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Yerba mate was has been used as a beverage since the time of the ancient Indians of Brazil and Paraguay. In addition to its standing as a popular beverage, yerba mate is used as a tonic, diuretic, and as a stimulant to reduce fatigue, suppress appetite, and aid gastric function in herbal medicine systems throughout South America.* For more information yerba mate(Ilex paraguayensis), please refer to the Database File for Yerba Mate in the Tropical Plant Database. To see photographs of yerba mate, click here.

Traditional Uses:* as a stimulant (for its caffeine content); as an overall tonic (tones, balances, strengthens the body) and digestive aid; for obesity and as part of weight loss regimens; as a general nervine (balances/calms nerves) for nerve pain, nervous fatigue, and depression; for allergies and sinusitis

Suggested Use: This plant is best prepared as an infusion (tea): Use one teaspoon of powder for each cup of water. Pour boiling water over herb in cup and allow to steep 10 minutes. Strain tea (or allow settled powder to remain in the bottom of cup) and drink warm. It is traditionally taken in 1 cup amounts, 2-3 times daily. It is also suitable to stuff into capsules. For more complete instructions on preparing herbal infusions, see the Methods for Preparing Herbal Remedies Page.

Contraindications:

• 1. Yerba mate contains caffeine and should not be used by those who are sensitive or allergic to caffeine. Excessive consumption of caffeine is contraindicated for persons with high blood pressure, diabetes, ulcers, and other diseases.
• 2. Yerba mate should not be consumed excessively and chronically (as it has been documented to increase the risk of oral and esophageal cancers).

Drug Interactions: None documented.

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Published Research on Yerba Mate

All available third-party research on yerba mate can be found at PubMed. A partial listing of the published research on yerba mate updated through Feb 2019 is shown below:

Anti-fatigue, Athletic Performance & Memory Enhancement Actions:
Alkhatin, A., et al. "Yerba maté and exercise performance." Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 2018 Jul; 50(7): 1525.
Areta, J., et al. "Metabolic and performance effects of yerba mate on well-trained cyclists." Med. Sci. Sports. Exerc. 2018 Apr; 50(4): 817-826.
Prediger, R., et al. "Effects of acute administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of mate tea leaves (Ilex paraguariensis) in animal models of learning and memory." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Dec; 120(3): 465-73.
Lieberman, H. R., et al. "Effects of caffeine, sleep loss, and stress on cognitive performance and mood during U.S. Navy SEAL training." Psychopharmacology. 2002; 164(3): 250-61.
Alikaridis, F. "Natural constituents of Ilex species." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1987; 20(2): 121-44.
Fossati, C. "On the virtue and therapeutic properties of ‘yerba-maté’ (Ilex paraguayensis or paraguariensis St. Hilaire 1838)." Clin. Ter. 1976; 78(3): 265-72.
Vasquez, A., et al. "Studies on maté drinking." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1986; 18: 267-72.

Anti-Aging Actions:
Panza, V., et al. "Effect of mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) on the expression of the leukocyte NADPH oxidase subunit p47(phox) and on circulating inflammatory cytokines in healthy men: a pilot study." Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 2019 Mar; 70(2): 212-221.
Niraula, P., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis extends lifespan and increases an ability to resist environmental stresses in Drosophila." Rejuvenation Res. 2018 Dec; 21(6): 497-505.
Boligon, A., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis modulates fat metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans through purinergic system (ADOR-1) and nuclear hormone receptor (NHR-49) pathways." PLoS One. 2018 Sep; 13(9): e0204023.
da Veiga, D., et al. "Protective effect of yerba mate intake on the cardiovascular system: a post hoc analysis study in postmenopausal women." Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. 2018; 51(6): e7253.
Colpo, A., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis extracts extend the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster fed a high-fat diet." Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. 2017 Nov; 51(2): e6784.
Pereira, C., et al. "llex paraguariensis decreases oxidative stress in bone and mitigates the damage in rats during perimenopause. Exp Gerontol. 2017 Nov; 98: 148-152.
Pereira, A., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis supplementation may be an effective nutritional approach to modulate oxidative stress during perimenopause." Exp. Gerontol. 2017 Apr; 90: 14-18.
Bains, Y., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis and its main component chlorogenic acid inhibit fructose formation of advanced glycation endproducts with amino acids at conditions compatible with those in the digestive system." Fitoterapia. 2017 Mar; 117: 6-10.
Lima, M., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis extract increases lifespan and protects against the toxic effects caused by paraquat in Caenorhabditis elegans." Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. 2014 Sep; 11(10): 10091-104.
Conforti, A., et al. "Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption is associated with higher bone mineral density in postmenopausal women." Bone. 2012 Jan; 50(1): 9-13.
Dudonne, S., et al. "DNA macroarray study of skin aging-related genes expression modulation by antioxidant plant extracts on a replicative senescence model of human dermal fibroblasts." Phytother. Res. 2011 May; 25(5): 686-93.

Neuroprotective & Antidepressant Actions:
Cittadini, M., et al. "Neuroprotective effect of Ilex paraguariensis intake on brain myelin of lung adenocarcinoma-bearing male Balb/c mice." Nutr. Cancer. 2019 Jan 19: 1-5.
Cittadini, M., et al. "Effects of bioavailable phenolic compounds from Ilex paraguariensis on the brain of mice with lung adenocarcinoma." Phytother. Res. 2019 Feb 6.
de Lima, M., et al. "Comparing the effects of chlorogenic acid and Ilex paraguariensis extracts on different markers of brain alterations in rats subjected to chronic restraint stress." Neurotox. Res. 2019 Feb; 35(2): 373-386.
Schuster, J., et al. "More than just caffeine: psychopharmacology of methylxanthine interactions with plant-derived phytochemicals." Prog. Neuropsychopharmacol. Biol. Psychiatry. 2019 Mar; 89: 263-274.
Cittadini, M., et al. "Modulation of fatty acids and interleukin-6 in glioma cells by South American tea extracts and their phenolic compounds." Nutr. Cancer. 2018 Feb-Mar; 70(2): 267-277.
Bortoli, P., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis: potential antioxidant on aluminium toxicity, in an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease." J. Inorg. Biochem. 2018 Apr; 181: 104-110.
Colpo, A.., et al. "Compounds from Ilex paraguariensis extracts have antioxidant effects in the brains of rats subjected to chronic immobilization stress." Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab. 2017 Nov; 42(11): 1172-1178.
Oñatibia-Astibia, A., et al. "Health benefits of methylxanthines in neurodegenerative diseases." Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2017 Jun; 61(6).
Ludka, F., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis hydroalcoholic extract exerts antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects: involvement of the NMDA receptor and the L-arginine-NO pathway." Behav. Pharmacol. 2016 Jun; 27(4): 384-92.
Gatto, E., et al. "Inverse association between yerba mate consumption and idiopathic Parkinson's disease. A case-control study." J. Neurol. Sci. 2015 Sep; 356(1-2): 163-7.
Santos, E., et al. "Anxiolytic-like, stimulant and neuroprotective effects of Ilex paraguariensis extracts in mice." Neuroscience. 2015 Apr; 292: 13-21.
Reis Ede, M., et al. "Antidepressant-like effect of Ilex paraguariensis in rats." Biomed. Res. Int. 2014; 2014: 958209.
Cittadini, M., et al. "Effects of oral phytoextract intake on phenolic concentration and redox homeostasis in murine encephalic regions." Nutr. Neurosci. 2015 Oct; 18(7): 316-22.
Branco Cdos, S., et al. "Anticonvulsant, neuroprotective and behavioral effects of organic and conventional yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in Wistar rats." Brain Res. Bull. 2013 Mar; 92: 60-8.
Branco, C., et al. "Anticonvulsant, neuroprotective and behavioral effects of organic and conventional yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in wistar rats." Brain Res. Bull. 2013 Mar; 92: 60-8.

Cellular Protective Antioxidant Actions:
Barbato, O., et al. "Dietary supplementation of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) during the dry period improves redox balance in lactating dairy cows." Antioxidants. 2019 Feb; 8(2).
Cittadini, M., et al. "Effects of bioavailable phenolic compounds from Ilex paraguariensis on the brain of mice with lung adenocarcinoma." Phytother. Res. 2019 Feb 6.
Panza, V., et al. "Effect of mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) on the expression of the leukocyte NADPH oxidase subunit p47(phox) and on circulating inflammatory cytokines in healthy men: a pilot study." Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 2019 Mar; 70(2): 212-221.
Cuelho, C., et al. "Topical formulation containing Ilex paraguariensis extract increases metalloproteinases and myeloperoxidase activities in mice exposed to UVB radiation. J. Photochem. Photobiol. B. 2018 Dec; 189: 95-103.
Machado, M., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis modulates fat metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans through purinergic system (ADOR-1) and nuclear hormone receptor (NHR-49) pathways." PLoS One. 2018 Sep; 13(9): e0204023.
Kungel, P., et al. "Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of a purified polysaccharide from yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis)." Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2018 Jul; 114: 1161-1167.
Rodríguez-Arzuaga, M., et al. "New antioxidant treatment with yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) infusion for fresh-cut apples: Modeling, optimization, and acceptability." Food Sci. Technol. Int. 2018 Apr; 24(3): 223-231.
Bortoli, P., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis: Potential antioxidant on aluminium toxicity, in an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease." J. Inorg. Biochem. 2018 Apr; 181: 104-110.
Mateos, R., et al. "Improved LC-MS(n) characterization of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonols in different commercial mate (Ilex paraguariensis) brands. Quantification of polyphenols, methylxanthines, and antioxidant activity." Food Chem. 2018 Feb; 241: 232-241.
Baeza, G., et al. "Polyphenol content, in vitro bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of widely consumed beverages." J. Sci. Food Agric. 2018 Mar; 98(4): 1397-1406.
Albrecht, C., et al. "[Bioavailability of phenolic compounds and redox state of murine liver and kidney as sex-dependent responses to phytoextracts.]." Rev. Fac. Cien. Med. Univ. Nac. Cordoba. 2017 Dec; 74(4): 338-344.
Santiago, P., et al. "Mechanisms underlying antiatherosclerotic properties of an enriched fraction obtained from Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil." Phytomedicine. 2017 Oct; 34: 162-170.
Scotta, A., et al. "[In vitro modulating activity of aqueous extracts from American plants on chlorpyrifos-induced toxicity on murine splenocytes]." Rev. Fac. Cien. Med. Univ. Nac. Cordoba. 2017 Dec; 74(4): 325-330.
Gebara, K., et al. "Daily intake of chlorogenic acids from consumption of maté (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.) traditional beverages." J. Agric. Food. Chem. 2017 Nov; 65(46): 10093-10100.
Pereira, C., et al. "llex paraguariensis decreases oxidative stress in bone and mitigates the damage in rats during perimenopause." Exp. Gerontol. 2017 Nov; 98: 148-152.
Bains, Y., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis and its main component chlorogenic acid inhibit fructose formation of advanced glycation endproducts with amino acids at conditions compatible with those in the digestive system." Fitoterapia. 2017 Mar; 117: 6-10.
Portela, J., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis crude extract acts on protection and reversion from damage induced by t-butyl hydroperoxide in human erythrocytes: a comparative study with isolated caffeic and/or chlorogenic acids." J. Sci. Food Agric. 2017 May; 97(7): 2007-2014.
Oh, K., et al. "Optimization of pancreatic lipase inhibitory and antioxidant activities of Ilex paraguariensis by using response surface methodology." Arch. Pharm. Res. 2016 Jul; 39(7): 946-52.
Petrilli, A., et al. "Effect of chocolate and yerba mate phenolic compounds on inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in HIV/AIDS individuals." Nutrients. 2016 May 23; 8(5).
Piovezan-Borges, A., et al. "Antioxidant potential of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) extracts in Saccharomyces cerevisae deficient in oxidant defense genes." Braz. J. Biol. 2016 Jun; 76(2): 539-44.
Panza, V., et al. "Effects of mate tea consumption on muscle strength and oxidative stress markers after eccentric exercise." Br. J. Nutr. 2016 Apr; 115(8): 1370-8.
de Oliveira, C., et al. "Statistical approaches to assess the association between phenolic compounds and the in vitro antioxidant activity of Camellia sinensis and Ilex paraguariensis teas." Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 2015; 55(10): 1456-73.
Branco, C., et al. "Organic and conventional yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil) improves metabolic redox status of liver and serum in Wistar rats." Antioxidants. 2013 Jul; 2(3): 100-9.
Peralta, I., et al. "Prevention of hydrogen peroxide-induced red blood cells lysis by Ilex paraguariensis aqueous extract: participation of phenolic and xanthine compounds." Phytother. Res. 2013 Feb; 27(2): 192-8
Fernandes, E., et al. "Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) enhances the gene modulation and activity of paraoxonase-2: in vitro and in vivo studies." Nutrition. 2012 Nov-Dec; 28(11-12): 1157-64.
Gorjanovic, S., et al. "Antioxidant capacity of teas and herbal infusions: polarographic assessment." J. Agric. Food Chem. 2012 Sep; 60(38): 9573-80.
Boaventura, B., et al. "Association of mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) intake and dietary intervention and effects on oxidative stress biomarkers of dyslipidemic subjects." Nutrition. 2012 Jun; 28(6): 657-64.
Conforti, A., et al. "Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption is associated with higher bone mineral density in postmenopausal women." Bone. 2012 Jan; 50(1): 9-13.
Cunha, F., et al. "Reduction in oxidative stress levels in the colonic mucosa without fecal stream after the application of enemas containing aqueous Ilex paraguariensis extract." Acta. Cir. Bras. 2011 Aug; 26(4): 289-96.
Coentrao, A., et al. "Antioxidant activity of polyphenols from green and toasted mate tea." Nat. Prod. Commun. 2011 May; 6(5): 651-6.
Beal, P., et al. "Oxidative stability of fermented Italian-type sausages using mate leaves (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) extract as natural antioxidant." Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 2011 Nov; 62(7): 703-10.
Berte, K., 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. 2011 May; 59(10): 5523-7.
Vieira, M., et al. "Phenolic acids and methylxanthines composition and antioxidant properties of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) residue." J Food Sci. 2010 Apr; 75(3): C280-5.
Leonard, S., et al. "Analysis of free-radical scavenging of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguriensis) using electron spin resonance and radical-induced DNA damage." J. Food. Sci. 2010 Jan-Feb; 75(1): C14-20.
Xu, G., et al. "Chemical constituents from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis inhibit human neutrophil elastase." Arch. Pharm. Res. 2009 Sep; 32(9): 1215-20.
Matsumoto, R., et al. "Effects of mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) ingestion on mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and total antioxidant status in healthy young women." J. Agric. Food Chem. 2009 Mar; 57(5): 1775-80.
Martins, F., et al. "Consumption of mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) decreases the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in mouse liver." Br. J. Nutr. 2009 Feb; 101(4): 527-32.
Filip, R., et al. "Effect of Ilex extracts and isolated compounds on peroxidase secretion of rat submandibulary glands." Food. Chem. Toxicol. 2007 Apr; 45(4): 649-55.
Bixby, M., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis extracts are potent inhibitors of nitrosative stress: a comparative study with green tea and wines using a protein nitration model and mammalian cell cytotoxicity." Life Sci. 2005 Jun; 77(3): 345.
Arbiser, J., et al. "Naturally occurring proteasome inhibitors from mate tea (Ilex paraguayensis) serve as models for topical proteasome inhibitors." J. Invest. Dermatol. 2005 Aug; 125(2): 207-12.
Chandra, S., et al. "Polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and quinone reductase activity of an aqueous extract of Ardisia compressa in comparison to mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and green (Camellia sinensis) teas." J. Agric. Food Chem. 2004 Jun; 52(11): 3583-9.
Ramirez-Mares, M. V., et al. "In vitro chemopreventive activity of Camellia sinensis, Ilex paraguariensis and Ardisia compressa tea extracts and selected polyphenols." Mutat. Res. 2004 Oct; 554(1-2): 53-65.
Bracesco, N., et al. "Antioxidant activity of a botanical extract preparation of Ilex paraguariensis: prevention of DNA double-strand breaks in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human low-density lipoprotein oxidation." J. Altern. Complement. Med. 2003 Jun; 9(3): 379-87.
Actis-Goretta, L., et al. "Comparative study on the antioxidant capacity of wines and other plant-derived beverages." Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 2002; 957: 279-83.
Filip, R., et al. "Antioxidant activity of Ilex paraguariensis and related species." Nutr. Res. 2000; 20(10): 1437-46.
Schinella, G., et al. "Antioxidant effects of an aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis." Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 2000; 269(2): 357-60.
Gugliucci, A. "Antioxidant effects of Ilex paraguariensis: induction of decreased oxidability of human LDL in vivo." Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 1996; 224(2): 338-44.
Gugliucci, A. "Low-density lipoprotein oxidation is inhibited by extracts of Ilex paraguariensis." Biochem. Mol. Biol. Int. 1995; 35(1): 47-56.

Anti-obesity, Thermogenic (fat-burning), & Cholesterol-Lowering Actions:
Chianese, G., et al. "Bioactive triterpenoids from the caffeine-rich plants guayusa and maté." Food Res. Int. 2019 Jan; 115: 504-510.
Machado, M., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis modulates fat metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans through purinergic system (ADOR-1) and nuclear hormone receptor (NHR-49) pathways." PLoS One. 2018 Sep; 13(9): e0204023.
Dos Santos, T., et al. "Yerba mate stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and thermogenesis in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice." Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2018 May 31: e1800142.
de Oliveira, E., et al. "Treatment with Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) aqueous solution prevents hepatic redox imbalance, elevated triglycerides, and microsteatosis in overweight adult rats that were precociously weaned." Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. 2018; 51(6) :e7342.
Chaves, G., et al. "Heavy drinkers of Ilex paraguariensis beverages show lower lipid profiles but higher body weight." Phytother. Res. 2018 Jun; 32(6): 1030-1038.
Miranda, A., et al. "[Regional oxidative stress in encephalon of female mice with polyphenolic exposure from tea extracts in oral overweight plant-based treatment]." Rev. Fac. Cien. Med. Univ. Nac. Cordoba. 2017 Sep; 74(3): 197-202.
Choi, M., et al. "Long-term dietary supplementation with yerba mate ameliorates diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders in mice by regulating energy expenditure and lipid metabolism. J. Med. Food. 2017 Dec; 20(12): 1168-1175.
Colpo, A., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis extracts extend the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster fed a high-fat diet." Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. 2017 Nov; 51(2): e6784.
Alkhatib, A., et al. "Yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis) metabolic, satiety, and mood state effects at rest and during prolonged exercise." Nutrients. 2017 Aug 15; 9(8).
Conceição, E., et al. "Effects of Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) on the hypothalamic signalling of insulin and leptin and liver dysfunction in adult rats overfed during lactation." J. Dev. Orig. Health Dis. 2017 Feb; 8(1): 123-132.
Oh, K., et al. "Optimization of pancreatic lipase inhibitory and antioxidant activities of Ilex paraguariensis by using response surface methodology." Arch. Pharm. Res. 2016 Jul; 39(7): 946-52.
Gamboa-Gómez, C., et al. "Plants with potential use on obesity and its complications." EXCLI J. 2015 Jul; 14: 809-31.
Kim, S., et al. "Anti-obesity effects of Yerba Mate (Ilex Paraguariensis): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial." BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 2015 Sep; 15: 338.
Messina, D., et al. "[Lipid - lowering effect of mate tea intake in dyslipidemic subjects]." Nutr. Hosp. 2015 May; 31(5): 2131-9.
Gambero, A., et al. "The positive effects of yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis) in obesity." Nutrients. 2015 Jan; 7(2): 730-50.
Lima Nda, S., et al. "Effects of Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) treatment on leptin resistance and inflammatory parameters in obese rats primed by early weaning." Life Sci. 2014 Oct; 115(1-2): 29-35.
de Meneses Fujii, T., et al. "Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) modulates NF-kappaB pathway and AKT expression in the liver of rats fed on a high-fat diet." Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 2014 Dec; 65(8): 967-76.
Bravo, L., et al. "Hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant effects of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in high-cholesterol fed rats." Fitoterapia. 2014 Jan; 92: 219-29.
Lima Nda, S., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) improves endocrine and metabolic disorders in obese rats primed by early weaning." Eur. J. Nutr. 2014 Feb; 53(1): 73-82.
Carmo, L., et al. "The effects of yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption on IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 production by bone marrow cells in wistar rats fed a high-fat diet." Int. J. Vitam. Nutr. Res. 2013; 83(1): 26-35.
Gao, H., et al. "Effects of Yerba Mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) on vascular endothelial function and liver lipoprotein receptor gene expression in hyperlipidemic rats." Fitoterapia. 2013 Jan; 84: 264-72.
Borges, M., et al. "The effect of mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in high-fat diet-fed Wistar rats." Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 2013 Aug; 64(5): 561-9.
Arçari, D., et al. "The in vitro and in vivo effects of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) extract on adipogenesis." Food Chem. 2013 Nov; 141(2): 809-15.
Arçari, D., et al. "Modulatory effects of yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis) on the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway." Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2013 Oct; 57(10): 1882-5.
Gao, H., et al. "Beneficial effects of Yerba Mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) on hyperlipidemia in high-fat-fed hamsters." Exp. Gerontol. 2013 Jun; 48(6): 572-8.
Balzan, S., et al. "Lipid-lowering effects of standardized extracts of Ilex paraguariensis in high-fat-diet rats." Fitoterapia. 2013 Apr; 86: 115-22.
Resende, P., et al. "The activity of mate saponins (Ilex paraguariensis) in intra-abdominal and epididymal fat, and glucose oxidation in male Wistar rats." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Dec; 144(3): 735-40.
Pimentel, G., et al. "Yerba mate extract (Ilex paraguariensis) attenuates both central and peripheral inflammatory effects of diet-induced obesity in rats." J. Nutr. Biochem. 2012 Jul 25.
Boaventura, B., et al. "Association of mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) intake and dietary intervention and effects on oxidative stress biomarkers of dyslipidemic subjects." Nutrition. 2012 Jun; 28(6): 657-64.
Gosmann, G., et al. "Phenolic compounds from maté (Ilex paraguariensis) inhibit adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes." Plant Foods Hum. Nutr. 2012 Jun; 67(2): 156-61.
Kang, Y., et al. "Anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet." Lab Anim Res. 2012 Mar; 28(1): 23-9.
Hussein, G., et al. "Mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) promotes satiety and body weight lowering in mice: involvement of glucagon-like peptide-1." Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2011; 34(12): 1849-55.
Klein, G., 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 Oct; 30(5): 320-32.
Huessein, G., et al. "Protective and ameliorative effects of maté (Ilex paraguariensis) on metabolic syndrome in TSOD mice." Phytomedicine. 2011 Dec; 19(1): 88-97.
Silva, R., et al. "The effect of aqueous extract of gross and commercial yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) on intra-abdominal and epididymal fat and glucose levels in male Wistar rats." Fitoterapia. 2011 Sep; 82(6): 818-26
Arcari, D., et al. "Anti-inflammatory effects of yerba maté extract (Ilex paraguariensis) ameliorate insulin resistance in mice with high fat diet-induced obesity." Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. 2011 Mar; 335(2): 110-5.
Bracesco, N., et al. "Recent advances on Ilex paraguariensis research: minireview." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Jul; 136(3): 378-84.
de Moralis, E., et al. "Consumption of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis ) improves serum lipid parameters in healthy dyslipidemic subjects and provides an additional LDL-cholesterol reduction in individuals on statin therapy." J. Agric. Food Chem. 2009 Sep; 57(18): 8316-24.
Martins, F., et al. "Maté tea inhibits in vitro pancreatic lipase activity and has hypolipidemic effect on high-fat diet-induced obese mice." Obesity (Silver Spring). 2010 Jan; 18(1): 42-7.
Arcari, D., et al. "Antiobesity effects of yerba maté extract (Ilex paraguariensis) in high-fat diet-induced obese mice." Obesity (Silver Spring). 2009 Dec; 17(12): 2127-33.
Pang, J., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis extract ameliorates obesity induced by high-fat diet: potential role of AMPK in the visceral adipose tissue." Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 2008 Aug ; 476(2): 178-85.
Dickel, M., et al. "Plants popularly used for losing weight purposes in Porto Alegre, South Brazil." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Jan; 109(1): 60-71.
Mosimann, A., et al. "Aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis attenuates the progression of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits." Biofactors. 2006; 26(1): 59-70.
Pittler, M., "Adverse events of herbal food supplements for body weight reduction: systematic review." Obes. Rev. 2005 May; 6(2): 93-111.
Paganini Stein, F., et al. "Vascular responses to extractable fractions of Ilex paraguariensis in rats fed standard and high-cholesterol diets." Biol. Res. Nurs. 2005 Oct; 7(2): 146-56.
Collomp, K., et al. "Effects of salbutamol and caffeine ingestion on exercise metabolism and performance." Int. J. Sports Med. 2002; 23(8): 549-54.
Anderson, T., et al. "Weight loss and delayed gastric emptying following a South American herbal preparation in overweight patients." J. Hum. Nutr. Diet. 2001; 14(3): 243-50.
Martinet, A., et al. "Thermogenic effects of commercially available plant preparations aimed at treating human obesity." Phytomedicine. 1999; 6(4): 231-38.

Gastroprotective Actions:
Gonzalez-Gil, F., et al. "Yerba mate enhances probiotic bacteria growth in vitro but as a feed additive does not reduce Salmonella enteritidis colonization in vivo." Poult Sci. 2014 Feb; 93(2): 434-40.
Puangpraphant, S., et al. "Yerba mate tea and mate saponins prevented azoxymethane-induced inflammation of rat colon through suppression of NF-κB p65ser(311) signaling via IκB-α and GSK-3β reduced phosphorylation." Biofactors. 2013 Jul-Aug; 39(4): 430-40.
Maria-Ferreira, D., et al. "Chemical and biological characterization of polysaccharides isolated from Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil." Int. J. Biol. Macromol. 2013 Aug; 59: 125-33.

Anti-inflammatory & Pain Relieving Actions:
Panza, V., et al. "Effect of mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) on the expression of the leukocyte NADPH oxidase subunit p47(phox) and on circulating inflammatory cytokines in healthy men: a pilot study." Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 2019 Mar; 70(2): 212-221.
Muñoz-Culla, M., et al. "Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) inhibits lymphocyte activation in vitro. Food Funct. 2016 Nov; 7(11): 4556-4563.
Petrilli, A., et al. "Effect of chocolate and yerba mate phenolic compounds on inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in HIV/AIDS individuals." Nutrients. 2016 May; 8(5).
Luz, A., et al. "The anti-inflammatory effect of Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil (Mate) in a murine model of pleurisy." Int. Immunopharmacol. 2016 Jul; 36: 165-172.
de Carvalho, E., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis promotes orofacial pain relief after formalin injection: involvement of noradrenergic pathway." Pharmacognosy Res. 2016 Mar; 8(Suppl 1): S31-7.
Lim, D., et al. "Analgesic effect of Ilex paraguariensis extract on postoperative and neuropathic pain in rats." Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2015; 38(10): 1573-9.
Lima Nda, S., et al. "Effects of Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) treatment on leptin resistance and inflammatory parameters in obese rats primed by early weaning." Life Sci. 2014 Oct; 115(1-2): 29-35.
Schinella, G., et al. "An aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis reduces carrageenan-induced edema and inhibits the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in animal models of inflammation." Planta Med. 2014 Aug; 80(12): 961-8.
Pimentel, G., et al. "Yerba mate extract (Ilex paraguariensis) attenuates both central and peripheral inflammatory effects of diet-induced obesity in rats." J. Nutr. Biochem. 2012 Jul 25.
Matsunaga, K., et al. "Inhibitory action of Paraguayan medicinal plants on 5-lipoxygenase." Natural Med. 2000; 54(3): 151-54.
Marr, K., et al. "Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of fenleuton, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, in ponies." Res. Vet. Sci. 1998; 64(2): 111-17.
Yasukawa, K., et al. "Inhibitory effect of edible plant extracts on 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced ear oedema in mice." Phytother. Res. 1993; 7(2): 185-89.

Anti-hemorrhagic Actions:
Dahmer, T., et al. "Antithrombotic effect of chikusetsusaponin iva isolated from Ilex paraguariensis (Maté)." J. Med. Food. 2012 Dec; 15(12): 1073-80.

Anti-diabetic Actions:
Rocha, D., et al. "Effect of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) extract on the metabolism of diabetic rats." Biomed. Pharmacother. 2018 Sep; 105: 370-376.
Oh, K., et al. "Optimization of pancreatic lipase inhibitory and antioxidant activities of Ilex paraguariensis by using response surface methodology." Arch. Pharm. Res. 2016 Jul; 39(7): 946-52.
Pereira, D., et al. "Influence of the traditional Brazilian drink Ilex paraguariensis tea on glucose homeostasis." Phytomedicine. 2012 Jul; 19(10): 868-77.
Kang, Y., et al. "Anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet." Lab Anim Res. 2012 Mar; 28(1): 23-9.
Klein, G., 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 Oct; 30(5): 320-32.
Huessein, G., et al. "Protective and ameliorative effects of maté (Ilex paraguariensis) on metabolic syndrome in TSOD mice." Phytomedicine. 2011 Dec; 19(1): 88-97.
Arcari, D., et al. "Anti-inflammatory effects of yerba maté extract (Ilex paraguariensis) ameliorate insulin resistance in mice with high fat diet-induced obesity." Mol. Cell. Endocrinol. 2011 Mar; 335(2): 110-5.
Lunceford, N., et al. "Ilex paraguariensis extracts inhibit AGE formation more efficiently than green tea." Fitoterapia. 2005 Jul; 76(5): 419-27.
Gugliucci, A., et al. "The botanical extracts of Achyrocline satureoides and Ilex paraguariensis prevent methylglyoxal-induced inhibition of plasminogen and antithrombin III." Life Sci. 2002; 72(3): 279-92.
Kalousova, M., et al. "Advanced glycation end-products and advanced oxidation protein products in patients with diabetes mellitus." Physiol. Res. 2002; 51(6): 597-604.

Bile Stimulant Actions:
Mosimann, A., et al. "Aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis attenuates the progression of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits." Biofactors. 2006; 26(1): 59-70.
Gorzalczany, S., et al. "Choleretic effect and intestinal propulsion of ‘maté’ (Ilex paraguariensis) and its substitutes of adulterants." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2001; 75(2-3): 291-94.

Heart & Circulatory Tonic Actions:
Cuesta, A., et al. "[Acute effect of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption on heart rhythm in patients referred for Holter study]." Arch. Cardiol. Mex. 2018 Dec; 88(5): 468-473.
Santiago, P., et al. "Mechanisms underlying antiatherosclerotic properties of an enriched fraction obtained from Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil." Phytomedicine. 2017 Oct; 34: 162-170.
Cahuê, F., et al. "Short-term consumption of Ilex paraguariensis extracts protects isolated hearts from ischemia/reperfusion injury and contradicts exercise-mediated cardioprotection." Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab. 2017 Nov; 42(11): 1149-1157.
González Arbeláez, L., et al. "Effect of an Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) extract on infarct size in isolated rat hearts: the mechanisms involved." Food Funct. 2016 Feb; 7(2): 816-24.
Yu, S., et al. "Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) improves microcirculation of volunteers with high blood viscosity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial." Exp. Gerontol. 2015 Feb; 62: 14-22.
Gao, H., et al. "Aqueous extract of Yerba Mate tea lowers atherosclerotic risk factors in a rat hyperlipidemia model." Phytother. Res. 2013 Aug; 27(8): 1225-31.
Paganini Stein, F., et al. "Vascular responses to extractable fractions of Ilex paraguariensis in rats fed standard and high-cholesterol diets." Biol. Res. Nurs. 2005 Oct; 7(2): 146-56.
Schinella, G., et al. "Cardioprotective effects of Ilex paraguariensis extract: evidence for a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism." Clin. Nutr. 2005 Jun; 24(3): 360-6.
Gorgen, M., et al. "Aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis decreases nucleotide hydrolysis in rat blood serum." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Feb; 97(1): 73-7.
Leborgne, L., et al. "Oxidative stress, atherogenesis and cardiovascular risk factors." Arch. Mal. Coeur. Vaiss. 2002; 95(9): 805-14.
Muccillo Baisch, A., et al. "Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxing activity of aqueous extracts of Ilex paraguariensis on mesenteric arterial bed of rats." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1998; 60(2): 133-39.

Osteogenic Actions:
Brasilino, M., et al. "Mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) improves bone formation in the alveolar socket healing after tooth extraction in rats." Clin. Oral Investig. 2018 Apr; 22(3): 1449-1461.
da Veiga, D., et al. "The yerba mate intake has a neutral effect on bone: A case-control study in postmenopausal women." Phytother. Res. 2018 Jan; 32(1): 58-64.
Brun, L., et al. "Effects of yerba mate (IIex paraguariensis) on histomorphometry, biomechanics, and densitometry on bones in the rat." Calcif. Tissue Int. 2015 Nov; 97(5): 527-34.
Conforti, A., et al. "Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption is associated with higher bone mineral density in postmenopausal women." Bone. 2012 Jan; 50(1): 9-13.

Antimicrobial Actions:
Fernandes, C., et al. "Phytochemical profile, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of extracts obtained from erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) fruit using compressed propane and supercritical CO(2)." J. Food Sci. Technol. 2017 Jan; 54(1): 98-104.
Rempe, C., et al. "Computational ranking of yerba mate small molecules based on their predicted contribution to antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus." PLoS One. 2015 May; 10(5): e0123925.
Prado Martin, J., et al. "Antimicrobial activity of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) against food pathogens." Rev. Argent. Microbiol. 2013 Apr-Jun; 45(2): 93-8.
Burris, K., et al. "Aqueous extracts of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) as a natural antimicrobial against Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a microbiological medium and pH 6.0 apple juice." J. Food. Prot. 2012 Apr; 75(4): 753-7
Burrins, K., et al. "Antimicrobial activity of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) aqueous extracts against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus." J Food Sci. 2011 Aug; 76(6): M456-62.
Luckemeyer, D., et al. "Effects of Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. (yerba mate) on Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 replication." Phytother. Res. 2012 Apr; 26(4): 535-40.
Battagim, J., 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 Apr; 27(2): 232-40.
Filip, R., et al. "Antifungal activity of the aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis against Malassezia furfur." Phytother Res. 2010 May; 24(5): 715-9.

Anticancerous Actions:
Bracesco, N., et al. "Analysis of radioprotection and antimutagenic effects of Ilex paraguariensis infusion and its component rutin." Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. 2018 Jul; 51(9): e7404.
Amigo-Benavent, M., et al. "Antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of green coffee and yerba mate extracts, their main hydroxycinnamic acids, methylxanthine and metabolites in different human cell lines." Food Chem. Toxicol. 2017 Aug; 106(Pt A): 125-138.
Ramirez-Mares, M., et al. "Inhibitory effect of Camellia sinensis, Ilex paraguariensis and Ardisia compressa tea extracts on the proliferation of human head and neck squamous carcinoma cells." Toxicol Rep. 2016 Feb; 3: 269-278.
Puangpraphant, S, et al. "Dicaffeoylquinic acids in yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hilaire) inhibit NF-kB nucleus translocation in macrophages and induce apoptosis by activating caspases-8 and -3 in human colon cancer cells." Mol. Nutr. Food Res. 2011 Oct; 55(10): 1509-22.
Arbiser, J., et al. "Naturally occurring proteasome inhibitors from mate tea (Ilex paraguayensis) serve as models for topical proteasome inhibitors." J. Invest. Dermatol. 2005 Aug; 125(2): 207-12.
Gonzalez de Mejia, E., et al. "Effect of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) tea on topoisomerase inhibition and oral carcinoma cell proliferation." J. Agric. Food Chem. 2005 Mar; 53(6): 1966-73.

Cancerous Actions:
Lopes, A., et al. "Urinary concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites in maté drinkers in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil." Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2018 Mar; 27(3): 331-337.
Stefani, E., et al. "Maté consumption and risk of cancer: a multi-site case-control study in Uruguay." Asian Pac. J. Cancer Prev. 2011; 12(4): 1089-93.
Szyman'ska, K., et al. "Drinking of maté and the risk of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract in Latin America: a case-control study." Cancer Causes Control. 2010 Nov; 21(11): 1799-806
Dasanayake, A., et al. "Maté drinking and oral and oro-pharyngeal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Oral Oncol. 2010 Feb; 46(2): 82-6.
Bates, M. N., et al. "Bladder cancer and mate consumption in Argentina: A case-control study." Cancer Lett. 2007 Feb; 246(1-2): 268-73.
Fagundes, R., et al. "Higher urine 1-hydroxy pyrene glucuronide (1-OHPG) is associated with tobacco smoke exposure and drinking mate in healthy subjects from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil." BMC Cancer. 2006 May; 6: 139.
Goldenberg, D., et al. "The beverage mate: a risk factor for cancer of the head and neck." Head Neck. 2003; 25(7): 595-601.
Sewram, V., et al. "Mate consumption and the risk of squamous cell esophageal cancer in Uruguay." Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev. 2003; 12(6): 508-13.
Castellsague, X., et al. "Influence of maté drinking, hot beverages and diet on esophageal cancer risk in South America." Int. J. Cancer. 2000; 88(4): 658-64.
Fonseca, C., et al. "Nontoxic, mutagenic, and clastogenic activities of Mate-Chimarrao (Ilex paraguariensis)." J. Environ. Pathol. Toxicol. Oncol. 2000; 19(4): 333-46.

Toxicity / Safety Studies:
de Sousa, W., et al. "Evaluation of reproductive toxicology of aqueous extract of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.), a traditional South American beverage." J. Med. Food. 2019 Jan; 22(1): 97-101.
de Andrade, F., et. al. Safety assessment of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) dried extract: results of acute and 90 days subchronic toxicity studies in rats and rabbits." Food Chem Toxicol. 2012 Feb; 50(2): 328-34.

Reviews:
Gan, R., et al. "Health benefits of bioactive compounds from the genus Ilex, a source of traditional caffeinated beverages." Nutrients. 2018 Nov 5; 10(11).

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