New Monograph Spotlight: Ilex Guayusa

Guayusa teas and supplements are trending. Here’s the bottom line if patients ask about it.

Ilex guayusa is a type of tree native to the Northern Andean region of South America, and the leaves can be brewed into a tea-like beverage, guayusa. Traditional uses include as a diuretic, an emetic, and stimulant.

When it comes to what the research shows, results are limited and insufficient. Clinical studies suggest that a single dose of ilex guayusa extract 600-650 mg modestly improves some measures of cognitive function, and motor and psychomotor speeds. But for everything else patients might have read or heard, the clinical evidence just isn’t there yet.

From a safety standpoint, Ilex guayusa is likely safe and generally well tolerated when drinking it as a beverage. But here’s the catch – it naturally contains caffeine, creating the potential to cause side effects such as elevated blood pressure, jitteriness, and the possibility of tolerance and psychological dependence – depending upon amount, duration, and patient population.

There is a concern regarding interactions. Ilex guayusa has a major drug interaction with ephedrine. The combination of caffeine with ephedrine or other stimulants can increase the risk of adverse effects including hypertension, myocardial infarction, seizure, stroke, and death.

While Ilex guayusa might offer some cognitive benefits, tell patients that research is limited and still evolving, so staying informed and following up with you is key for patient care and safety.

Check out our full monograph for more information on efficacy and safety.