Optimizing the Vanillin-Acid Sulfuric Method to Total Saponin Content in Leaves of Yerba Mate Clones.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a forest species consumed in the form of non-alcoholic beverages in South America, with applications in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. The species leaves are globally recognized for their important bioactive compounds, including, saponins. We adjusted the vanillin-acid sulfuric method for determining spectrophotometrically the total saponin in yerba mate leaves. Seeking to maximize the extraction of saponins from leaves, a Doehlert design combined with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used, considering ethanol:water ratios and ultrasound times. In addition, the same methodology was used for the analysis of times and temperatures in the vanillin-sulfuric acid reaction heating. The contents of total saponin in mature leaves were compared in four yerba mate clones. The extraction was maximized using 40 % ethanol:60 % water and 60 minutes of ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) without heating. For the reaction conditions, 70 °C for 10 minutes heating is recommended, and UV/Vis reading from 460 to 680 nm. Using the optimized methodology, total saponin contents ranged from 28.43 to 53.09 mg g-1 in the four yerba mate clones. The significant difference in saponin contents between clones indicate great genetic diversity and potential for clones' selection and extraction of these compounds from yerba mate leaves.

Binding of Iron (II) Ions by Aqueous Extractions from Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis).

We studied the ability of an aqueous extract from yerba mate and a dry extract obtained on the basis of this aqueous extract to remove Fe(II) ions from an aqueous medium. Aqueous extracts from mate dose-dependently reduced the concentration of free Fe(II) ions assayed by the reaction with 1,10-phenanthroline. This can be attributed to polyphenolic compounds with iron-chelating properties present in aqueous extracts from mate, namely quercetin, rutin, caffeic and chlorogenic acids. These substances effectively removed Fe(II) ions from the medium (the initial concentration of these ions was 15 µM) in the concentration range of 20-30 µM. Binding of Fe(II) ions by aqueous mate extracts (due to the formation of chelate complexes with the participation of polyphenolic compounds) modified their absorption spectra in the visible region. Binding of Fe(II) ions can be a mechanism of the antioxidant action of yerba mate.

Accumulation Capacity of Nickel and Zinc in Yerba Mate Cultivated in Soils with Contrasting Parent Materials.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill.) has shown a relatively high capacity for micronutrient absorption and could be a candidate for biofortification and combating a lack of micronutrients. To further evaluate the accumulation capacity of Ni and Zn, yerba mate clonal seedlings were grown in containers under five rates of Ni or Zn (0, 0.5, 2, 10, and 40 mg kg-1) with three soils originating from different parent material (basalt, rhyodacite, and sandstone). After 10 months, plants were harvested, divided into component parts (leaves, branches, and roots), and evaluated for 12 elements. The use of Zn and Ni enhanced seedling growth under rhyodacite- and sandstone-derived soils at the first application rate. Application of Zn and Ni resulted in linear increases based on Mehlich I extractions; recovery of Ni was smaller than Zn. Root Ni concentration increased from approximately 20 to 1000 mg kg-1 in rhyodacite-derived soil and from 20 to 400 mg kg-1 in basalt- and sandstone-derived soils; respective increases in leaf tissue were ~ 3 to 15 mg kg-1 and 3 to 10 mg kg-1. For Zn, the maximum obtained values were close to 2000, 1000, and 800 mg kg-1 for roots, leaves, and branches for rhyodacite-derived soils, respectively. Corresponding values for basalt- and sandstone-derived soils were 500, 400, and 300 mg kg-1, respectively. Although yerba mate is not a hyperaccumulator, this species has a relatively high capacity to accumulate Ni and Zn in young tissue with the highest accumulation occurring in roots. Yerba mate showed high potential to be used in biofortification programs for Zn.

Development and Validation of an On-Line HPLC-DAD-Antioxidant Assay (ORAC)/ESI-HRMS System to Identify Antioxidant Compounds in Complex Mixtures.

An online high-performance liquid-chromatography-diode-array detector coupled with detection of antioxidant compounds using oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay and electrospray ionization-high-resolution mass spectrometer (HPLC-DAD-antioxidant assay (ORAC)/ESI-HRMS) was developed for the identification of antioxidant compounds in complex mixtures. The method was validated using quercetin and a mixture of antioxidant compounds with different antioxidant activities (resveratrol, dihydroxymethoxy-dihydrochalcone, ferulic acid, baicalein and luteolin). Accuracy of the system was established by comparing the results from the developed system with those from ORAC microplate assay determination and reveals the ability of the system to determine the respective contribution of antioxidant compounds to the whole activity of complex mixtures. Application of the system to the identification of antioxidants in a commercial Yerba Mate extract (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) reveals the occurrence of seven actives, which were characterized as chlorogenic acids isomers (3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid), dicaffeoylquinic acid isomers (3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid) and rutin based on UV/Vis spectra, HRMS and MS/MS data. This on-line system is able to generate HPLC-DAD fingerprints, UV/Vis spectra, ORAC activity profile and high-resolution mass spectrometric data.

Yerba mate consumption by ovariectomized rats alters white adipose tissue.

INTRODUCTION: Menopause and post-menopause are characterized by low levels of estrogen that can be associated with the emergence of metabolic diseases. While hormone replacement therapy can alleviate many symptoms, it can also exacerbate other diseases such as breast cancer. In the search for natural alternatives, Ilex paraguariensis (Yerba Mate) has been identified as a potential therapy for the onset of obesity. Here, the effect of MATE consumption on white adipose tissue (WAT) was studied in ovariectomized rats, an animal model for post-menopause hormone loss. METHODS: Four groups of animals were used: ovariectomy with MATE (OVX MATE) and without MATE (OVX), as well as sham surgery with MATE (Sham MATE) and without MATE (Sham). MATE was provided by gavage at 1 g/kg of body weight for eight weeks before measuring biochemical parameters in plasma and characterizing WAT morphology. RESULTS: The consumption of Yerba MATE significantly decreased weight gain in ovariectomized rats and presented near control levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL. A morphometric analysis of WAT showed a significant decrease in the area occupied by adipocytes in the group that consumed MATE. Finally, MATE consumption increased the UCP1 content in the WAT of the ovariectomized group. Yerba MATE treatment was also associated with higher levels of SIRT1 protein. CONCLUSION: MATE consumption has a preventive effect on the weight gain observed in ovariectomized rats and potential benefits in naturally avoiding the onset of obesity post menopause.

Determination of MIC, MPC, and MSW of Ilex paraguariensis against non-typhoidal Salmonella with identification of the mechanisms of resistance and pathogenicity factors.

This study investigated the antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis against 32 different strains of nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) through the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), mutant prevention concentration (MPC), and mutant selection window (MSW) and the detection of virulence genes by multiplex PCR assays. The MIC values of Ilex paraguariensis against Salmonella spp. strains varied between 0.78 mg/ml and 6.25 mg/ml with a MIC90 of 3.12 mg/ml. The highest MPC in this study was 48 mg/ml yielding a mutant selection window of 41.75 mg/ml. The MSW values of the remaining strains varied between 1.56 and 8.87 mg/ml. Genes of pathogenicity detected in Salmonella spp. isolates were most commonly the stn, sdiA, invA, sopB, invH, and sopE genes. The antibacterial activity of yerba mate extract was not affected by the antimicrobial resistance patterns or pathogenicity genes expressed. More work is needed to identify the active antibacterial compound(s) responsible for the antibacterial activity.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) for new therapeutic and nutraceutical interventions: A review of patents issued in the last 20 years (2000-2020).

It has been estimated that more than 70% of all drugs approved worldwide between 1981 and 2006 for human health are derived from or structurally similar to natural compounds. The identification of biological matrices containing bioactive compounds with therapeutic and nutraceutical potential is necessary to supply the global market demands. Researches have indicated that the consumption of dry and aqueous extracts of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. is safe, providing that plant biomass does not be exposed to smoke over the drying process, avoiding contamination (e.g., ) with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, and can might help avoiding many diseases, with important potential applications in the pharma and nutraceutical industries. A survey was carried out covering the main therapeutic and nutraceutical studies performed on I. paraguariensis extracts and their relationship with the global patents granted in the last 20 years for the products using this specie in their composition. In the PubMed database, by searching for the term "Ilex paraguariensis," an output with 497 scientific publications was found. Each paper was analyzed individually and 26 publications encompassing exclusively therapeutical and nutraceutical approaches of that plant species were selected. For the patent screening regarding Ilex-derived products, the survey considered three patent databases: European Patent Office (EPO) (Espacenet), World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO), and National Institute of Industrial Property (NIIP-Brazil). The criterion chosen to select the patents in the databases was the inclusion of the terms "Ilex paraguariensis" and "yerba mate" in the title and/or in the abstract, considering the patents issued from 2000 to 2020. Additionally, only patents with therapeutic and nutraceutical potential were considered on the survey. The screening and selection of the documents were performed independently by two researchers and the information cross-checked at the end. This review contributes to show the state of the art over the last 20 years on the knowledge about the therapeutical and nutraceutical usages of the yerba mate, associated to a certain number of issued patents. The patent survey afforded 62 relevant documents covering products based on Ilex paraguariensis biomass. Considering the number of patents issued, most of them are related to the pharmaceutical area (30), followed by food supplements and beverages (17), cosmetics (10) and, finally, nutraceuticals (5). A detailed analysis of the patents issued showed that most are related to pharmaceutical grade products, generally, marketed as oral and injectable compositions for treatments of obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipemia and diabetes mellitus, arteriosclerosis, neurological diseases, and SARS-Cov-2, for example. In this work, a curious fact is that there are few patents for food, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals products containing yerba mate. Therefore, it seems to be relevant to take into account the potential of that species as source of bioactive compounds for the development of new products not only intended to the pharma sector. In this sense, 26 reports were identified showing possibilities and trendiness in developing new yerba mate based products, such as packaging, biopesticides, antiseptics, and food supply, expanding the possibilities of technological applications of this plant species.

Effect of Yerba Mate Extract as Feed Additive on Ruminal Fermentation and Methane Emissions in Beef Cattle.

The inclusion of plant extracts that contain secondary compounds with the potential to modulate rumen fermentation and improve animal performance has gained attention in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of yerba mate extract (Ilex paraguariensis ST. Hilaire) (YME) on the ruminal parameters. Eight castrated cattle were divided into four groups, a control without YME (0%) and three treatment groups with 0.5, 1 and 2% inclusion of YME in the dry matter. The inclusion of YME did not show differences in ruminal methane emissions (CH4), and total apparent digestibility (p = 0.54). Likewise, YME did not modify ruminal pH, but positively affected NH3-N, which decreased linearly as the extract level in the diet increased (p = 0.01). No short chain fatty acids (SCFA) were influenced by YME, except isovaleric acid (p = 0.01), which showed a lower concentration in the inclusion of 2% YME. Our results show that up to 2% YME does not affect digestibility, ruminal fermentation parameters, or the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the rumen.

Assessment of redox state and biochemical parameters of salivary glands in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats treated with mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis).

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the effects of mate tea [Ilex paraguariensis] on the redox state and biochemical parameters of salivary glands in diabetic male rats. DESIGN: Twenty-four male Wistar rats (3 months old) were randomly divided into groups (n = 8 per group): control rats that received water (C); diabetic rats that received water (D); diabetic rats treated with mate tea (DMT). The treated streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were given mate tea powder by intragastric gavage at a dose of 20 mg/kg daily for 28 days. Content of total protein, amylase, oxidative lipid damage, measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), oxidative protein damage, measured as protein carbonyl, total antioxidant capacity, uric acid, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were examined by the spectrophotometric method in the parotid and submandibular glands. RESULTS: The D group showed lower total protein, amylase, TBARs, protein carbonyl, total antioxidant capacity, GSH, uric acid, and GPx than the C group in both salivary glands, as well as higher SOD and CAT activities. The DMT group showed higher total protein, amylase, total antioxidant capacity, GSH, uric acid, and GPx than the D group in both salivary glands. Moreover, mate tea increased SOD in the parotid gland and CAT in the submandibular gland of diabetic rats but did not influence TBARs and protein carbonyl in either salivary gland compared to D group. CONCLUSION: Mate tea increased tissue protein synthesis and improved antioxidant defenses in the salivary glands of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

[Yerba mate as a safe polyphenolic source during human lactation]. / La yerba mate como fuente segura de polifenoles durante la lactancia humana.

Background: Yerba mate intake is conditioned by assumptions about its benefits and risks for breastfeeding, with a lack of solid evidence. Objective: To evaluate the safety of yerba mate teas during human lactation. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study with 279 adult lactating women from Argentina (years 2013-2020), during the first six months postpartum, without current pregnancy or active pathologies. Social, reproductive, and food data were compiled. Body mass index and percentage of body fat were also established. The adherence to dietary patterns, intake of yerba mate and its phytochemicals were estimated. Milk biochemistry included nutritional, oxidative and tissue markers. Intake means were compared using the Wilcoxon's test depending on the data recorded, while the multiple nonparametric Kernel regression was used to evaluate the effects on body and milk. Results: It was found a wide range of intake, and tube-sipped tea was the main way of consumption. Concerning its constraints, in-cup tea was more used by women without a partner, whereas tube-sipped tea was consumed mainly by employed women, during late postpartum, and with 12 or more years of formal education. Additionally, these teas were an important source of 18 hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids. Moreover, yerba mate provided more than 35% of dietary polyphenols. No anthropometric effects or changes in milk nutrients and biomarkers were found. Conclusions: Yerba mate was a safe source of polyphenols, as it did not compromise lactation and maternal nutritional status.

Introducción: el consumo de yerba mate está condicionado por supuestos sobre sus beneficios y riesgos para la lactancia materna, los cuales carecen de evidencia sólida. Objetivo: evaluar la seguridad de las infusiones de yerba mate durante la lactancia. Material y métodos: estudio transversal con 279 mujeres lactantes adultas de Argentina (años 2013-2020), en los primeros seis meses postparto, sin embarazo ni patologías activas. Se recopilaron datos sociales, reproductivos y alimentarios, índice de masa corporal y porcentaje de grasa corporal. Se estimó adherencia a patrones alimentarios, consumo de mate y sus fitoquímicos. Se analizaron marcadores nutricionales, oxidativos y tisulares en leche. Por la prueba de Wilcoxon, se compararon las medias de consumo según las variables recopiladas y por regresión no paramétrica de Kernel múltiple se evaluaron los efectos corporales y lácteos. Resultados: se encontró un amplio rango en la ingesta de infusiones y el mate cebado fue la principal forma consumida. Respecto a sus condicionantes, el mate cocido fue más bebido por mujeres sin pareja, mientras que el mate cebado fue más consumido por puérperas tardías, con empleo y nivel educativo ≥ 12 años. Además, estas infusiones constituyeron una fuente relevante de 18 ácidos hidroxicinámicos y flavonoides, que proveyeron diariamente más del 35% de los polifenoles dietarios. No se encontraron efectos corporales ni cambios en los niveles de los nutrientes y en los biomarcadores lácteos. Conclusiones: la yerba mate fue una fuente polifenólica segura que no comprometió la lactancia ni el estado nutricional materno.

What is the role of phenolic compounds of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in gut microbiota?

Diet actively influences gut microbiota and body homeostasis. The predominance of beneficial species results in symbiosis, while dysbiosis is characterized by an imbalance between microbial communities. Food plays a key role in this dynamic and in promoting the health of individuals. Ilex paraguariensis, also known as yerba mate, is a traditional plant from Latin America that has a complex matrix of bioactive substances, including methylxanthines, triterpenes, saponins, and phenolics. The consumption of yerba mate is associated with antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies on yerba mate as a modulating agent of intestinal microbiota. Phenolics are the major compounds in yerba mate and have been reported to act in modulating the microbiome. In this review, we explore the activity of yerba mate as a possible stimulant of gut microbiota and present its main phenolics and their biological effects. We also propose different mechanisms of action of these phenolics and possible doses for their effectiveness.

Effect of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) on Lipid Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Several studies have evaluated the lipid-lowering properties of yerba mate, although the results were conflicting. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effect of yerba mate consumption on lipid levels. A literature search was performed to detect observational and experimental studies that evaluated the association between yerba mate consumption and lipid levels. A quantitative analysis was performed with the subgroup of experimental studies. A meta-regression was performed considering the difference in baseline lipid values between the intervention and control groups as a covariate. Thirteen studies were considered eligible for this systematic review and seven studies (378 patients) were selected for quantitative analysis. In the qualitative analysis, the results were conflicting, both in the observational and in the experimental studies. In quantitative analysis, we found no differences in total cholesterol [mean difference 6.4 (CI 95% -2.2 to 15.0)], LDL-C [mean difference 5.5 (CI 95% - 1.5 to 12.6)], HDL-C [mean difference 0.4 (CI 95% -2.8 to 3.7)] and triglycerides [mean difference 5.7 (CI 95% 0.0 to 11.4)] levels when comparing the yerba mate and control groups. According to meta-regression, differences between baseline levels could influence the findings on total cholesterol and LDL-C but not on HDL-C or triglycerides. In conclusion, this research showed that yerba mate consumption was not associated with a significant change in lipid levels. Since the results are based on small inconclusive studies, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Acute Supplementation of Yerba Mate Extract Did Not Change Muscle Strength in Physically Active Men Following the Strength Muscle Test: A Pilot Clinical Trial.

Polyphenol supplementation may be useful during exercise. However, there is no evidence indicating yerba mate (YM) increases muscle strength. Thus, this study sought to evaluate the effect of acute YM supplementation on muscle strength following the strength test. In a crossover and pilot clinical trial, ten men were divided into two groups, receiving either supplementation with YM or a placebo. One hour after consumption of beverages, the participants were submitted to tests of one-repetition maximum (1 RM) on the bench press and leg press. The average age of the participants was 25.5 ± 4.1 years, and the average body mass index was 24.4 ± 2.9 kg/m². YM was not able to increase muscle strength when compared to the placebo in either the 1RM leg press exercise (YM: 225 ± 56.2 kg, vs. placebo: 223 ± 64.3 kg, p = 0.743, Cohen's d = 0.03) or in the 1 RM bench press exercise (YM: 59.5 ± 20.7 kg vs. placebo: 59.5 ± 21.5 kg, p = 1.000, Cohen's d = 0.) In conclusion, acute intake of YM did not change muscle strength in physically active men.

Effects of an alternative bleaching method for yerba mate leaves on total phenolic content: evaluation and prediction with soft-computing approaches.

BACKGROUND: The effects of an alternative bleaching method on the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of yerba mate extracts were evaluated. Traditional bleaching ('zapeco') was compared with submerging the leaves in water followed by a hot air oven-drying process. Seven different approaches, i.e. linear model (LM), response surface model (RSM), Mamdani, Larsen, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with the product (Prod) and the minimum (Min) operators, and ANFIS with automatically membership functions (Auto), were employed to compare the TPC of yerba mate extracts based on drying temperature and AA assays. RESULTS: The results showed that if leaves were bleached followed by drying at higher temperatures, we obtained higher AA and TPC values. For submerging bleaching treatment, RSM model delivered the best accuracy measures with a mean absolute error (MAE), average absolute percentage error (MAPE), and mean squared error (MSE) of 0.128, 0.006, and 0.028, respectively. The ANFIS Auto model was the best for traditional bleaching treatment, with MAE, MAPE, and MSE of 0.490, 0.013, and 0.612, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a second-order linear relation between drying temperature, AA assays to TPC, and a high level of relation complexity of drying temperature, AA assays, and TPC. The evaluated soft-computing approaches have the excellent ability to estimate TPC from bleached leaves. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ursane-type triterpene oligoglycosides with anti-hepatosteatosis and anti-hyperlipidemic activity from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.

The methanol extract from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. (Aquifoliaceae), popularly known as mate, maté, or yerba maté, inhibits the intracellular triglyceride accumulation in HepG2 cells and suppresses the plasma triglyceride elevation in olive oil-treated mice. Three new triterpene saponins, termed mateosides I (1), II (2), and III (3), were isolated from the extract along with 29 known compounds. The structures of 1-3 were elucidated based on chemical and spectroscopic evidence. Among the isolates, principal saponin constituents, 2 and matesaponins 1 (7) and 2 (9), potently inhibited the triglyceride accumulation in HepG2 cells simultaneously treated with oleic acid and high glucose. In vivo assay of the methanol extract of I. paraguariensis revealed that 7 and 9 showed anti-hyperlipidemic activities in olive oil-treated mice. These results suggested that the saponin constituents of I. paraguariensis could be valuable bioactive marker for the anti-obesogenic activity.

Beneficial effects of Ilex paraguariensis in the prevention of obesity-associated metabolic disorders in mice.

Obesity is a chronic condition involving inflammation and oxidative stress that commonly predisposes affected individuals to develop metabolic disorders. We hypothesize that Ilex paraguariensis (IP) can modulate oxidative stress and inflammation underpinning metabolic disorders caused by obesity. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD group) for 12 weeks. Concomitantly, some mice were treated with roasted IP (15 mg/ml - HFD + IP) or dimethyl fumarate (DMF) as a positive control (2 mg/ml - HFD + DMF). The control group received standard chow and water ad libitum. Histological analyses of fat tissue and liver, and quantification of mediators related to oxidative stress (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/NF-E2-related factor 2, NADP(H) quinone oxidoreductase-1 [NQO1], heme oxygenase 1 [HO1], and superoxide dismutase) as well as metabolic profile blood biomarkers (glucose, leptin, resistin, high-density lipoproteins [HDLs], and triglycerides) were performed. Metabolic disorders were prevented in mice treated with IP, as evidenced by the observation that glucose, HDL, and resistin levels were similar to those assessed in the control group. Morphological analyses showed that both IP and DMF treatments prevented hepatic steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy in visceral adipose tissue. Finally, although the antioxidant response stimulated by IP was quite limited, significant effects were found on NQO1 and HO1 expression. In conclusion, IP has promising preventative effects on the development of metabolic disorders caused by obesity.

Consumption of mate Ilex paraguariensis: a folk beverage with antioxidant power against myocardial ischemic injury

The effects of the aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis (Ip)and the flavonoid quercetin were tested during the induction of in vivomyocardial ischemia/ reperfusion in Rattus norvegicus. The antioxidant power of the extract and quercetin were chemically determined. The experimental groups were: control, ischemia/reperfusion induction, Iporal treatment, Iporal treatment and ischemia /reperfusion, quercetin oral treatment, and quercetin oral treatment and ischemia/reperfusion. Rats were anesthetized with sodium thiopental and xylazine via intraperitoneal injection and subsequently underwent 15 minutes of ischemia followed by 15 minutes of reperfusion. Ischemia was promoted by tying the left anterior descending coronary artery. Areas of risk and infarction were stained by intravenous Evans blue and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant capacity against peroxylradicals, and lipid peroxidation of the myocardium were quantified. A significant reduction in areas of risk and infarction was detected in the ischemic myocardium treated with Ipand quercetin; ROS generation and lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced, and the antioxidant capacity was elevated. Oral administration of Ippromoted antioxidant benefits in the myocardium during ischemia and reperfusion, which reduced infarction. We suggest that Mate (a hot drink made from steeped dried leaves of Ip) consumption is a potential cardioprotective habit of indigenous people from southern South American countries, which must be better understood scientifically and ethnographically.

Socio-Cultural Significance of Yerba Maté among Syrian Residents and Diaspora.

Socio-Cultural Significance of Yerba Maté among Syrian Residents and Diaspora. Syria is the world's second-largest importer of the dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil., commonly known as yerba maté. The unique story of yerba maté in the Syrian beverage culture started at the beginning of the twentieth century when Syrian migrants returning from South America brought the beverage with them. The overall aim of our study is to understand yerba maté use among Syrians and its role as an essential part of the Syrian beverage culture. We compare yerba maté consumption on spatial, gender, and religious bases through semi-structured interviews with 50 respondents, with equal participation among genders, place of residence, and cultural-religious groups (Sunni, Alawite, Christian, Druze, and Ismaili). We found that the Alawite and Druze groups have the highest yerba maté consumption, and that men drink more than women. Yerba maté was the most preferred stimulant drink among participants, followed by coffee and tea, respectively. Interviews reveal social and cultural factors, perceived addiction, perceived pleasure, and perceived health properties as the drivers behind yerba maté consumption in Syria. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12231-021-09523-6.

Metabolic Actions of a Supplement of Ilex Paraguariensis (An Extract of the Leaf Standardized to 2% I-Deoxinojirimcina), White Mulberry and Chromium Picolinate in Nondiabetic Subects with Dysglycemia: A Randomized Trial.

AIM: To prove if a nutraceutical containing Ilex paraguariensis (Ilex L. spp. Aquifoliales) (an extract of the leaf standardized to 2% I-deoxinojirimcina), white mulberry (Morus spp., Moraceae), and chromium picolinate can be effective in improving glycemic status in subject with dysglycemia. METHODS: We randomized patients to consume placebo or the nutraceutical, self-administered once a day, one tablet at breakfast, for 3 months. RESULTS: A reduction in fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, and glycated hemoglobin was observed with the nutraceutical combination, both compared to baseline and placebo. Data suggested a decrease in the Homeostasis Model Assessment index with the nutraceutical, both compared to baseline and placebo. The M value, an index of insulin sensitivity, obtained after nutraceutical treatment was higher compared to baseline. We recorded a decrease in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides with the nutraceutical combination compared to baseline and placebo. A decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was observed with the nutraceutical combination compared to baseline and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: A nutraceutical containing Ilex paraguariensis, white mulberry, and chromium picolinate can be helpful in improving glycemic status and lipid profile in dysglycemic subjects.

Chimarrão, terere and mate-tea in legitimate technology modes of preparation and consume: A comparative study of chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties of the mostly consumed beverages of Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. (Aquifoliaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used by South American populations for centuries and is popularly attributed to stimulating and detoxifying properties. Nowadays, their consume traditionally occurs through three different beverages: chimarrão, terere and mate-tea. AIM OF THE STUDY: Although its composition and properties are well studied, literature lacks work comparing the potential of their extracts obtained by a legitimate preparation mode of their popular beverages. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate changes in chemical composition, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory efficacy and anxiolytic effect from lyophilized aqueous extracts obtained simulating the legitimate popular preparation mode of chimarrão, terere and mate-tea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this work, were investigated differences related to preparation technology and dry material used through chemical composition analysis, with the lyophilized aqueous extracts obtained simulating the chimarrão, terere and mate-tea preparation. The chemical composition analysis comprises the total soluble phenolics content, chemical profiles by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, and quantitative component detection by HPLC-UV/DAD. Moreover, evaluations of comparative antioxidant activity of the extracts (DPPH and ORACFL assays), anti-inflammatory efficacy and anxiolytic effect were performed in vivo. RESULTS: Our results showed that chimarrão extracts presented a richer composition in terms of phenolic compounds and purine alkaloids, and better antioxidant activity when compared to the other extracts. In pleurisy test, all products showed anti-inflammatory properties in the dose of 60 mg/kg. In the anxiolytic evaluation, although all extracts presented some effect, chimarrão and terere were better than mate-tea in general. No sign of toxicity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support that the beverage made as chimarrão has the best composition and the most promising properties overall.