Ilex paraguariensis, Bartholomew’s tea, Ilex, Jesuit’s tea, Guyaki Paraguay tea, Hervea

Ilex paraguariensis also known as Yerba Mate, Paraguay Tea, Jesuit’s Tea, Ilex Species, Paraguayan Tea, St. Bartholomew’s tea, Ilex, and Jesuit’s tea is a flowering tree whose leaves are used to brew tea and is popular in South America and the Middle East. The leaves of Yerba Mate undergo several processing stages such as blanching, drying, and aging of leaves. The processing conditions differ but the overall process remains the same.

Yerba Mate is an evergreen tree measuring about 15 meters tall with evergreen leaves of 7-11 cm long and 3-5.5 cm wide. The small flowers are greenish to white with four petals. The showy fruit is a dark red or purple drupe about 4-6 mm in diameter that ripens in autumn. Pollination is entomophilous. The pollens are carried by insects such as flies and bees. The plant flowers in spring. It is popular for its ability to burn fat and suppresses appetite. It is helpful for the cardiovascular system and heart health. Yerba mate occurs in the banks of streams and rivers. It prefers clay or sand soils which are high in potassium and phosphoric acid along with acidic pH. It grows in subtropical and temperate regions with the requirement of high humidity levels but can tolerate very low temperatures.

It is a great source of caffeine and also possesses bioactive compounds such as ursolic acid and quercetin. It contains flavonoids, xanthines, cinnamic acid compounds, and saponins. Yerba mate possesses three xanthines such as theophylline, theobromine and caffeine. The caffeine content alters from 0.7% to 1.7%, theophylline is available in small amounts or absent and the theobromine content alters from 0.3% to 0.9%. Elements such as magnesium, potassium, and manganese are also present in Yerba Mate.

History

Well known as a beverage source called mate, it is consumed in Southern and Center-Western Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Southern Chile. It is imported from Argentina and was well-known in Syria. Firstly it was cultivated and used by Guarani people and Tupi communities of Southern Brazil and Paraguay and was widely spread with European colonization. In the late 16^th century, both indigenous Guaranis and Spanish settlers consume it. In 17^th century, the consumption of Yerba Mate spread to River Plate, Chile, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia.

Jesuits domesticated the plant in the mid-17^th century and started plantations in Argentina and Misiones. In the 1770s, after their exclusion, the plantations chop down to decay and their domestication. After independence, the industry was vitally important for the Paraguayan economy but the development of the Paraguayan state was interrupted after the War of the Triple Alliance from 1864 to 1870 which wrecked the country both demographically and economically.

In the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, the plant was domesticated in Argentine and Brazilian projects which opened the way for plantation. Today Brazil is the highest producer by 53% which is followed by Argentina (37%) and Paraguay (10%).

Plant

Yerba Mate is an evergreen shrub or tree with oblong to oval crown and pale bark and grows up to the height of 20 m tall.

Flower & Fruit

Flowers are in white color, are axillary and grow in clusters of 40 to 50. They have 4-5 petalled corolla, 4-5 sepaled calyx, dioecious and are unisexual by abortion so it is functionally dioecious. Both female and male flowers form small clusters in the axils of leaves. Each sepals measures 1 mm by 1 mm and each petal are about 3 mm by 2 mm. Corolla lobes are about 1.5 to 2 mm long with a four-celled ovary.

Fruit

The flowers then turn into globose-shaped, dark red or purple drupes containing which contains 5 to 8 seeds. Drupes are about 4 to 6 mm in diameter and its size resembles small peas.

Leaves

The plant bears alternate leaves, oblong to oval in shape, and is acuminate with serrate or crenate margins. Leaves are leathery, glossy and pale green on lower surface & dark green on the above surface. It has dark red petioles which is 1.27 cm long. The leaves are tough, coriaceous and measure about 7 to 11 cm long and 3 to 5.5 cm wide.

Health Benefits of Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate acts as a diuretic, tonic, and stimulant that helps to lower fatigue, aids gastric function, and also suppresses appetite. It is used as a depurative that promotes the elimination of waste. The bitter qualities found in Yerba Mate supports digestion. It is useful for nervous depression, weight loss, psychogenic, physical and mental fatigue, headaches, and rheumatic pains. Yerba Mate is a well-known for losing weight in Germany. It possesses xanthine which is a chemical that enhances metabolism and is also rich in pantothenic acid that prevents overstimulation of the nervous system. The antioxidant properties enhance immunity which is helpful for preventing flu and colds.

1. Lose weight

Polyphenols such as phenolic acids and flavonoids found in Yerba Mate inhibits enzymes such as lipoprotein lipase and pancreatic lipase which play vital role in the metabolism of fats. Polyphenols lower triglycerides, serum levels of glucose, and LDL. It slows gastric emptying that helps to increase satiety. It lowers the absorption of dietary fats and also alters the metabolism of cholesterol. In addition, it is not recommended over physical exercise and diet. It slows down the digestion process so the stomach becomes full for a long time period. Add Yerba Mate along with regular exercise and a healthy diet that promotes metabolism that burns more calories and helps to eat less.

2. Prevent colon cancer

The caffeine derivatives found in Yerba Mate tea lead to death in colon cancer cells along with lowering markers of inflammation which promotes the progression of cancer. As its DNA is damaged, the cancer cell destructs itself. It is able to induce cell death or apoptosis in all cancer types. The mechanism has been identified which leads to the death of cells. The result derived from the conducted study shows that the caffeine derivatives found in Yerba Mate tea possess anti-cancer properties and also helpful for diseases related to inflammation. (1)

3. Treat inflammation

Yerba Mate is attributed for phenolic compounds. The study results in antimicrobial activity of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Yerba Mate against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli which are food pathogens. The research shows that Yerba Mate has antimicrobial properties that prevent the health conditions caused by bacteria named E. coli. It has flavonoids that are effective to lower inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties found in Yerba Mate helps to lower the chances of chronic diseases and also promote overall health. (2)

4. Strengthen immunity

Yerba Mate contains saponins and polyphenols. Saponins are phytochemicals that are found in abundant amounts naturally. It is beneficial for cancer, blood cholesterol levels, and bone health. It promotes immunity and prevents the body from diseases. It has anti-inflammatory activity. The intake of Yerba Mate increases phytochemicals intake that helps to strengthen the body’s immunity naturally. The plant-based compounds harmonize the overactive immune response that leads to inflammatory bowel disease, seasonal allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.

5. Nutrient intake

Yerba Mate has Vitamin C, A, B1, E, B2, B complex, B5 and Niacin. Besides vitamins, it also contains minerals such as manganese, calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and phosphorus. Additionally, it possesses health-promoting compounds such as fatty acids, carotene, flavonols, chlorophyll, fatty acids, trace minerals, inositol, polyphenols, tannins, fatty acids, antioxidants and 15 amino acids. One cup of Yerba Mate provides all these nutrients which promote overall health.

6. Lowers cholesterol

The study shows that Yerba Mate tea promotes serum lipid level by lowering the level of cholesterol. The study shows that intake of Yerba Mate lowers bad cholesterol. The reduction of bad cholesterol lowers the chances of various cardiovascular ailments. Yerba Mate prevents the conditions such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure and low blood pressure. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect cardiovascular health and heart health. Theobromine found in Yerba Mate relaxes blood vessels that allow a better flow of blood. It prevents the chances of arteriosclerosis and blood clots that lead to stroke and heart attack. The research shows that Yerba Mate has a good impact on lipid parameters and also lowers LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients. Its intake protects the myocardial tissue of the heart and lowers oxidative stress caused due to reactive oxygen species.

7. Bone health

An intake of Yerba Mate tea promotes bone density even in those people who don’t exercise. The study shows that the post-menopausal women drank Yerba mate tea regularly which results in greater bone density in spines by 10% in comparison to those who did not consume it. Yerba Mate contains various minerals which are needed for the mineral density of bones in the body. Phosphorus, iron, calcium, zinc and potassium are the parts of the process that prevent the chances of osteoporosis.

8. Mental activity

Caffeine is found in moderate amounts in Yerba Mate which is used as a psychoactive drug. It helps to promote mood, memory and alertness. It stimulates the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Yerba mate also possesses compounds such as theophylline and theobromine along with caffeine. These alkaloids provide mild stimulant effects similar to green tea. Yerba Mate tea has vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols that provide a balancing effect on caffeine. It increases mental focus, clarity, and energy. The antioxidants found in Yerba Mate tea prevent the deposition of plaque in the brain that counteracts the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as well.

9. Supports digestion

Yerba Mate tea has been used by South American people as an aid for digestive problems. It supports digestion by stimulating the increased production of gastric acids and bile. It effectively cleans the colon and eliminates waste and also lowers stomach bacteria that cause bad breath. It increases the flow of bile and enhances the intestinal tract. The plant of Mate has unique compounds such as xanthines that promote relaxation of muscles that is good for digestion and prevent bloating, constipation, cramping, and other digestive problems.

10. Antioxidant activity

The intake of Yerba Mate contains various phytochemicals such as chlorogenic acid, polyphenols, and caffeoyl derivatives which act as antioxidants. The research shows that the extracts of Yerba Mate lower oxidative stress which increases the chances of damage to heart and liver. It lowers nitrosative stress that damages DNA, lipid peroxidation and cell death. In comparison to green tea, Yerba Mate effectively prevents cytotoxicity related to the restriction of blood flower heart disorders like stroke. The antioxidant activities help in the prevention of heart disease, blood flow problems, autoimmune disorders and prevent aging.

Traditional uses

• Yerba Mate is used as a treatment for fatigue, psychogenic headache, rheumatic pains, nervous depression and headache-related with fatigue.
• Dried and roasted leaves are used for medicinal purposes.
• The herb is used for physical and mental fatigue.
• Yerba Mate is used internally in folk medicine for treating anemia, ulcers, rheumatism, depression, neurasthenia and as a prophylaxis against infections and fevers, and as a diuretic for oliguria.
• Use it as a poultice externally for inflammation and ulcers.
• This herb is useful for treating poor digestion.
• An infusion could be prepared by pouring boiled water in 1 teaspoonful of drug and let it remain for 5-10 minutes and then strain it. This infused drink is less astringent, more stimulating, and also tastes better.
• It is able to stimulate the central nervous system.
• Yerba Mate is beneficial for cardiovascular health and assist in managing obesity.
• The polyphenols in Yerba Mate assist to enhance immunity, lower the chances of diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia and also relieve allergies.
• Yerba Mate helps to suppress appetite, lose weight, also helps to burn more calories, increase focus, supply of oxygen and nutrient to heart, promote sleep and enhance mood.
• It is used to prevent cancer as it could stop the growth of cancer cells.
• The plant is useful to provide relief from mental and physical stress, urinary tract infections, joints, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome.
• It is used for treating heart complaints such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure and low blood pressure.
• It is an aid for kidney stones and bladder problems.
• In Brazil, it is used for renal colic, digestive problems, obesity, nerve pain, fatigue and depression.
• Apply it topically for ulcers, burns and antibacterial patch.

Precautions     

• Side effects include tremor, anxiety, sleeplessness, withdrawal headach and palpitations.
• Its excessive use increases the chances of oesophageal cancer in men and women.
• An individual having cardiac disorder and hypertension should not use Yerba Mate.
• Warnings related with caffeine are also applicable.
• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should restrict the use of Yerba Mate.
• Its daily use is associated with increasing risk of lung, prostate, head, esophageal and neck cancers.
• Overdose of Mate tea increases the chances of several types of cancers.
• Yerba Mate should not be used with heart or blood pressure medications, chemotherapy drugs, stimulant drugs and drugs for depression.
• Should not be used by the patients of cardiac disorders, hypertension and anxiety.
• It is unsafe to use for children.

How to Eat         

• Yerba Mate is consumed as a beverage in Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Center-Western and Southern Brazil, Southern Chile and Paraguay.
• The dried and chopped leaves are ground into the powdery mixture which is called yerba.
• In Paraguay, Yerba Mate tea is used as a refreshing and stimulating drink.
• It could be used as a part of tea and soft drinks.

 

References

Show More