2.2. Preparation of Extracts

The extracts were prepared using two different extraction methods: infusion and turboextraction as previously described [28]. In both techniques, the extracts were produced using a raw material : solvent ratio of 5% (w/v). Crushed leaves of I paraguariensis were subjected to the infusion or turboextraction with water or hydroethanolic solution (20%) for 30 min. The extracts prepared by turboextraction were prepared using an Ultra-TURRAX® (model T25, IKA®, Germany; catalogue number 0003725032), with a S25N-10G stirring stem (IKA®, Germany; catalogue number 0000594000), at a stirring speed of 9500 rpm, for 5 minutes, with water or a hydroethanolic solution (20%). All four extracts were then filtered and dried using a spray dryer. The spray dryer conditions used were Mini Spray Dryer B-290 (Buchi®; catalogue number 044699) with a two-component nozzle and current flow under the following operating conditions: inlet temperature of 160°C, outlet temperature 100°C, 10% pump flow (3 mL/min), 100% aspirator, and atomizer diameter 0.7 mm. The spray-dried extracts were identified as IA (aqueous infusion), IE (hydroethanolic infusion), TA (aqueous turboextraction), and TE (hydroethanolic turboextraction). All procedures were conducted in triplicate.