Yerba Mate as a Protectant against Lipoproteins Oxidation.

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are important factors determining cardiovascular risk. This study investigated the antioxidant mechanisms and potential protective effect of a hydroethanolic extract of yerba mate (Ilex paraguaiensis; EHEM) on the in vitro oxidation of LDL and HDL. EHEM was found to possess ferric reducing power, DPPH free radical scavenging capacity, metal chelating activity, and NO radical scavenging activity. In addition, EHEM reduced the lipoperoxidation induced by α,α'-Azodiisobutyramidine dihydrochloride (AAPH) in HDL and LDL at all tested concentrations. In this study, we demonstrate the antioxidant properties of yerba mate and its phytochemical compounds. These properties may effectively prevent the in vitro oxidation of LDL and HDL molecules, a phenomenon linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

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.

Oxidative stress mitigation in horticultural crops using foliar applications of Ilex paraguariensis extract: a dose-dependent study.

Abiotic stress has been shown to induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant cells. When the level of ROS surpasses the capacity of the endogenous defence mechanism, oxidative stress status is reached, leading to plant damage and a drop in crop productivity. Under oxidative stress conditions, ROS can react with polyunsaturated fatty acids to form oxidized derivatives called phytoprostanes (PhytoPs) and phytofurans (PhytoFs), which are recognized as biomarkers of oxidative damage advance. Modern agriculture proposes the use of biostimulants as a sustainable strategy to alleviate the negative effects of oxidative stress on plants. This work evaluates the dose effect of natural antioxidant extract to mitigate the oxidative-stress deleterious effects in melon and sweet pepper exposed to thermal stress. The plants were sprayed with Ilex paraguariensis (IP) aqueous extract in three different concentrations before exposure to abiotic stress. PhytoP and PhytoF levels were determined in the leaves of melon and pepper plants. IP1 and IP2 were effective against oxidative stress in both plants, with IP1 being the most protective one. IP1 decreased the levels of PhytoPs and PhytoFs by roughly 44% in both melon plants and pepper plants. The yield, with IP1, increased by 57 and 39% in stressed melon and pepper plants, respectively. IP3 foliar application in melon plants induced a pro-oxidant effect rather than the expected mitigating action. However, in sweet pepper plants, IP3 decreased the oxidative stress progress and increased the fruit yield.

Gut Microbiota Modulation by Bioactive Compounds from Ilex paraguariensis: an In Vivo Study.

Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is recognized for its biocompounds and bioactive properties. This study aimed to assess the potential of yerba-mate extract to modulate the intestinal microbiota in rats. After the ethical committee approval (CEUA - UPF, number 025/2018), the Wistar rats were given a daily dose of 3.29 mg of phenolic compounds per animal for 45 days. The antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed by ABTS and FRAP assays and the total phenolic compounds was measured at different pH levels. Identification and quantification of chlorogenic acid isomers were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Intestinal microbiota modulation was evaluated by administering the yerba-mate extract or water (control) to Wistar rats via intragastric gavage and its efficiency was measured through PCR. The antioxidant capacity of the yerba-mate extract was 64.53 ± 0.26 µmol Trolox/mL (ABTS) and 52.96 ± 0.86 µmol Trolox/mL (FRAP). The total phenolic compounds showed higher levels at pH 7.5 compared to pH 2.0. Chlorogenic acid isomers were found in greater abundance, with a concentration of 14.22 g/100 g. The administration of the extract resulted in positive modulation of the intestinal microbiota, specifically for the genera Lactobacillus sp. and Prevotella sp. The increase of these genera is related to the promotion of homeostasis of the gut microbiota. Therefore, these findings indicate that yerba-mate extract possesses significant antioxidant activity and can effectively modulate the intestinal microbiota in rats. These results support the potential use of yerba-mate as an alternative for controlling and preventing diseases associated with intestinal dysbiosis.

1H NMR Mixture Design-Fingerprints and ASCA Analysis in Ilex paraguariensis: Model Stability in Search of a Global Metabolome.

The effects of experimental repetitions and solvent extractors on the 1H NMR fingerprinting of yerba mate extracts, obtained from two genders and two light environments, were analyzed in-depth by ANOVA-simultaneous component analysis (ASCA). Different solvents were used according to a mixture design based on ethanol, dichloromethane, and hexane and their combinations. The number of experimental repetitions significantly affected the ASCA results. Increasing repetitions led to decreases in the percentage effect variance values and an increase in the percentage residual variance. However, secondary sexual dimorphism, light availability, and their interaction effects became more significant with decreasing p-values at or above the 95% confidence level. The choice of a solvent extractor significantly affects the chemical profile and can lead to distinct conclusions regarding the significance of effect values. Pure solvents yielded different conclusions about the significance of factorial design effects, with each solvent extracting unique metabolites and maximizing information for specific effects. However, the use of binary solvent mixtures, such as ethanol-dichloromethane, proved more efficient in extracting sets of compounds that simultaneously differentiate between different experimental conditions. The mixture design-fingerprint strategy provided satisfactory results expanding the range of extracted metabolites with high percentage of residual variances and low explained percentage effect variances in the ASCA models. Ternary and even higher-ordered mixtures could be good alternative extracting media for work-intensive procedures. Our study underscores the significance of experimental design and solvent selection in metabolomic analysis, improving the accuracy, robustness, and interpretability of metabolomic models, leading to a better understanding of the chemical composition and biological implications of plant extracts.

Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) Supplement Exerts Beneficial, Tissue-Specific Effects on Mitochondrial Efficiency and Redox Status in Healthy Adult Mice.

Yerba maté, a herbal tea derived from Ilex paraguariensis, has previously been reported to be protective against obesity-related and other cardiometabolic disorders. Using high-resolution respirometry and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, the effects of four weeks of yerba maté consumption on mitochondrial efficiency and cellular redox status in skeletal muscle, adipose, and liver, tissues highly relevant to whole-body metabolism, were explored in healthy adult mice. Yerba maté treatment increased the mitochondrial oxygen consumption in adipose but not in the other examined tissues. Yerba maté increased the ATP concentration in skeletal muscle and decreased the ATP concentration in adipose. Combined with the observed changes in oxygen consumption, these data yielded a significantly higher ATP:O2, a measure of mitochondrial efficiency, in muscle and a significantly lower ATP:O2 in adipose, which was consistent with yerba maté-induced weight loss. Yerba maté treatment also altered the hepatic glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) redox potential to a more reduced redox state, suggesting the treatment's potential protective effects against oxidative stress and for the preservation of cellular function. Together, these data indicate the beneficial, tissue-specific effects of yerba maté supplementation on mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox states in healthy mice that are protective against obesity.

Analytical and chemometric strategies for elucidation of yerba mate composition.

Yerba mate, a popular plant consumed mainly as an infusion, possesses nutritional and medicinal properties attributed to its secondary metabolites. This study aimed to develop strategies to elucidate the phenolic composition of yerba mate samples from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) was performed, and the extracted compounds were characterized using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS), molecular fluorescence and high-pressure liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). Chemometric analysis, including parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and principal component analysis (PCA) explored metabolite profiles and identify patterns. PARAFAC modelling of the molecular fluorescence results revealed higher pigment content in Brazilian samples, while other countries' samples exhibited higher phenolic content. PCA modeling of HPLC-DAD results indicated that cultivated yerba mate contained higher chlorogenic acids levels, and samples from Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay exhibited higher concentrations of chlorogenic acids and flavonoids.

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Processing and Extraction: Retention of Bioactive Compounds.

Ilex paraguariensis is a native tree from South America known for the presence of bioactive compounds, and its processed leaves are consumed as hot and cold infusions. After harvest (step 1), the leaves are subjected to flame blanching to inactive the enzymes (step 2), followed by drying and milling (step 3). The impacts of I. paraguariensis processing on leaf composition were investigated by extracting the major compounds (chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids (3-CQA, 4-CQA, 5-CQA, 3,4-DQA, 3,5-DQA and 4,5-DQA), p-coumaric acid, caffeine and rutin) using different ratios of ethanol and water as extraction solvent (EW 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25 (w/w)). The solvent ratio of EW 50:50 was more effective in extracting the chlorogenic acids isomers, with retention of chlorogenic acids of 3463, 9485, and 9516 µg mL- 1 for steps 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Rutin and p-coumaric acid exhibited similar behavior with the increment of processing steps; however, p-coumaric acid was only detected in steps 2 and 3 for the solvent ratios EW 50:50 and 25:50. The caffeine extraction from I. paraguariensis varied from 936 to 1170 µg mL- 1 for all processing steps, with emphasis on its concentration extracted in step 1. The evolution of processing steps led to a higher retention of phenolic compounds from I. paraguariensis, which was not observed when using different solvent ratios, and the solvent ratio EW 50:50 was more effective for the extraction of chlorogenic acids. The successful extraction of chlorogenic acids from I. paraguariensis in this study proved to be a promising alternative for the use of yerba mate beyond the cuia cup.

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.

Mycelium-bound chlorogenate hydrolase of Aspergillus niger AKU 3302 as a stable immobilized biocatalyst.

CHase catalyzes chlorogenic acid (CGA) hydrolysis to yield equimolar quinic (QA) and caffeic (CA) acids, products of high value and keen industrial interest. We proposed the preparation and characterization of the nonviable mycelium of Aspergillus niger AKU 3302 containing a cell-associated CHase (CHase biocatalyst) for application in hydrolyzing the CGA from yerba mate residues to produce QA and CA. When the vegetative mycelium was heated at 55 °C for 30 min, no loss of CHase activity occurred, but vegetative mycelial growth and spore germination ended. The CHase biocatalyst did not limit mass transfer above 100 strokes min-1. The reaction rate increased with catalyst loading and was kinetically controlled. The CHase biocatalyst exhibited suitable biochemical properties (optimum pH 6.5 at 50 °C) and high thermal stability (remaining stable at up to 50 °C for 8 h). The cations in yerba mate extracts did not affect CHase activity. We observed no apparent loss in the activity of the CHase biocatalyst after even 11 batch cycles of continuous use. The biocatalyst retained 85% of its initial activity after 25 days of storage at pH 6.5 and 5 °C. When a yerba mate extract was passed through a glass column packed with the biocatalyst, an effective bioconversion of CGA into CA and QA occurred. CHase activity produced a natural biocatalysis with considerable operational and storage stability; which capability, being a novel biotechnological process, can be used in the bioconversion of CGA from yerba mate residues into CA and QA at a substantially reduced cost.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) agroforestry systems: intraspecific differences in water relations and hydraulic architecture.

Intensive farming systems benefit from the additional ecosystem services provided by tree integration, which generate different growing conditions for the main crop. We studied yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis ) responses to growing conditions in monoculture (the conventional cropping system of yerba mate) and in three agroforestry systems: (1) yerba mate+Balfourodendron riedelianum ; (2) yerba mate+Peltophorum dubium ; and (3) yerba mate+Toona ciliata . Mainly, we focused on water relations and the hydraulic architecture of yerba mate. Agroforestry cropping systems provided a shade cover of around 34-45% and yielded as high as the conventional system. The shade cover influenced the allocation pattern to enhance leaf light capture, incrementing the leaf area to the sapwood area at the branch level. We also found a higher specific hydraulic conductivity in stems of yerba mate plants in consortium with T. ciliata than in the conventional cropping system, as well as higher resistance to water deficits due to lower vulnerability to embolism in the stems. During a severe drought, yerba mate plants had a similar stem and leaf water potential in both agricultural systems. Still, plants in monoculture had lower hydraulic safety margins and higher signs of leaf damage and mortality. This indicates that integrating trees into the yerba mate cultivation increases water stress resistance which would be beneficial to avoid restrictions on crop productivity under severe droughts induced by climate change.

Beneficial effects of mate-herb, Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. against potassium dichromate-induced oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity.

Chimarrão is a typical beverage made from the infusion of dried and ground leaves and stems of Ilex paraguariensis (popularly known as Yerba mate or mate herb) which is widely consumed in parts of South America. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the chimarrão against nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by the potassium dichromate (PD) salt in male Wistar rats. The experiment lasted 17 days, and in the first 15 days animals ingested a chimarrão infusion or control drinking water and then submitted to an intraperitoneal injection (15 mg/kg) of PD (or saline solution) and euthanized after 48 hr at which time animals still received infusion or drinking water. Blood plasma and 24 hr-urine samples were collected to measure creatinine levels as an estimate of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Concomitantly oxidative stress was determined in the kidneys as evidenced by levels of carbonyl groups, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals. Potassium dichromate induced oxidative stress in the kidneys and reduced GFR. Treatment with chimarrão during the 15 days prior to PD injection reduced PD salt-mediated oxidative stress. Further, treatment with post-injection chimarrão to PD-administered rats improved the GFR. Our findings support that the use of the chimarrão beverage may be considered as an important nephroprotective substance.

Aimé Jacques Alexandre Goujaud (Apodado Bonpland): médico y naturalista: 250 años de su nacimiento 1773-2023: sus vínculos con el Uruguay / Aimé Jacques Alexandre Goujaud (Apodado Bonpland): physician and naturalist: 250 years of his birth 1773-2023: his links with Uruguay / Aimé Jacques Alexandre Goujaud (Apodado Bonpland): médico e naturalista: 250 anos de seu nascimento 1773-2023: seus vínculos com o Uruguai

Se conmemoran en 2023 los 250 años del nacimiento de Bonpland, francés, médico y naturalista, botánico y viajero, hacendado y político que transitó en el siglo XIX por los cuatro países que hoy integran el Mercado Común del Sur (MERCOSUR). En Argentina por Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, Corrientes y Misiones; en Uruguay reiteradamente en Montevideo; en Paraguay por Santa María de Fe, Itapúa y Asunción; en Brasil por San Borja en Rio Grande del Sur. Vino al Río de la Plata atraído por promesas que no se cumplieron luego de explorar parte de América con el barón Alexander von Humboldt y encargarse como intendente botánico de los jardines de Malmaison, la residencia de la emperatriz Josefina, primera esposa de Napoleón Bonaparte. No pudo retornar a su patria, Francia y terminó sus días -ya octogenario- en un apartado pueblo correntino, donde hubo que sepultarlo de apuro por carecer de medios de embalsamamiento que permitieran trasladar su cuerpo a la capital provincial.

The year 2023 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Bonpland, Frenchman, physician and naturalist, botanist and traveler, landowner and politician who traveled in the 19th century through the four countries that today make up the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). In Argentina, he visited Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, Corrientes and Misiones; in Uruguay, Montevideo; in Paraguay, Santa María de Fe, Itapúa and Asunción; in Brazil, San Borja in Rio Grande do Sul. He came to the Rio de la Plata attracted by promises that were not fulfilled after exploring part of America with Baron Alexander von Humboldt and taking charge as botanical intendant of the gardens of Malmaison, the residence of the Empress Josephine, first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. He could not return to his homeland, France, and ended his days -already an octogenarian- in a remote town of Corrientes, where he had to be buried in a hurry due to the lack of embalming means to transfer his body to the provincial capital.

O ano de 2023 marca o 250º aniversário do nascimento de Bonpland, o francês, médico e naturalista, botânico e viajante, proprietário de terras e político que viajou no século XIX pelos quatro países que hoje formam o Mercado Comum do Sul (MERCOSUL). Na Argentina, ele viajou por Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, Corrientes e Misiones; no Uruguai, viajou várias vezes para Montevidéu; no Paraguai, para Santa María de Fe, Itapúa e Assunção; no Brasil, para São Borja, no Rio Grande do Sul. Ele veio para o Rio de la Plata atraído por promessas que não foram cumpridas depois de explorar parte da América com o Barão Alexander von Humboldt e assumir o cargo de intendente botânico dos jardins de Malmaison, a residência da Imperatriz Josefina, a primeira esposa de Napoleão Bonaparte. Ele não pôde retornar à sua terra natal, a França, e terminou seus dias - já octogenário - em um vilarejo remoto na província de Corrientes, onde teve que ser enterrado às pressas devido à falta de equipamentos de embalsamamento que permitissem que seu corpo fosse transferido para a capital da província.

Novel ICP-OES-Based Method for the Reliable Determination of the Total Content of 15 Elements in Yerba Mate Drinks along with the Determination of Caffeine and the In Vitro Bioaccessibility of the Compounds.

A fully validated inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)-based method combined with a simplified sample preparation procedure for the determination of up to 15 elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn) in caffeinated yerba mate (YM) drinks was proposed. Various "green" treatments (acidification or dilution with a HNO3 solution and direct analysis of untreated YM with or without sonication (US)) that could replace the traditional total sample decomposition before spectrometric measurements were tested and compared. The key selection parameter was the analytical performance of the ICP-OES method obtained with each sample preparation procedure in terms of the precision and the trueness of results and limits of detection (LODs) of elements. It was found that the acidification of YMs with concentrated HNO3 to 5%, supported by US (10 min, room temperature (RT)), provided the best results, i.e., LODs at 0.11-8.5 ng g-1, precision below 5%, and trueness better than 5% (97.0%-105% as recoveries). Eleven YM drinks, commercially available on the Polish market, were analyzed with the proposed method. In addition to the mineral content, the concentration of caffeine in all analyzed YMs was determined and compared. Finally, the studies were completed by determining the bioaccessible fraction of selected elements and caffeine in YMs using in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GID) in order to evaluate the nutritional value/risk assessment of these drinks. Accordingly, the bioaccessibility of nutritious elements (Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn) and caffeine was within 40%-59%. Except for Mn, it was established that by drinking daily 1 L of YMs, the recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) of the aforementioned essential elements were covered to a low degree (<4.5%). Hence, they are not an important source of these elements in the human diet. On the other hand, potentially toxic elements (Al, Ba, Sr) were found in a relatively inert form. Opposite to minerals, YMs can supply human organisms with quite high amounts of natural caffeine in bioaccessible form (31-70 mg per serving).

Antioxidant action of yerba mate on carcass and meat characteristics and fatty acid profile in meat and fat of lambs finished in tropical pastures.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of the supplementation with natural antioxidants from Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) on the performance, carcass and meat characteristics, and fatty acid profile in meat and fat of Texel × Ile de France lambs kept in Brachiaria-grass pasture. Twenty lambs with a mean age of 90 days and 26.3 kg of BW were distributed in a completely randomized design in two treatments with 10 replicates/treatment: Control-protein-energy supplement based on corn and soybean meal (150 g/kg DM of crude protein) without the addition of natural antioxidant yerba mate and Yerba Mate - energy protein supplement with the addition of yerba mate (110 g/kg DM). There was no treatment effect on animal performance and carcass characteristics. The subcutaneous fat thickness was significantly higher for lambs treated without yerba mate. There was no effect of nutritional treatments on the oxidative markers of lamb meat. The muscle of the animals treated with yerba mate showed a higher concentration of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids elaidic, linolenic, thymnodonic, docosadienoic, and ceorvonic. The fat of the animals treated with yerba mate showed a higher concentration of palmitoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, heneicosanoic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid. The concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids was significantly higher in meat and fat of lambs treated with yerba mate. Including yerba mate in the diet of lambs kept on Brachiaria pastures improves the lipid profile of polyunsaturated fatty acids in meat and fat, without altering the performance of the animals.

Ilex paraguariensis Hosts Root-Trichoderma spp. with Plant-Growth-Promoting Traits: Characterization as Biological Control Agents and Biofertilizers.

In this study, the effect of native plant-growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) as bio-inoculants was assessed as an alternative to improve Ilex paraguariensis Saint Hilaire growth in the nursery. Fourteen Trichoderma strains isolated from yerba mate roots were evaluated in vitro for their potential as biological control agents (BCA) and PGPM. The PGPM properties were evaluated through the strain's antagonistic activity against three fungal pathogens (Alternaria sp., F. oxysporum, and F. solani) plus the production of extracellular cell-wall-degrading enzymes such as chitinase, ß-1,3-glucanase, and cellulase. These results were used to calculate different PGPM indices to select the strains with the optimal properties. Four Trichoderma strains: T. asperelloides LBM193, LBM204, LBM206, and Trichoderma sp. LBM202, were selected based on their indirect and direct PGPM properties used in an inoculation assay on yerba mate plants in greenhouse conditions. A highly significant positive effect of bio-inoculation with these Trichoderma strains was observed in one-year-old yerba mate seedlings. Inoculated plants exhibited a greater height, chlorophyll content, and dry weight than un-inoculated plants; those treated with LBM193 manifested the best results. Yerba mate plants treated with LBM202 exhibited a healthy appearance and were more vigorous, showing potential for biocontrol agent. In conclusion, yerba mate seedlings in the Misiones region were found to have a reservoir of Trichoderma species that increases the yield of this crop in the nursery and protects them from adverse biotic and abiotic agents.

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.

Microencapsulation of Yerba mate extract: The efficacy of polysaccharide/protein hydrocolloids on physical, microstructural, functional, and antioxidant properties.

Effects of hydrolyzed whey protein concentrate (WPC) and its combination with polysaccharides as wall material in spray-drying microencapsulation of Yerba mate extract (YME) have not been investigated yet. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the surface-active properties of WPC or WPC-hydrolysate may improve different properties of spray-dried microcapsules (such as physicochemical, structural, functional and morphological properties) compared to neat MD and GA. Thus, the objective of current study was to produce microcapsules loaded with YME by different carrier combinations. Effect of maltodextrin (MD), maltodextrin-gum Arabic (MD-GA), maltodextrin-whey protein concentrate (MD-WPC), and maltodextrin-hydrolyzed WPC (MD-HWPC) as encapsulating hydrocolloids was studied on physicochemical, functional, structural, antioxidant and morphological characteristics of the spray-dried YME. The type of carrier significantly affected spray dying yield. Enzymatic hydrolysis by improving the surface activity of WPC increased its efficiency as a carrier and produced particles with high production yield (about 68 %) and excellent physical, functional, hygroscopicity and flowability indices. Chemical structure characterization by FTIR indicated the placement of phenolic compounds of the extract in the carrier matrix. FE-SEM study showed that the microcapsules produced with polysaccharide-based carriers were completely wrinkled, whereas, the surface morphology of particles was improved when protein-based carriers were applied. Among the produced samples, the highest amount of TPC (3.26 mg GAE/mL), inhibition of DPPH (76.4 %), ABTS (88.1 %) and hydroxyl (78.1 %) free radicals were related to microencapsulated extract with MD-HWPC. The results of this research can be used to stabilize plant extracts and produce powders with appropriate physicochemical properties and biological activity.

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.

Protective effects of Yerba mate (IIex paraguariensis) on prostate cancer development.

OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common adenocarcinoma in men >50 y of age. It has a long latency period, which provides time for preventive strategies like incorporating healthy eating habits. Yerba mate (YM) intake has been associated with numerous health benefits. Since YM is one of the most popular infusions in Argentina, the of this study was to examine the influence of YM on PCa development. METHODS: We carried out an in vivo model of PCa through subcutaneous inoculation of transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate-C1 cells in C57BL/6 mice. Subsequently, the animals were divided into two groups: mate (25 mg/mL of YM in drinking water, n = 15), and control (only drinking water, n = 15). We also developed an in vitro model to study the direct effects of YM on three human PCa cell lines: lymph node carcinoma of the prostate (LNCaP), PC-3, and DU-145. RESULTS: Our in vivo model showed that YM intake slightly reduced body weight, increased the latency of tumor appearance (P <0.01), and diminished the tumor volume (P <0.05) compared with the control group. In agreement, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and nuclear estrogen receptor α were lower in the tumors of the mate animals (P <0.05). In vitro, YM decreased the viability, proliferation, and adhesion of the three tumor cell lines (P < 0.001) and retarded the migration of LNCaP (P <0.05) and DU-145 (P <0.005), without modifying the migration of PC-3 cells. CONCLUSIONS: YM showed anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo and were more effective on the androgen-sensitive cell line (LNCaP).