Ilex paraguariensis Pellets from a Spray-Dried Extract: Development, Characterization, and Stability

Area of Science:

• Pharmacognosy
• Materials Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Ilex paraguariensis extracts show potential for protecting against oxidative stress.
• Spray-drying is a feasible method for producing dry Ilex paraguariensis extracts.
• Developing stable dosage forms from herbal extracts is crucial for product development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize pellets from spray-dried Ilex paraguariensis powder using extrusion/spheronization.
• To evaluate the chemical, physical, and technological properties of the developed pellets.
• To investigate the thermal and photostability of key polyphenols within the pellets.

Main Methods:

• Extrusion/spheronization technique to produce pellets from Ilex paraguariensis spray-dried powder.
• Characterization of pellet properties including size, shape, process yield, polyphenol recovery, and dissolution.
• Thermal and photostability studies of polyphenols under various storage conditions.

Main Results:

• Pellets exhibited adequate size and shape with a high process yield (78.7%).
• High recovery of total polyphenols (>95%) and good dissolution in water (89.44-100.05%) were achieved.
• Polyphenols were light-stable in amber glass but unstable to heat and sensitive to temperature and humidity, especially in permeable packaging.

Conclusions:

• Extrusion/spheronization is a feasible method for producing Ilex paraguariensis pellets.
• Optimal storage conditions involve low temperatures, reduced moisture, and opaque, humidity-tight packaging.
• This represents a novel approach for developing Ilex paraguariensis-based herbal products for pharmaceutical and food industries.