Louisiana's Caffeine Frontier: A Comparative Analysis of Indigenous Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) and Commercial Espresso Yields in Pineville, LA

Abstract 
This study quantifies and compares the caffeine concentration (mg/L) of commercial 
espresso versus locally harvested Indigenous Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) in Pineville, 
Louisiana. The research evaluates how processing variables—specifically drying 
methodologies (air-dried, light roast, dark roast) and particle size (coarse vs. fine)—affect 
the final alkaloid yield. Using an aqueous extraction followed by liquid-liquid extraction 
(LLE) with dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), caffeine was isolated and quantified gravimetrically. 
Results indicate that while commercial espresso yielded the highest concentration (168\ 
mg/L), Yaupon Holly produced significant moderate yields, peaking in fine-ground, air
dried samples (98\ mg/L). These findings suggest that Yaupon Holly is a sustainable, 
antioxidant-rich, and economically viable alternative to imported coffee for the Central 
Louisiana community. 
Keywords: Yaupon Holly, Ilex vomitoria, Caffeine Extraction, Pineville Louisiana, 
Sustainable Stimulants, Ethnobotany, Gravimetric Analysis, Central Louisiana.