UPLC-PDA–MS evaluation of bioactive compounds from leaves of Ilex paraguariensis with different growth conditions, treatments and ageing

► UPLC analysis enabled reduction of time and solvent consumption about 10 times. ► Overall, leaves grown in the sun had a greater content of bioactive compounds. ► Processed leaves showed a decrease in the concentration of xanthines with in natura. ► Oxidised leaves had a lower concentration of phenolics when compared with in natura. Teas from Maté have been widely consumed for centuries in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. We now determine how age, growth conditions and post-harvesting processes of leaves from Ilex paraguariensis affect the concentration of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant capacity. Phenolics, xanthines, and carbohydrates were identified and quantified by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), which dramatically reduces the time for each analysis (