clinical research evaluated the effect of AMATEA™ organic guayusa extract on neurotransmitter functions. The study focused on extracellular levels of Dopamine (DA), Serotonin (5-HT), Norepinephrine (NE), Histamine (HA), and Acetylcholine (ACh) in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats. These specific biomarkers not only control mood and motivation, but also influence key Executive Functions such as flexible thinking, working memory, planning and prioritizing, task initiation, and organization. 

Results of this study demonstrate that extracellular levels of all the targeted biomarkers were significantly increased by the administration of AMATEA™ as compared to control alone. This study aids in demonstrating the nootropic and cognitively uplifting benefits of AMATEA™ clearly distinguishing it as a preeminent energy ingredient.

About AMATEA™ Organic Guayusa Extract

U.S. Patent #10,300,097 B2​ – AMATEA™ by Applied Food Sciences, is a highly water-soluble ingredient for the application of nootropic energy intended in beverages or nutritional supplements. AMATEA™ has a distinct fingerprint standardized at 20% caffeine and 30% chlorogenic acids (an antioxidant similar to what is found in green coffee beans). AMATEA™ also contains other beneficial compounds like rutin (a flavonoid that found in certain fruits and vegetables). Because it is low in tannins, AMATEA™ is not bitter, dry, or chalky tasting like many other more astringent tea extracts. Instead, AMATEA™ is naturally sweet to complement a variety of flavors. AMATEA™ is also USDA organic, Non-GMO, and GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) a requirement for use in US food and beverages.

Benefits of AMATEA™

• 20% Caffeine
• 30% Chlorogenic Acids
• Sustainably Sourced
• Water Soluble
• GRAS / Non-GMO
• Excellent Flavor in RTDs

Patented

U.S. Patent #9345707​ – As the sole supplier of AMATEA™ guayusa extract, Applied Food Sciences is the exclusive inventor and owner of a process patent covering the production of enriched natural guayusa, from a single source plant, containing antioxidants, amino acids, and caffeine. This novel process converts fresh guayusa leaves into a healthier energy ingredient standardized for caffeine and polyphenol antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and catechins.

Applied Food Sciences, Inc.

Applied Food Sciences (AFS) is the leader in innovation for functional, organic ingredients in the natural products industry. Quality is transparent from seed to label through organic farming, ethical sourcing, and sustainability. AFS cares about every stakeholder from rural farmers to the largest companies in the world.

Contact Sales

Contact Applied Food Sciences for pricing, specification info, or to request a sample of AMATEA™. Visit appliedfoods.com/amatea​ or call 1-800-345-9666

Market Analysis References:​

• Euromonitor Energy and RTD through US Channels, 2015
• Mintel Report on Energy safety and usage, 2015
• SPINSscan Natural and Specialty Gourmet (proprietary), Conventional Multi Outlet (powered by IRI), 52 w/e 10/30/16).
• GMI/Mintel June 2014, Base: 2,000 internet users aged 18+