Yerba Mate

Yerba mate  (Ilex paraguariensis) has been used as a beverage since the time of the ancient Indians of Brazil and Paraguay, and still is considered a national drink in several countries of South America. The primary active chemical constituency of yerba mate comprises xanthine alkaloids (caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline), saponins, and chlorogenic acid. In addition, yerba mate leaf is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Yerba mate has significant antioxidant activity and is used as a tonic, diuretic, and as a stimulant to reduce fatigue, suppress appetite, and aid gastric function.

How it works:

  • Antioxidant. The leaf of yerba mate has been demonstrated to inhibit lipid peroxidation, particularly Low density lipoprotein (LDL). Oxidation of LDL is considered to be the initiating factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Study also has shown yerba mate to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation enproducts (AGEs). The formation of AGEs play a part in the development of diabetic complications.  
  • Revive mental fatigue. The primary active substances in Yerb mate, xanthine alkaloid (caffeine, theobromine and theophlline), effective on physical and mental fatigue. Yerba mate is indicated for the treatment of fatigue, asthenia, weight loss, depression, and headaches. 

 Positive effects:

  • Increase energy, improve physical and mental fatigue.
  • Enhances memory
  • Fight free radicals, stimulate heart
  • Burns fat, suppresses excessive appetite, stimulate digestion
  • Enhances immunity

Safety:

The caffeine content in yerba mate is 0.7-2% (coffee beans 1-2.5%, black tea 2.5-4.5, guarana seed 4-8%). In compare with others the content of caffeine in Yerba mate is not high. But for those have tendency to caffeine sensitive, or in pregnancy or lactation should avoid to consume it. Yerba mate does not show “caffeine crash” (when they were off and you get insanely tired from the drop of caffeine in you body).

References: 

  • Alikaridis, F. Natural constituent of Ilex species J. Ethnopharmacol. 1987;20(2):121-144. 
  • Fossati, C. On the virtue and therapeutic properties of Yerba mate. Clin. Ter. 1976;78(3):265-272. 
  • Pomilio, A. B., et al. High performance capillary electrophoresis analysis of mate infusions prepared from stems and leaves of Ilex paraguariensis using automated micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography. Phytochem. Anal. 2002;13(4);235-241. 
  • Vasque, A. et al. Studies on mate drinking. J. Ethnopharmacol. 1986; 18:267-272. 
  • Leiberman, H. R., et al. Effects of caffeine, sleep loss, and stress on cognitive performance and mood during US Navy SEAL training. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2002;164(3):250-261. 
  • Matsunaga, K., et al. Ingibitory action of Paraguayan medicinal plants on 5-lipooxygenase. Natural Med. 2000;54(3):151-154. 
  • Filip, R., et al Antioxidant activity of Ilex paraguariensis and relaed species. Nutr. Res. 2000;20(10):1437-1446. 
  • Gugliucci, A. Antioxidant effects of Ilex paraguarientsis: induction of decreased oxidability of human LDL in vivo. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 1996;224(2):338-344.