Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate different solvents and times in the ultrasound-assisted extraction of polyphenols, in order to quantify the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in and the antioxidant activity of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) leaves. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 8x3 (solvent x time of extraction) factorial arrangement. The solvent extractors were distilled water and aqueous solutions of ethanol, acetone, and methanol, acidified or not with hydrochloric acid, and the time of ultrasound-assisted extractions were 15, 30, and 45 min. All extractions were finished with a mechanical agitation of 30 min. Samples treated with acidified hydroalcoholic solvents resulted in higher values of... |