RESUMEN
Ilex paraguariensis, yerba mate is a native plant from the southern region of Brazil. Studies showed that yerba mate has an antioxidant potential, which could help to reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). It's known that I. paraguariensis grows in acid soils with aluminium (Al), which is bioavailable in these soils. Al has a neurotoxic potential related with the progression of neurological disorders. This study aim was to evaluate the potential of I. paraguariensis in the etiology of AD using strains of Caenorhabditis elegans and the concentration of Al and antioxidants in the yerba mate extract. The results of the I. paraguariensis infusions made at 65°C and at 75° C show that there was no significant difference between both temperatures when preparing the tea infusion in relation to the presence of Al, methylxanthines, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Additionally, in the case of Al, there was no difference between the extracts prepared at both temperatures. The behavioral parameters of C. elegans were altered after a long-term exposure to both factors: I. paraguariensis extract and Al. Through the antioxidant levels results along with the Al content on the Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity it is possible to observe that the acute and chronic exposure to Al and I. paraguariensis leaves extract are very similar to wild-type worms. Moreover, we can observe that the results in both the transgenic strains long-term exposed to I. paraguariensis leaves extract and to the Al concentrations presented an increase in the AChE activity.