Mate
Related Terms
- 2,5-Xylenol, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4-oxolauric acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, acetylated megastigmane glycosides, affinoside 1, aluminum, Aquifoliaceae (family), arbre ? mat? (French), arbutin, ash, beta-amyrin, Brazilian tea, butyric acid, buxifolioside I, buxifolioside II, caffeic acid, caffeine, caffeoyl derivatives, caffeoyl glucose, caffeoyl-feruloylquinic acids, caffeoyl-p-coumaroylquinic acids, caffeoylquinic acids, caffeoylshikimates, caffeoyl-sinapoylquinic acids, calcium, camin?, Cassine gogonha Raben., Cassine gouguba Guib., cha mate, chimarr?o, chloride, chlorogenic acid, chlorophyll, choline, Chomelia amara Vell., cocido (Spanish), congonha, copper, Cruz de MaltaT, cup herb, diferuloyl quinic acids, dicaffeoyl-feruloylquinic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acids, dicaffeoylshikimates, erva mate (Portuguese - Brazil), erva-verdadeira, erveira, fat, fatty acid methylesters, fatty acids, feruloylquinic acids, feruloylshikimatesaponins, fiber, flavonoids, green mate, herbal mate, hervea, hot mate with bombilla, hydroxycinnamoylshikimate esters, ilex, inositol, isobutyric acid, isocapronic acid, isovaleric acid, Ilex affinis, Ilex aquifolium L., Ilex argentina, Ilex brasiliensis, Ilex brevicuspis, Ilex buxifolia, Ilex domestica, Ilex dumosa var. dumosa, Ilex dumosa var. guaranina, Ilex integerrima, Ilex mate, Ilex mate St.-Hil., Ilex microdonta, Ilex paraguaiensis St. Hilaire, Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil., Ilex paraguariensis extract, Ilex paraguariensis St-Hil., Ilex paraguariensis var. paraguariensis, Ilex paraguayensis, Ilex paraguayensis St.-Hil., Ilex pseudobuxus, Ilex sorbilis, Ilex taubertiana, Ilex theezans, inositol, ionone, iron, isobutyric acid, isocapronic acid, isovaleric acid, Jesuit's brazil tea, Jesuit's tea, ka'a (Guarani), kaempferol, kali chaye, kkiro, magnesium, manganese, mate, mate candy, mate chimarra, mate cocido (Spanish), mate con bombilla (Spanish), mate extract, mate folium, mate green fruit, mate leaves, mate powder, mate tea leaves, Matebaum (German), matee, mateglycosides, matenosides, matesaponins, mate-tea, mate-tea tree, Mat?teestrauch (German), Matte Le?oT, melanoidins, minerals, neo-chlorogenic acid, nicotinic acid, nitrogen, oleanolic acid, palmitic acid, pantothenic acid, Paraguay cayi, Paraguay herb, Paraguay tea, p-coumaroylquinic acids, phosphorus, phytol, phytosterols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polyphenol, potassium, protein, pyridoxine, pyrrole alkaloid, quercetin, quinic acid, resin, resinic acid, riboflavin, rutin, sapogenin, saponins, saturated hydrocarbons, silicon, sodium, South American holly, squalene, St. Bartholemeow's tea, stearic acid, sulfur, tannic acid, tannin, terere, terrerre (Guarani), theobromine, theophylline, toasted mate tea, tricaffeoylquinic acid, tricaffeoylshikimate, trigonelline, triterpene oligoglycosides, ursolic acid, vanillin, vitamin E, xanthines, yerba leaves, yerba mate beverage, yerba matte, yerba-mate, yerva de palos (Spanish), yerva mate (Spanish), zinc.
- Combination products: Metabolife? Ephedra Free (caffeine, green tea, garcinia, cambogia, yerba mate); YGD (yerba mate, guarana, damiana).
- Note: This monograph focuses on yerba mate. Yerba mate contains caffeine. Thus there may be theoretical uses, safety issues, adverse effects, interactions, and mechanisms of action associated with caffeine that are not specifically addressed in this monograph. For a more complete overview of yerba mate, information on caffeine is available in the Natural Standard caffeine monograph.
Background
- Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is an herb prepared as a traditional drink common in South American countries. It can be served with or without sweetener, either hot or iced, and with fruit juice or milk.
- Yerba mate contains minerals, caffeine, antioxidants, and other nutrients that may offer health benefits. Traditionally, yerba mate has been used to help reduce mental and physical fatigue. More recently, yerba mate has been used to increase urination, treat headaches, and promote weight loss. However, scientific evidence is lacking. Some studies suggest that yerba mate may reduce blood sugar levels in people who have type 2 diabetes.
- Some studies suggest that drinking large amounts of yerba mate may increase the risk of some cancers, including oral, renal, and bladder. Also, the caffeine content of yerba mate may cause interactions with various prescription medications or herbal products.
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
Preliminary research suggests that yerba mate tea may benefit people who have type 2 diabetes. More research is needed before conclusions can be drawn.
|
C |
Preliminary research suggests that yerba mate tea may benefit people who have type 2 diabetes. More research is needed before conclusions can be drawn.
|
C |
Preliminary evidence suggests that yerba mate reduces lipids in people treated with statin therapy. More research is required before conclusions can be drawn.
|
C |
Preliminary evidence suggests that yerba mate reduces lipids in people treated with statin therapy. More research is required before conclusions can be drawn.
|
C |
In preliminary research, yerba mate had a lack of effect on mood and performance. Further research is required before conclusions can be drawn.
|
C |
In preliminary research, yerba mate had a lack of effect on mood and performance. Further research is required before conclusions can be drawn.
|
C |
Yerba mate, as a source of caffeine, has traditionally been used for weight loss. Preliminary research has investigated this use of yerba mate. However, there is a lack of evidence for the effects of yerba mate alone on weight loss at this time.
|
C |
Yerba mate, as a source of caffeine, has traditionally been used for weight loss. Preliminary research has investigated this use of yerba mate. However, there is a lack of evidence for the effects of yerba mate alone on weight loss at this time.
|
C | * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Dosing
Adults (18 years and older)
- Yerba mate leaves have been taken my mouth. Yerba mate has also been taken by mouth as a drink prepared from yerba mate leaves (green or roasted) and twigs infused in hot water or as a liquid or alcohol extract.
- To treat diabetes, 330 milliliters of mate tea (20 milligrams per milliliter) has been taken by mouth three times daily for 20 days.
- To lower cholesterol, 330-milliliter infusions have been taken by mouth three times daily before or after meals for 40 days. These infusions have been prepared with either 50 milligrams per milliliter of green yerba mate or 20 milligrams per milliliter of roasted yerba mate.
- For performance enhancement, one tablespoon of yerba mate tea leaves has been taken by mouth as a single dose.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
- Most drug interactions associated with yerba mate are based on theory and on the adverse effect profile of caffeine.
- Yerba mate may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
- Yerba mate may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
- Yerba mate may affect blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that affect blood pressure.
- Yerba mate may also interact with agents that may treat heart conditions, agents that may treat nervous system disorders, agents that may treat stomach conditions, agents that may treat genitourinary disorders, agents that control heart rate, agents that may treat lung disorders, agents that may treat kidney disorders, alcohol, antiallergy agents, antiasthmatics, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antifungals, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, antiobesity agents, antiparkinsonian agents, antivirals, caffeine, carbamazepine, cholesterol-lowering agents, diuretics (agents that may promote urination), haloperidol, hormonal agents, iron, muscle relaxants, nicotine, pain relievers, sedatives, stimulants, and vasodilators (agents that may increase blood vessel width).
Attribution
-
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Bibliography
Battagim J, Souza VT, Miyasaka NR, et al. Comparative study of the effect of green and roasted water extracts of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) on glucosyltransferase activity of Streptococcus mutans. J Enzyme Inhib.Med.Chem. 2012;27(2):232-240.
Berte KA, Beux MR, Spada PK, et al. Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil., Aquifoliaceae) extract as obtained by spray drying. J Agric.Food Chem. 5-25-2011;59(10):5523-5527.
Binaghi MJ, Pellegrino NR, Valencia ME. [Mineral bioaccessibility in yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St) infusions and mixtures with iron fortified milk]. Arch.Latinoam.Nutr. 2011;61(1):81-86.
Bracesco N, Sanchez AG, Contreras V, et al. Recent advances on Ilex paraguariensis research: minireview. J Ethnopharmacol. 7-14-2011;136(3):378-384.
Braganca VL, Melnikov P, Zanoni LZ. Trace elements in different brands of yerba mate tea. Biol.Trace Elem.Res 2011;144(1-3):1197-1204.
Burris KP, Davidson PM, Stewart CN, et al. Antimicrobial activity of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) aqueous extracts against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus. J Food Sci. 2011;76(6):M456-M462.
Conforti AS, Gallo ME, Saravi FD. Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption is associated with higher bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Bone 2012;50(1):9-13.
de Souza LM, Dartora N, Scoparo CT, et al. Comprehensive analysis of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) compounds: development of chemical strategies for matesaponin analysis by mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr.A 10-14-2011;1218(41):7307-7315.
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Klein GA, Stefanuto A, Boaventura BC, et al. Mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) improves glycemic and lipid profiles of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes individuals: a pilot study. J Am Coll.Nutr. 2011;30(5):320-332.
Lima IF, De Dea Lindner J, Soccol VT, et al. Development of an Innovative Nutraceutical Fermented Beverage from Herbal Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.) Extract. Int.J Mol.Sci. 2012;13(1):788-800.
Puangpraphant S, Berhow MA, Vermillion K, et al. Dicaffeoylquinic acids in Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hilaire) inhibit NF-kappaB nucleus translocation in macrophages and induce apoptosis by activating caspases-8 and -3 in human colon cancer cells. Mol.Nutr.Food Res 2011;55(10):1509-1522.
Rakocevic M and Martim SF. Time series in analysis of yerba-mate biennial growth modified by environment. Int.J Biometeorol. 2011;55(2):161-171.
Rivelli DP, Almeida RL, Ropke CD, et al. Hydrolysis influence on phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, plasma concentration, and tissue distribution of hydroethanolic Ilex paraguariensis extract components. J Agric.Food Chem. 8-24-2011;59(16):8901-8907.
Yatsu FK, Borghetti GS, Bassani VL. Technological characterization and stability of Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. Aquifoliaceae (Mate) spray-dried powder. J Med.Food 2011;14(4):413-419.