Ilex paraguariensis

Yerba mate/Drug Interactions:

  • GeneralGeneral: This section focuses on potential interactions with yerba mate. Most drug interactions associated with yerba mate are predominantly theoretical and generally based on the adverse effect profile of caffeine. For more potential interactions based on caffeine itself, more information is available in the Natural Standard caffeine monograph.
  • AlcoholAlcohol: In epidemiological research, consumption of yerba mate was associated with increased risk of renal cancer in individuals who drank alcohol heavily (22).
  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: Patients who consumed mate tea weekly showed pain classified as "none" or "light" after third molar surgical removal, compared with other patients, whose pain was moderate to severe (30).
  • Antiallergy agentsAntiallergy agents: Secondary sources indicate that yerba mate may inhibit histamine release.
  • AntiasthmaticsAntiasthmatics: Secondary sources indicate that yerba mate may relax bronchial smooth muscle.
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: In vitro, water extracts of both green and roasted mate (greater effect) inhibited glucosyltransferase activity of Streptococcus mutans (39). In vitro, water extracts of Ilex paraguariensis had antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus (105).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: Secondary sources indicate that yerba mate may inhibit platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time.
  • AntidiabeticsAntidiabetics: In human research, yerba mate tea decreased blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin (64). In vitro, Ilex paraguariensis extract inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products (106; 107; 108). However, in animal research, gross yerba mate increased blood glucose compared with control (water) and commercial yerba mate (65).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: In vitro, Ilex paraguariensis aqueous extract inhibited Malassezia furfur (109).
  • AntihistaminesAntihistamines: Secondary sources indicate that yerba mate may inhibit histamine release.
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: According to secondary sources, yerba mate may increase or decrease blood pressure (40). In human research, Metabolife? Ephedra-Free, containing yerba mate, had a lack of effect on blood pressure (110), but green and roasted yerba mate resulted in a small decrease in systolic blood pressure in a separate clinical trial (69).
  • Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: According to a review, yerba mate may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and lipid-lowering effects (45). According to a review, yerba mate may protect against cigarette-induced lung inflammation (45).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In human research, green and roasted yerba mate decreased LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, and increased HDL cholesterol (69). In animal research, the aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis was found to reduce aortic cholesterol (35). Yerba mate had a lack of effect on lipid levels in separate animal research (65). In a metabolic syndrome animal model, mate tea resulted in decreases in triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids, and total cholesterol (43).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: Cinnamate esters, isolated from extracts of mate tea, as well as the extract itself, inhibited the growth of transformed cells in vitro (31). In vitro, mate tea extract was cytotoxic to cancer cell lines, due to topoisomerase II inhibition (37; 36). However, in epidemiological research, mate consumption was associated with bladder, esophageal, larynx, renal, and oral cancers (19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 66; 67; 68; 46; 29).
  • Antiobesity agentsAntiobesity agents: According to human data using a combination product including yerba mate, use of yerba mate may have additive effects with other weight loss agents (111). In animal studies, mate tea and Ilex paraguariensis extract reduced body weight (112; 113; 114; 115). In an animal model, mate tea reduced body weight by promoting satiety (112). In a metabolic syndrome animal model, mate tea resulted in decreases in body weight and body mass index, as well as white adipose tissue weight (43). Mate tea and Ilex paraguariensis extract were shown to reduce body weight or reduce weight gain in other animal studies (113; 114; 115). Yerba mate had a lack of effect on body weight in separate animal research; however, gross yerba mate reduced intra-abdominal fat stores vs. commercial yerba mate (65).
  • Antiparkinson agentsAntiparkinson agents: In animal models, the hydroalcohol extract of Ilex paraguariensis prevented 1-methyl 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced hypolocomotion and reserpine-induced catalepsy (33). This extract also potentiated the effect of apomorphine in preventing catatonia.
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: In vitro, Ilex paraguariensis had antiviral effects against KOS, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and 29-R rabies virus strains (116).
  • CaffeineCaffeine: In animal research, a synergistic response on social memory was observed following the coadministration of "noneffective" doses of caffeine and Ilex paraguariensis (117). Also, yerba mate is a source of caffeine. Thus, there may be additive beneficial side effects, as well as additive negative side effects, with other products containing caffeine.
  • CarbamazepineCarbamazepine: In vitro, a mate saponin enriched fraction improved the solubility of carbamazepine in the range of 0.13-1.5% (w/v) (81).
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: In hypercholesterolemic animals, the aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis reduced the size of atherosclerotic lesions (35). In animals, the aqueous and acid n-butanolic extracts of Ilex paraguariensis induced vasodilation in a dose-dependent manner (118). In vitro, an aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis leaves inhibited the maximal contractile response of a mesenteric arterial bed, indicative of a vasodilatory effect (119).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: According to secondary sources, consumption of mate may induce diuresis.
  • Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: Ilex paraguariensis infusion increased bile flow (38). Other Ilex species, which can adulterate mate tea, enhanced intestinal transit. Secondary sources indicate that Ilex paraguariensis contains constituents that may have anti-Crohn's, antidiarrheic, and anti-morning sickness effects. Theoretically, the caffeine constituent of mate may cause gastric irritation, nausea, and vomiting. In a clinical trial, adverse reactions included heartburn (64). In a clinical trial of green or roasted yerba mate infusion, adverse effects to treatment included nausea or irritation of the oral or stomach mucosa (69). In epidemiological research, mate consumption was associated with esophageal and oral cancers (19; 20; 24; 26; 27). An early report found caffeine-containing beverages to stimulate gastric secretion in humans, which may potentiate ulcer symptoms (101).
  • Genitourinary tract agentsGenitourinary tract agents: In epidemiological research, mate consumption was associated with bladder cancer (21; 25; 29).
  • HaloperidolHaloperidol: In animal research, Ilex paraguariensis protected against haloperidol-induced orofacial dyskinesia and memory dysfunction; antioxidant effects were implicated (120).
  • Heart rate regulating agentsHeart rate regulating agents: In a clinical trial, adverse reactions included tachycardia (64). Theoretically, mate consumption increases heart rate, contractility, and arrhythmia.
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: In vitro, ursolic acid, a constituent of Ilex paraguariensis was found to inhibit aromatase activity (121).
  • IronIron: In rats with an intestinal loop, chlorogenic acid, a constituent of Ilex paraguariensis, inhibited intestinal absorption of iron (122).
  • Muscle relaxantsMuscle relaxants: Secondary sources indicate that yerba mate may have smooth muscle relaxant effects. In a case report, following chronic maternal drinking of mate, withdrawal was evident in the premature neonate (74); symptoms included hypertonia in the limbs and brisk tendon reflexes. Theoretically, the caffeine constituent of mate may cause muscle spasms.
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: In animal research, Ilex paraguariensis protected against haloperidol-induced orofacial dyskinesia and memory dysfunction (120). In animal research, the hydroalcoholic extract of mate tea leaves improved short-term social memory and facilitated the step-down inhibitory avoidance short-term memory (but not long-term) after training (117). In a clinical trial adverse reactions included insomnia (64; 69). In a case report, following chronic maternal drinking of mate, withdrawal was evident in the premature neonate (74); symptoms included jitteriness and irritability and a high-pitched cry. Theoretically, mate consumption acts as a central nervous system stimulant and may cause insomnia, headache, and convulsions.
  • NicotineNicotine: In animal research, mate tea reduced acute lung inflammation following exposure to cigarette smoke (123). In smokers, nicotinic stomatitis was more prevalent in those who drank hot drinks, including mate, vs. those who did not drink hot drinks (102).
  • Pulmonary agentsPulmonary agents: In epidemiological research, mate consumption was associated with lung cancer (19). Theoretically, the caffeine constituent of mate can cause increased respiratory rate. In animal research, mate tea reduced acute lung inflammation following exposure to cigarette smoke (123). Alveolar macrophages and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage were reduced, as was lipid peroxidation, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and matrix metalloprotease-9 activity.
  • Renal agentsRenal agents: In epidemiological research, mate consumption was associated with renal cancer (22).
  • SedativesSedatives: In a clinical trial, adverse reactions included insomnia (64).
  • StimulantsStimulants: In a clinical trial, adverse reactions included insomnia (64).
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: In vitro, aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis leaves inhibited the maximal contractile response of a mesenteric arterial bed, indicative of a vasodilatory effect (119). In animals, the aqueous and acid n-butanolic extracts of Ilex paraguariensis induced vasodilation in a dose-dependent manner (118).

    • Yerba mate/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • GeneralGeneral: This section focuses on potential interactions with yerba mate. Most herb and supplement interactions associated with yerba mate are predominantly theoretical and generally based on the adverse effect profile of caffeine. For more potential interactions based on caffeine itself, more information is available in the Natural Standard caffeine monograph.
  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: Patients who consumed mate tea weekly showed pain classified as "none" or "light" after third molar surgical removal, compared with other patients, whose pain was moderate to severe (30).
  • Antiallergy agentsAntiallergy agents: Secondary sources indicate that yerba mate may inhibit histamine release.
  • AntiasthmaticsAntiasthmatics: Secondary sources indicate that yerba mate may relax bronchial smooth muscle.
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: In vitro, water extracts of both green and roasted mate (greater effect) inhibited glucosyltransferase activity of Streptococcus mutans (39). In vitro, water extracts of Ilex paraguariensis had antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus (105).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: Secondary sources indicate that yerba mate may inhibit platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time.
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: In vitro, Ilex paraguariensis aqueous extract inhibited Malassezia furfur (109).
  • AntihistaminesAntihistamines: Secondary sources indicate that yerba mate may inhibit histamine release.
  • Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: According to a review, yerba mate has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and lipid-lowering effects (45). According to a review, yerba mate may protect against cigarette-induced lung inflammation (45).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In human research, green and roasted yerba mate decreased LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, and increased HDL cholesterol (69). In animal research, the aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis was found to reduce aortic cholesterol (35). Yerba mate had a lack of effect on lipid levels in separate animal research (65). In a metabolic syndrome animal model, mate tea resulted in decreases in triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids, and total cholesterol (43).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: Cinnamate esters, isolated from extracts of mate tea, as well as the extract itself, inhibited the growth of transformed cells in vitro (31). In vitro, mate tea extract was cytotoxic to cancer cell lines, due to topoisomerase II inhibition (37; 36). However, in epidemiological research, mate consumption was associated with bladder, esophageal, larynx, renal, and oral cancers (19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 66; 67; 68; 46; 29).
  • Antiobesity agentsAntiobesity agents: According to human data using a combination product including yerba mate, use of yerba mate may have additive effects with other weight loss agents (111). In animal studies, mate tea and Ilex paraguariensis extract reduced body weight (112; 113; 114; 115). In an animal model, mate tea reduced body weight by promoting satiety (112). In a metabolic syndrome animal model, mate tea resulted in decreases in body weight and body mass index, as well as white adipose tissue weight (43). Mate tea and Ilex paraguariensis extract were shown to reduce body weight or reduce weight gain in other animal studies (113; 114; 115). Yerba mate had a lack of effect on body weight in separate animal research; however, gross yerba mate reduced intra-abdominal fat stores vs. commercial yerba mate (65).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: In humans, intake of yerba mate inhibited ex vivo copper-induced oxidation of LDL cholesterol (124); this was also inhibited in an in vitro study (125). In animal research, the aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis had no effect on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in aorta, liver, or serum (35), or reduced TBARS content in isolated rat heart (126). Secreted peroxidase and total peroxidase activity in female rat submandibular glands were increased (18). Extracts of Ilex paraguariensis and yerba mate tea infusions have also shown antioxidant activity in vitro (33; 127; 128; 129; 130).
  • Antiparkinson agentsAntiparkinson agents: In animal models, the hydroalcohol extract of Ilex paraguariensis prevented 1-methyl 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced hypolocomotion and reserpine-induced catalepsy (33). This extract also potentiated the effect of apomorphine in preventing catatonia.
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: In vitro, Ilex paraguariensis had antiviral effects against KOS, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and 29-R rabies virus strains (116).
  • Caffeine-containing agentsCaffeine-containing agents: In animal research, a synergistic response on social memory was observed following the coadministration of "non-effective" doses of caffeine and Ilex paraguariensis (117). Also, yerba mate is a source of caffeine. Thus, there may be additive beneficial side effects, as well as additive negative side effects, with other products containing caffeine.
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: In hypercholesterolemic animals, the aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis reduced the size of atherosclerotic lesions (35). In animals, the aqueous and acid n-butanolic extracts of Ilex paraguariensis induced vasodilation in a dose-dependent manner (118). In vitro, aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis leaves inhibited the maximal contractile response of a mesenteric arterial bed, indicative of a vasodilatory effect (119).
  • DamianaDamiana: Yerba mate has been combined with damiana and guarana for weight loss in human research (111).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: According to secondary sources, consumption of mate may induce diuresis.
  • GuaranaGuarana: Yerba mate has been combined with guarana and damiana for weight loss in human research (111).
  • Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: Ilex paraguariensis infusion increased bile flow (38). Other Ilex species, which can adulterate mate tea, enhanced intestinal transit. Secondary sources indicate that Ilex paraguariensis contains constituents that may have anti-Crohn's, antidiarrheic, and anti-morning sickness effects. Theoretically, the caffeine constituent of mate may cause gastric irritation, nausea, and vomiting. In a clinical trial, adverse reactions included heartburn (64). In a clinical trial of green or roasted yerba mate infusion, adverse effects to treatment included nausea or irritation of the oral or stomach mucosa (69). In epidemiological research, mate consumption was associated with esophageal and oral cancers (19; 20; 24; 26; 27). An early report found caffeine-containing beverages to stimulate gastric secretion in humans, which may potentiate ulcer symptoms (101).
  • Genitourinary tract agentsGenitourinary tract agents: In epidemiological research, mate consumption was associated with bladder cancer (21; 25; 29).
  • Heart rate regulating agentsHeart rate regulating agents: In a clinical trial, adverse reactions included tachycardia (64). Theoretically, mate consumption increases heart rate, contractility, and arrhythmia.
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: In vitro, ursolic acid, a constituent of Ilex paraguariensis was found to inhibit aromatase activity (121).
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In human research, yerba mate tea decreased blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin (64). In vitro, Ilex paraguariensis extract inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products (106; 107; 108). However, in animal research, gross yerba mate increased blood glucose compared with control (water) and commercial yerba mate (65).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: According to secondary sources, yerba mate may increase or decrease blood pressure (40). In human research, Metabolife? Ephedra-Free, containing yerba mate, had a lack of effect on blood pressure (110) but green and roasted yerba mate resulted in a small decrease in systolic blood pressure in a separate clinical trial (69).
  • IronIron: In rats with an intestinal loop, chlorogenic acid, a constituent of Ilex paraguariensis, inhibited intestinal absorption of iron (122).
  • Muscle relaxantsMuscle relaxants: Secondary sources indicate that yerba mate may have smooth muscle relaxant effects. In a case report, following chronic maternal drinking of mate, withdrawal was evident in the premature neonate (74); symptoms included hypertonia in the limbs and brisk tendon reflexes. Theoretically, the caffeine constituent of mate may cause muscle spasms.
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: In animal research, Ilex paraguariensis protected against haloperidol-induced orofacial dyskinesia and memory dysfunction; antioxidant effects were implicated (120). In animal research, the hydroalcoholic extract of mate tea leaves improved short-term social memory and facilitated the step-down inhibitory avoidance short-term memory (but not long-term) after training (117). In a clinical trial adverse reactions included insomnia (64; 69). In a case report, following chronic maternal drinking of mate, withdrawal was evident in the premature neonate (74); symptoms included jitteriness and irritability and a high-pitched cry. Theoretically, mate consumption acts as a central nervous system stimulant and may cause insomnia, headache, and convulsions.
  • Pulmonary agentsPulmonary agents: In epidemiological research, mate consumption was associated with lung cancer (19). Theoretically, the caffeine constituent of mate can cause increased respiratory rate. In animal research, mate tea reduced acute lung inflammation following exposure to cigarette smoke (123). Alveolar macrophages and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage were reduced, as was lipid peroxidation, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and matrix metalloprotease-9 activity.
  • Renal agentsRenal agents: In epidemiological research, mate consumption was associated with renal cancer (22).
  • SedativesSedatives: In a clinical trial, adverse reactions included insomnia (64).
  • StimulantsStimulants: In a clinical trial, adverse reactions included insomnia (64).
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: In vitro, aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis leaves inhibited the maximal contractile response of a mesenteric arterial bed, indicative of a vasodilatory effect (119). In animals, the aqueous and acid n-butanolic extracts of Ilex paraguariensis induced vasodilation in a dose-dependent manner (118).

    • Yerba mate/Food Interactions:

  • GeneralGeneral: This section focuses on potential interactions with yerba mate. Most food interactions associated with yerba mate are predominantly theoretical and generally based on the adverse effect profile of caffeine. For more potential interactions based on caffeine itself, more information is available in the Natural Standard caffeine monograph.
  • Caffeine-containing foodsCaffeine-containing foods: In animal research, a synergistic response on social memory was observed following the coadministration of "non-effective" doses of caffeine and Ilex paraguariensis (117). Also, yerba mate is a source of caffeine. Thus, there may be additive beneficial side effects, as well as additive negative side effects, with other products containing caffeine.
  • Functional beveragesFunctional beverages: A fermented beverage (Lactobacillus acidophilus) from mate was developed in order to provide caffeine and plant antioxidants, as well as probiotics (32). Further details are not available. Use of infusions of yerba mate did not adversely affect the availability of iron from an iron-fortified milk; minerals from yerba mate were not bioavailable (131).
  • Iron-containing foodsIron-containing foods: In rats with an intestinal loop, chlorogenic acid, a constituent of Ilex paraguariensis, inhibited intestinal absorption of iron (122). Use of infusions of yerba mate did not adversely affect the availability of iron from an iron-fortified milk; minerals from yerba mate were not bioavailable (131).

    • Yerba mate/Lab Interactions:

  • GeneralGeneral: This section focuses on potential interactions with yerba mate. Most lab interactions associated with yerba mate are predominantly theoretical and generally based on the adverse effect profile of caffeine. For more potential interactions based on caffeine itself, more information is available in the Natural Standard caffeine monograph.
  • 1-Hydroxypyrene glucuronide1-Hydroxypyrene glucuronide: In epidemiological research, yerba mate consumption was significantly associated with higher urinary 1-OHPG concentrations (132).
  • AdiponectinAdiponectin: In a metabolic syndrome animal model, mate tea resulted in improved adiponectin (AD) levels (43).
  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: According to secondary sources, yerba mate may increase or decrease blood pressure (40). In human research, Metabolife? Ephedra-Free, containing yerba mate, had a lack of effect on blood pressure (110) but green and roasted yerba mate resulted in a small decrease in systolic blood pressure in a separate clinical trial (69).
  • Body weightBody weight: In an animal model, mate tea reduced body weight (112). In a metabolic syndrome animal model, mate tea resulted in decreases in body weight and body mass index (43). Mate tea and Ilex paraguariensis extract were shown to reduce body weight or reduce weight gain in other animal studies (113; 114; 115).
  • Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: Secondary sources indicate that yerba mate may inhibit platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time.
  • Dipyridamole thallium imagingDipyridamole thallium imaging: Theoretically, yerba mate may interfere with dipyridamole thallium imaging studies, due to its caffeine content.
  • ElectrolytesElectrolytes: According to secondary sources, consumption of mate may induce diuresis.
  • GlucoseGlucose: In human research, yerba mate tea decreased blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin (64). However, in animal research, gross yerba mate increased blood glucose compared with control (water) and commercial yerba mate (65).
  • Glycated hemoglobinGlycated hemoglobin: In human research, yerba mate tea decreased glycated hemoglobin (64).
  • Heart rateHeart rate: In a clinical trial, adverse reactions included tachycardia (64). Theoretically, mate consumption increases heart rate, contractility, and arrhythmia.
  • IronlevelsIronlevels: In rats with an intestinal loop, chlorogenic acid, a constituent of Ilex paraguariensis, inhibited intestinal absorption of iron (122).
  • Lipids and lipoproteinsLipids and lipoproteins: In human research, green and roasted yerba mate decreased LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, and increased HDL cholesterol (69). In animal research, the aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis was found to reduce aortic cholesterol (35). Yerba mate had a lack of effect on lipid levels in separate animal research (65). In a metabolic syndrome animal model, mate tea resulted in decreases in triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids, and total cholesterol (43).
  • Neuroblastoma diagnosisNeuroblastoma diagnosis: Theoretically, use of yerba mate might cause a false-positive diagnosis of neuroblastoma, when the diagnosis is based on tests of urine vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) or catecholamine concentrations, due to the caffeine component of yerba mate.
  • Pheochromocytoma diagnosisPheochromocytoma diagnosis: Theoretically, use of yerba mate might cause a false-positive diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, when the diagnosis is based on tests of urine vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) or catecholamine concentrations, due to the caffeine component of yerba mate.
  • QTc intervalQTc interval: At half the usual dose, Metabolife? Ephedra Free, containing yerba mate, had no effects on the QTc interval in human research (133). In a clinical trial, adverse reactions included tachycardia (64). Theoretically, mate consumption increases heart rate, contractility, and arrhythmia.
  • Respiratory rateRespiratory rate: Theoretically, the caffeine constituent of mate can cause increased respiratory rate.
  • Salivary pHSalivary pH: Yerba mate showed a smaller buffer capacity compared with black tea with regard to salivary pH lowering of sucrose, in humans (134).