The leaves contain caffeine. The caffeine level in an 8 ounce cup can range from 20mg to 180mg. The type of product, the amount used, and the brewing method affect the caffeine level. Preparing the herb traditionally produces a strong infusion with high caffeine concentration. Some claim it contains matteine which is different from caffeine. However, research does not support this claim. Matteine seems to just be another term for caffeine.
Caffeine content
- 1 to 3 grams contains 30 to 40 milligrams caffeine. The herb is known for its energizing effects. Caffeine, a stimulant, increases alertness and reduces fatigue. It enhances cognitive function and improves physical performance too.
- There are about 80-85 milligrams of caffeine in each 8-ounce cup. That is much more than almost any other tea, but slightly less than a standard cup of coffee. Overall, substantial caffeine gives an energy boost and can improve brain function.
- The caffeine content varies based on brewing time and product quality. The herb works differently than coffee. Its stimulating effects can be less aggressive than coffee which sometimes causes nervousness, irritability and anxiety. The caffeine is more diluted and better tolerated. The diuresis eliminates caffeine alkaloid catabolites quickly too.
Remember, the herb is a natural plant like any other tea or vegetable. It contains vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, saponins, and more. Of course, too much of anything is rarely good. Some worry drinking a lot can cause cancer. But research does not support this claim.
It contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. The main one is caffeine, ranging from 0.7% to 1.7% of dry weight. This compares with 0.4–9.3% for tea leaves, 2.5–7.6% in guarana, and up to 3.2% for coffee. Besides different caffeine levels, the herb and green tea differ in taste, steeping time, and health benefits.
- Dry leaves usually contain 1% to 1.5% caffeine. The caffeine content of the tea depends on the method. It varies from 20mg to 180mg per cup. A cup has about 70 mg caffeine on average. A cup of coffee has 120 mg. The caffeine concentration of both can vary greatly by product and method.
- On average, a 240 ml serving contains 30-70 mg caffeine. However, the content ranges from 20-100 mg or even higher per serving. Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant called a xanthine. It acts as a natural pesticide for plants.
Compared to other drinks, the herb falls in the middle for caffeine content:
| Drink | Caffeine content per 240ml |
|---|---|
| Coffee | 85-130 mg |
| The herb | 30-70 mg |
| Green tea | 35 mg |
The caffeine in the herb works differently than coffee. It may cause less nervousness or irritability. This could be because it is more diluted or quickly eliminated.
It contains less caffeine than coffee, providing a moderate boost. It may aid weight loss by boosting metabolism and suppressing appetite. Besides caffeine difference, green tea has lighter, briefer steep time compared to the herb. Green tea lifts energy, but not to its level.
- It has 78 mg caffeine per 5 oz cup, just less than coffee’s 85 mg. It provides sustainable energy without coffee’s jitters or crash.
- The leaves contain high caffeine. An 8 ounce cup ranges 20-180mg, depending on product, amount used, and brewing. Preparing the herb traditionally produces a strong infusion with more caffeine. Claims about matteine are unsupported.
- The herb is proven to contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants. Too much can be unhealthy. It isn’t associated with cancer.
- It contains 30-50 mg of caffeine per cup. This is less than coffee but more than tea. South Americans safely drink 1–4 liters daily. In North America and Europe, avid drinkers consume 1–2 liters daily. Experienced drinkers can have 2-3 servings per day in moderation.
- It has antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in addition to caffeine. It provides an energy boost. The rate we metabolize caffeine varies. Factors like age and genetics influence this.
To prepare:
Put the herb in a container and soak in cold water. Insert metal straw with holes. Do not boil water as this makes the tea less pleasant. Steep 3-5 minutes.
Pregnant women should limit it to 3 cups daily. High caffeine intake risks pregnancy and infant outcomes. Talk to your doctor before using the herb.