Aimé Jacques Alexandre Goujaud (Apodado Bonpland): médico y naturalista: 250 años de su nacimiento 1773-2023: sus vínculos con el Uruguay / Aimé Jacques Alexandre Goujaud (Apodado Bonpland): physician and naturalist: 250 years of his birth 1773-2023: his links with Uruguay / Aimé Jacques Alexandre Goujaud (Apodado Bonpland): médico e naturalista: 250 anos de seu nascimento 1773-2023: seus vínculos com o Uruguai

Se conmemoran en 2023 los 250 años del nacimiento de Bonpland, francés, médico y naturalista, botánico y viajero, hacendado y político que transitó en el siglo XIX por los cuatro países que hoy integran el Mercado Común del Sur (MERCOSUR). En Argentina por Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, Corrientes y Misiones; en Uruguay reiteradamente en Montevideo; en Paraguay por Santa María de Fe, Itapúa y Asunción; en Brasil por San Borja en Rio Grande del Sur. Vino al Río de la Plata atraído por promesas que no se cumplieron luego de explorar parte de América con el barón Alexander von Humboldt y encargarse como intendente botánico de los jardines de Malmaison, la residencia de la emperatriz Josefina, primera esposa de Napoleón Bonaparte. No pudo retornar a su patria, Francia y terminó sus días -ya octogenario- en un apartado pueblo correntino, donde hubo que sepultarlo de apuro por carecer de medios de embalsamamiento que permitieran trasladar su cuerpo a la capital provincial.

The year 2023 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Bonpland, Frenchman, physician and naturalist, botanist and traveler, landowner and politician who traveled in the 19th century through the four countries that today make up the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). In Argentina, he visited Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, Corrientes and Misiones; in Uruguay, Montevideo; in Paraguay, Santa María de Fe, Itapúa and Asunción; in Brazil, San Borja in Rio Grande do Sul. He came to the Rio de la Plata attracted by promises that were not fulfilled after exploring part of America with Baron Alexander von Humboldt and taking charge as botanical intendant of the gardens of Malmaison, the residence of the Empress Josephine, first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. He could not return to his homeland, France, and ended his days -already an octogenarian- in a remote town of Corrientes, where he had to be buried in a hurry due to the lack of embalming means to transfer his body to the provincial capital.

O ano de 2023 marca o 250º aniversário do nascimento de Bonpland, o francês, médico e naturalista, botânico e viajante, proprietário de terras e político que viajou no século XIX pelos quatro países que hoje formam o Mercado Comum do Sul (MERCOSUL). Na Argentina, ele viajou por Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, Corrientes e Misiones; no Uruguai, viajou várias vezes para Montevidéu; no Paraguai, para Santa María de Fe, Itapúa e Assunção; no Brasil, para São Borja, no Rio Grande do Sul. Ele veio para o Rio de la Plata atraído por promessas que não foram cumpridas depois de explorar parte da América com o Barão Alexander von Humboldt e assumir o cargo de intendente botânico dos jardins de Malmaison, a residência da Imperatriz Josefina, a primeira esposa de Napoleão Bonaparte. Ele não pôde retornar à sua terra natal, a França, e terminou seus dias - já octogenário - em um vilarejo remoto na província de Corrientes, onde teve que ser enterrado às pressas devido à falta de equipamentos de embalsamamento que permitissem que seu corpo fosse transferido para a capital da província.

Preoperative fasting for the infusion of "yerba mate": a randomized clinical trial with ultrasound evaluation of gastric contents

Abstract Background The traditional infusion of "yerba mate" is widely consumed in South America and exported to countries around the world. Although generally considered a "clear fluid", there is no data to date on the gastric emptying time of yerba mate and safe preoperative fasting intervals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gastric emptying time of a standardized infusion of yerba mate using bedside ultrasound and compare it with the time confirm of hot and cold tea. Methods This was a prospective, randomized crossover experimental study. Thirty healthy volunteers were evaluated after 8 hours of fasting for both fluids and solids. Gastric antral area and gastric volume were evaluated at baseline and every 20 minutes after drinking 300 mL of randomly assigned infusion of "yerba mate", hot tea, or cold tea. Results The mean gastric emptying time was: 69.7 ± 22.1 min, 63.1 ± 14.5 min, and 64.3 ± 23.5 min for the mate, hot tea, and cold tea respectively. No significant differences were found in emptying time among the infusion groups (p-value = 0.043). When same time measures were compared, the only significant difference detected was between hot teas and mate infusion at 20 minutes (p-value = 0.012) Conclusion Yerba mate infusion has a similar gastric emptying time to that of tea. All subject's gastric volume returned to baseline values by 100 minutes. It is reasonable to recommend a similar fasting period of 2 hours for mate infusion prior to elective surgery.

Ilex paraguariensis: the effect of genotypes and growth phase on biomass, secondary metabolism and antioxidant activity of in vitro cultivated calli / Ilex paraguariensis: el efecto de los genotipos y la fase de crecimiento sobre la biomasa, metabolismo secundario y la actividad antioxidante de los callos cultivados in vitro

Yerba mate ( Ilex paraguariensis ) produces several secondary metabolites of interest to the phar maceutical industry, such as chlorogenic acids and methylxanthines. These compounds have been produced in vitro by callus culture from different species. However, for I. paraguariensis , no studies upon the production of these compounds in vitro have been p erformed to date. In this work, we show that the concentration of secondary metabolites from I. paraguariensis callus is possible and highly dependent on the callus growth phase. We observed that the best phase for the production of secondary compounds in calli of yerba mate is the stationary growth phase on both genotypes tested. In this phase, higher levels of phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid and 3,5 - dicaffeoylquinic acid and greater antioxidant activity were observed. Chlorogenic acid and 3,5 - dicaffe oylquinic acid presented positive correlation with antioxidant activity. For the first time, secondary compounds were reported in yerba mate calli cultivated in vitro .

La yerba mate ( Ilex paraguariensis ) produce varios metabolitos secundarios de interés para la industria farmacéutica, como los ácidos clorogénicos y las metilxantinas. Estos compuestos se han producido in vitro mediante cultivo de ca llos de diferentes especies. Sin embargo, para I. paraguariensis , hasta la fecha no se han realizado estudios sobre la producción de estos compuestos in vitro . En este trabajo, mostramos que la concentración de metabolitos secundarios desde callos de I. pa raguariensis es posible y altamente dependiente de la fase de crecimiento del callo. Observamos que la mejor fase para la producción de compuestos secundarios en callos de yerba mate es la fase de crecimiento estacionario en ambos genotipos probados. En es ta fase se observaron niveles más altos de compuestos fenólicos, ácido clorogénico y ácido 3,5 - dicafeoilquínico y una mayor actividad antioxidante. El ácido clorogénico y el ácido 3,5 - dicafeoilquínico presentaron correlación positiva con la actividad antio xidante. Por primera vez, se reportaron compuestos secundarios en callos de yerba mate cultivados in vitro .

Consumption of mate Ilex paraguariensis: a folk beverage with antioxidant power against myocardial ischemic injury

The effects of the aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis (Ip)and the flavonoid quercetin were tested during the induction of in vivomyocardial ischemia/ reperfusion in Rattus norvegicus. The antioxidant power of the extract and quercetin were chemically determined. The experimental groups were: control, ischemia/reperfusion induction, Iporal treatment, Iporal treatment and ischemia /reperfusion, quercetin oral treatment, and quercetin oral treatment and ischemia/reperfusion. Rats were anesthetized with sodium thiopental and xylazine via intraperitoneal injection and subsequently underwent 15 minutes of ischemia followed by 15 minutes of reperfusion. Ischemia was promoted by tying the left anterior descending coronary artery. Areas of risk and infarction were stained by intravenous Evans blue and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant capacity against peroxylradicals, and lipid peroxidation of the myocardium were quantified. A significant reduction in areas of risk and infarction was detected in the ischemic myocardium treated with Ipand quercetin; ROS generation and lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced, and the antioxidant capacity was elevated. Oral administration of Ippromoted antioxidant benefits in the myocardium during ischemia and reperfusion, which reduced infarction. We suggest that Mate (a hot drink made from steeped dried leaves of Ip) consumption is a potential cardioprotective habit of indigenous people from southern South American countries, which must be better understood scientifically and ethnographically.

Elevated Iron Chelating Activity of Ilex paraguariensis Leaf Infusion: in vitro and in vivo Pilot Studies

Abstract This study presents an Ilex paraguariensis leaf infusion with important potential as natural iron-chelating. The impact of infusion time and the water volume to obtain an Ilex paraguariensis leaf infusion with high phenolic content and iron chelating activity, such as the stability of these proprieties in the storage time and temperature (immediately and after 24 h at 8 and 25 (C) were assessed. The acute consumption effect of this infusion to reduce iron absorption in vivo was also evaluated. A preliminary crossover trial with volunteers that ingested a meal containing non-haem iron (11.4 mg) with the treatments: Ilex paraguariensis leaf infusion with the highest phenolic content and iron chelating activity (200 mL) or control (200 mL water). Blood samples were withdrawn before and 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after the meal for serum iron measurement. The highest phenolic content (18.1 mg/mL) and iron chelating activity ((100%) were observed for 10 min infusion time using 30 g leaves/300 mL water. Storage at 8 or 25 (C for 24 h decreased total phenolics and di-caffeoylquinic acids by 23.5% and 25.5%, respectively (p< 0.05), without affecting the iron-chelating activity due to a saturating chelating effect at 3.34 mg/mL phenolic content. Inhibition of the iron absorption in vivo by infusion was 78% considering the iron recovery at peak maximum. The in vitro and preliminary in vivo results showed a functional property of the Ilex paraguariensis leaf infusion that may be useful for adjuvant management of iron overload diseases.

Consumo de yerba mate en jóvenes sanos. Relacion con el índice de masa corporal y el perfil lipídico / Yerba mate consumption in healthy young people. Relationship with body mass index and lipid profile

Introducción: las enfermedades del aparato circulatorio constituyen la primera causa de muerte en la provincia de Misiones y el mate es una infusión de consumo masivo en la región. Objetivos: determinar la frecuencia del consumo de mate en jóvenes aparentemente sanos, y su relación con el sexo, la edad, el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y el perfil lipídico. Materiales y métodos: se completó un cuestionario para conocer los hábitos de consumo de yerba mate. Se midieron peso y talla para calcular el IMC. Las determinaciones bioquímicas se realizaron con ayuno de 12 horas; colesterol total y triglicéridos (TG) por método enzimático colorimétrico, colesterol-HDL (c-HDL) y colesterol-LDL por método homogéneo, en auto analizador Dimension RL MAX de Siemens. Se estudiaron 406 jóvenes, 188 varones y 218 mujeres. Resultados: el 76,4% consumía mate, mayor en mujeres (82,1%) que en varones (69,7%) (p=0,003). El consumo se asoció positivamente con la edad (p<0,001) y no se observó asociación con el IMC (0,989). En los consumidores de mate, TG (p=0,039),colesterol-no HDL (0,040), CT/c-HDL (p=0,001) y TG/c-HDL (p=0,001) fueron significativamente más bajos que en los no consumidores, mientras que el c-HDL (p=0,001) fue más alto. Conclusiones: el hallazgo de un efecto favorable sobre el perfil lipídico en jóvenes consumidores de yerba mate podría constituir un beneficio para la salud de quienes la consumen y aportaría valor agregado a la hora de la conquista de nuevos mercados por parte de la industria yerbatera

Introduction: diseases of the circulatory system are the leading cause of death in the province of Misiones and mate is an infusion of mass consumption in the region. Objectives: to determine the frequency of consumption of mate in apparently healthy young people and its relationship with sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and lipid profile. Materials and methods: a questionnaire was completed to know the consumption habits of yerba mate. Weight and height were measured to calculate BMI. Biochemical determinations were performed with a 12-hour fast; total cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) by colorimetric enzymatic method,HDL-cholesterol (c-HDL) and LDL-cholesterol by homogeneous method; in Siemens Dimension RL MAX auto analyzer.406 young people, 188 men and 218 women were studied. Results: 76.4% consumed mate, higher in women (82.1%) than in men (69.7%) (p=0.003). Consumption was positively associated with age (p<0.001) and no association was observed with BMI (p=0.989). In the consumers of mate; TG (p=0.039), non-HDL cholesterol (0.040), CT/c-HDL (p=0.001) and TG/c-HDL (p=0.001) were significantly lower than in non-consumers, while c -HDL (p = 0.001) was higher. Conclusions: the finding of a favorable effect on the lipid profile in young consumers of YM could constitute a health benefit for those who consume and provide added value when it comes to the conquest of new markets by the herb industry

How do clonal plantlets of mate respond to different substrate compositions and shading levels? / Como as mudas clonais de erva-mate respondem a diferentes composições de substrato e níveis de sombreamento?

Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil) is an arboreal species of great economic and socio-environmental importance in South American countries. This specie presents several difficulties during seminal propagation, and studies related to plantlet production by vegetative propagation are fundamental for obtaining homogenous mate plantations with high leaf productivity. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of substrate and shading levels on the morphophysiological quality of mate plantlets produced by mini-cuttings. Rooted mini-cuttings of four mate clones were cultivated on commercial substrate, subsurface soil and vermiculite (2:1:1 v/v/v), commercial substrate and subsurface soil (2:1 v/v) or subsurface soil, cattle manure and carbonized rice hulls (2:1:1 v/v/v). After 120 days, the plantlets were randomly distributed on benches to evaluate the effects of 50 and 80% shading screens. Regardless of the clone, the commercial substrate and subsurface soil composition allowed plantlet production with satisfactory development of both aerial part and root system at 120 days of cultivation. Clone 06SM17 produced plantlets with high averages of stem diameter, shoot height, number of leaves, total length, surface area, total volume of roots, and number of root tips. Both shade levels resulted in similar stem diameters, shoot heights, numbers of leaves, and a, b, and total chlorophyll indices. Clonal mate plantlets with satisfactory morphophysiological quality are produced in commercial substrate and subsurface soil (2:1 v/v) under 50 and 80% shading.

A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil) é espécie arbórea de grande importância econômica e socioambiental para os países da América do Sul, que apresenta diversas dificuldades de propagação utilizando sementes, sendo os estudos relacionados à produção de mudas dessa espécie por propagação vegetativa fundamentais para a obtenção de ervais homogêneos e com alta produtividade foliar. Diante desse contexto, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito das composições de substratos e dos níveis de sombreamento na qualidade morfofisiológica das mudas de erva-mate produzidas por miniestaquia. Miniestacas enraizadas de quatro clones foram cultivadas em substrato comercial, solo de subsolo e vermiculita (2:1:1 v/v/v), substrato comercial e solo de subsolo (2:1 v/v) ou solo de subsolo, esterco bovino e casca de arroz carbonizada (2:1:1 v/v/v). Após 120 dias, as mudas foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em bancadas para avaliar o efeito do sombreamento de 50 e 80%. Independentemente do clone, a composição substrato comercial e solo de subsolo permitiu a produção de mudas com desenvolvimento satisfatório tanto da parte aérea, quanto do sistema radicular aos 120 dias de cultivo. O clone 06SM17 possibilitou a produção de mudas com altas médias de diâmetros de colo, altura da parte aérea, número de folhas, comprimento total, área superficial, volume total de raízes e número de extremidades das raízes. Os níveis de sombreamento não afetaram o diâmetro de colo, a altura da parte aérea, o número de folhas e os índices de clorofila a, b e total. Mudas clonais de erva-mate com satisfatória qualidade morfofisiológica podem ser produzidas em substrato comercial e solo de subsolo (2:1 v/v) em ambiente com 50% ou 80% sombreamento.

Anatomical Characterization of the Adventitious Roots of Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) Mini-cuttings

Abstract Leaves of mate is one of the main non-timber forest products marketed in South America, which makes establishment of new plantations of great interest. However, vegetative propagation of mate plantlets presents difficulties, which may be associated with the complexity of adventitious root formation. The aims of this study were to anatomically characterize the adventitious roots of mate-clone mini-cuttings and investigate the relationship of phenols and starch with adventitious rooting competence in mini-cuttings treated or not with indole-butyric acid (IBA). The mini-cuttings of four clones were collected at 0, 30, and 60 days of cultivation, fixed in a solution containing 1% glutaraldehyde and 4% formaldehyde, pre-infiltrated and infiltrated in (2-hydroxyethyl) methacrylate, and sectioned in a microtome. Ferric chloride and toluidine blue were used to detect phenolic compounds and lugol to identify starch. Adventitious roots formed in mini-cuttings treated with IBA presented disorganized xylem and phloem and poles irregularly but exhibited sclerenchyma vessel elements and tracheid cells indicating functionality. Differences in the rhizogenic ability of mate clones mini-cuttings were not due to the presence of anatomical barriers or the accumulation of phenolic compounds but be associated with the presence and distribution of starch grains in vegetative propagules.

Avaliação microbiológica de cuias de chimarrão na cidade de Palmares do Sul, RS / Microbiological evaluation of cuimors of chimarrão in the city of Palmares do Sul, RS

O chimarrão é uma bebida típica da região sul do Brasil, que é feita a partir da infusão de água quente com a erva mate (Ilex paraguariensis), necessitando de dois utensílios para ser ingerido: a cuia e a bomba. A cuia é um utensílio feito de porongo (Lagenaria vulgaris) que tem uma textura porosa semelhante à madeira, podendo acomodar micro-organismos e favorecer o seu crescimento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a presença de microorganismos em cuias após a sua utilização em rodas de chimarrão. Foram coletadas 16 (dezesseis) amostras utilizando um swab estéril, para contagem total de mesófilos. Também foi aplicado um questionário sobre a higienização da cuia. Todas as amostras analisadas apresentaram crescimento microbiano elevado indicando que os procedimentos de higiene adotados não são suficientes para evitar contaminação.

Plant growth, nutrients and potentially toxic elements in leaves of yerba mate clones in response to phosphorus in acid soils

ABSTRACT Native to subtropical region of South America, yerba mate is responsive to P under some conditions, but the degree of influence of genetic and soil on the growth and composition of the leaf is unknown. The aim of study was to evaluate plant growth, nutrients and potentially toxic elements in leaves of yerba mate clones in response to P application in acid soils. In greenhouse condition, two yerba mate clone seedlings were grown (210 days) in pots, each clone in a completely randomized design in factorial scheme (with and without P; four acid soils). The elemental composition of leaves and the growth of plants were determined. Phosphorus promoted plant growth, but this was not accompanied by increased P in leaf tissue in all conditions tested. The P effect on the elemental composition varied: decrease/null (N, K, Mg, Mn, Cu, Ni, B, Mo, Al, Cd); increase/null (C/N, C, Ca, Fe, V); increase/decrease/null (Zn, Ba, Pb) and; null (Cr). The soils affect the elemental composition of the leaves, especially Mn, with accumulation greater than 1000 mg kg-1. The Ba, Pb, Al and Zn in the leaves varied among clones. Yerba mate response to P was affected by edaphic and plant factors.

Treatment with Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) aqueous solution prevents hepatic redox imbalance, elevated triglycerides, and microsteatosis in overweight adult rats that were precociously weaned

Early weaning (EW) leads to overweight, visceral obesity, hyperleptinemia, and insulin resistance in adulthood. Treatment with Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) improves obesity and insulin resistance in these animals. Here, we evaluated the effects of chronic treatment with yerba mate on the redox balance and liver morphology of overweight early-weaned rats. To induce EW, we wrapped the dams with bandages to interrupt milk access during the last 3 days of lactation. Control pups (C) had free access to maternal milk for the full 21 days of lactation. On postnatal day (PN) 150, EW offspring were subdivided into the EW+YM group, which received the aqueous extract of yerba mate (1 g/kg bw by gavage once a day for 30 days) and the EW group, which received water by gavage for the same period. All rats were euthanized on PN180. The EW group showed higher bound carbonyl (a marker of total protein oxidation), higher TBARS levels (a marker of lipid peroxidation), and lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver tissue than the C group, as well as higher triglyceride content and microsteatosis. In plasma, the EW offspring showed higher TBARS levels. One month of yerba mate treatment normalized these parameters. Thus, we have shown evidence that yerba mate improved antioxidant defenses and mitigated liver dysfunction in overweight adult rats that were weaned prematurely.

Efecto agudo del consumo de yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) sobre el ritmo cardíaco en pacientes derivados para estudio Holter / Acute effect of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption on heart rhythm in patients referred for Holter study

Resumen Introducción: El consumo de yerba mate (YM) (Ilex paraguariensis) es común en Sudamérica y se extiende a todo el mundo. Contiene muchas sustancias bioactivas que pueden ser beneficiosas. También existe la opinión de que puede tener efectos nocivos sobre el ritmo cardíaco, pero no encontramos investigaciones al respecto. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el efecto agudo de YM sobre el ritmo, en pacientes enviados para realizar un Holter. Método: Realizamos un estudio clínico seudoexperimental, de tipo antes y después. Tomamos 50 pacientes consumidores habituales de YM y se les realizó un Holter tomando YM y otro luego de 24 sin consumir. También se controló el uso de otros productos que pudieran interferir. Resultados: El 52% fueron mujeres y la edad, de 55 ± 15 años. El 78% tenía al menos un factor de riesgo vascular, el 44% cardiopatía estructural y el 90% tomaba medicación cardiovascular. La frecuencia cardíaca (FC) con y sin YM fue similar. Solo la FC mínima horaria fue menor tomando YM (61 ± 10 vs. 63 ± 9, p = 0.021). No hubo diferencia significativa en la incidencia de arritmias sostenidas, no sostenidas ni en la extrasistolia ventricular. El total de extrasístoles supraventriculares fue mayor sin YM (952 ± 3,538 vs. 1,294 ± 5,201, p = 0.014) y la cantidad máxima horaria también (86 ± 302 vs. 107 ± 360, p = 0.032). No hubo diferencia en la variabilidad de la FC. Conclusiones: En pacientes cardiológicos tomadores de YM, su consumo de la forma habitual no se asoció con cambios importantes de la FC ni con un aumento en la incidencia de arritmias. Hubo menos actividad ectópica supraventricular.

Abstract Introduction: The consumption of yerba mate (YM) (Ilex paraguariensis) is common in South America and is now used all over the world. It contains many bioactive substances that can be beneficial. There is also the opinion that it may have harmful effects on heart rhythm, but no studies have been found on this. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of YM on heart rhythm in patients referred for a Holter study. Method: A before and after pseudo-experimental clinical study was conducted by performing a Holter on 50 habitual users of YM, and another one after 24 without YM consumption. The use of other products that could interfere was also controlled. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 55 ± 15 years, and 52% were women. At least one vascular risk factor was found in 78%, with 44% structural heart disease, and 90% taking cardio- vascular medication. The heart rate (HR) with and without YM was similar. Only the minimum hourly HR was lower when taking YM (61 ± 10 vs. 63 ± 9, P = .021). There was no significant diffe- rence in the incidence of sustained or non-sustained arrhythmias, or in ventricular extrasystoles. The total number of supra-ventricular premature beats was higher without YM (952 ± 3,538 vs. 1,294 ± 5,201, P = .014) and also the maximum hourly (86 ± 302 vs. 107 ± 360, P = .032). There was no difference in HR variability. Conclusions: In cardiology patients, usual users of YM, habitual consumption was not associated with significant changes in HR or an increase in the incidence of arrhythmias. There was less ectopic supraventricular activity.

Protective effect of yerba mate intake on the cardiovascular system: a post hoc analysis study in postmenopausal women

The prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases is increased in postmenopausal women, which contributes to the burden of illnesses in this period of life. Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a native bush from Southern South America. Its leaves are rich in phenolic components, which may have antioxidant, vasodilating, hypocholesterolemic, and hypoglycemic proprieties. This post hoc analysis of the case-control study nested in the Obesity and Bone Fracture Cohort evaluated the consumption of yerba mate and the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and coronary diseases in postmenopausal women. Ninety-five postmenopausal women were included in this analysis. A questionnaire was applied to evaluate the risk factors and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and consumption of yerba mate infusion. Student's t-test and chi-square test were used to assess significant differences between groups. The group that consumed more than 1 L/day of mate infusion had significantly fewer diagnoses of coronary disease, dyslipidemia, and hypertension (P<0.049, P<0.048, and P<0.016, respectively). Furthermore, the serum levels of glucose were lower in the group with a higher consumption of yerba mate infusion (P<0.013). The serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides were similar between the groups. This pragmatic study points out the benefits of yerba mate consumption for the cardiovascular and metabolic systems. The ingestion of more than 1 L/day of mate infusion was associated with fewer self-reported cardiovascular diseases and lower serum levels of glucose. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the association between yerba mate infusion and reduction of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women.

Ilex paraguariensis extracts extend the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster fed a high-fat diet

Studies have suggested that total energy intake and diet composition affect lifespan and ageing. A high-fat diet induces oxidative stress and affects the development of diseases. In contrast, antioxidants are capable of reducing its harmful effects. Yerba mate beverages are an important source of antioxidants, but there is scarce knowledge about their effects on suppressing fat accumulation. Here, we investigated the compounds present in yerba mate extracts and assessed their effects on Drosophila melanogaster given a high cholesterol diet. LS-ESI-MS analysis showed the presence of matesaponins, phenolic compounds and methylxanthines in all of the examined extracts. In Drosophila, under extract treatment conditions, the mean lifespan was significantly extended from 38 to 43 days, there was an increase in the ability to support induced stress and decrease in lipid peroxidation products. Moreover, yerba mate extracts recovered the glutathione S-transferases (GST) activity and reduced the cholesterol level. Taken together, our results support that extracts can extend lifespan by reducing the detrimental effect of a high-fat diet in D. melanogaster, and this outcome can be associated with the compound content in the extracts. This study improves the understanding of natural interventions that reduce stress-induced oxidative damage, which is fundamental in promoting healthy ageing.

Analysis of radioprotection and antimutagenic effects of Ilex paraguariensis infusion and its component rutin

DNA repair pathways, cell cycle checkpoints, and redox protection systems are essential factors for securing genomic stability. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of Ilex paraguariensis (Ip) infusion and one of its polyphenolic components rutin on cellular and molecular damage induced by ionizing radiation. Ip is a beverage drank by most inhabitants of Argentina, Paraguay, Southern Brazil, and Uruguay. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC7Klys 2-3) was used as the eukaryotic model. Exponentially growing cells were exposed to gamma rays (γ) in the presence or absence of Ip or rutin. The concentrations used simulated those found in the habitual infusion. Surviving fractions, mutation frequency, and DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) were determined after treatments. A significant increase in surviving fractions after gamma irradiation was observed following combined exposure to γ+R, or γ+Ip. Upon these concomitant treatments, mutation and DSB frequency decreased significantly. In the mutant strain deficient in MEC1, a significant increase in γ sensitivity and a low effect of rutin on γ-induced chromosomal fragmentation was observed. Results were interpreted in the framework of a model of interaction between radiation-induced free radicals, DNA repair pathways, and checkpoint controls, where the DNA damage that induced activation of MEC1 nodal point of the network could be modulated by Ip components including rutin. Furthermore, ionizing radiation-induced redox cascades can be interrupted by rutin potential and other protectors contained in Ip.

Consumo excesivo de cafeína y eventuales poblaciones de riesgo / Excessive caffeine consumption and eventual risk populations

La cafeína (1,3,7-trimetilxantina), es uno de los componentes alimentarios más consumidos y estudiados. Aunque un consumo moderado no implica riesgos para la salud, un ingesta excesiva puede conducir a efectos adversos, tales como ansiedad, irritabilidad, palpitaciones e insomnio. Con el propósito de caracterizar el riesgo para la salud en mujeres adultas de 18 a 70 años en Argentina, se abordaron los siguientes objetivos: determinar el contenido de cafeína en cinco bebidas disponibles en el mercado argentino y con estos datos y otros de fuentes bibliográficas estimar la ingesta media diaria de esta sustancia en dicha población para establecer si existen grupos en riesgo, estudiar la relación de dicha ingesta con el lugar de residencia y determinar el aporte de cada bebida y alimento a la ingesta diaria total. La determinación de cafeína se realizó por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC). A través de un cuestionario distribuido en la web, se obtuvieron datos de consumo de cafeína de 1947 mujeres que cumplieron el criterio de inclusión. Se encontraron contenidos más altos de cafeína en café expreso (1300 mg/L) y mate cebado (950 mg/L). En el total de la muestra el consumo promedio de cafeína fue de 340 mg/día (5,5 mg/kg/día), excediendo, el 31% de las participantes la ingesta recomendada de 400 mg/día. De las mujeres en edad fértil, el 37% excedió la ingesta de 300 mg/día y el 52% la de 200 mg/día, recomendadas durante la gestación y la lactancia. En el percentil 90 estas mujeres consumieron 851 mg/día y 775 mg/día de cafeína, respectivamente. El mate cebado y el café resultaron los mayores contribuyentes a la ingesta diaria de cafeína en este grupo de mujeres y en la muestra total. Se encontraron diferencias regiona­les en el consumo del mate cebado, resultando Misiones y Corrientes las provincias de mayores ingestas. Si bien el 68% de las personas entrevistadas consumieron dosis moderadas de cafeína, más de un cuarto de las mujeres en edad reproductiva excedió las ingestas recomendadas para el embarazo y la lactancia.

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is one of the most consumed and studied food ingredients. Although moderate consumption does not imply health risks, excess intake may lead to adverse effects, such as anxiety, irritability, palpitations and insomnia. In order to characterize the health risk in adult women aged 18 to 70 in Argentina, the following objectives were ad­dressed: to determine the caffeine content in five beverages available in the Argentine market and with these data and others from bibliographic sources estimate the daily intake of caffeine in this population to establish if there are groups at risk; to study the relation of this intake with the place of residence and to determine the contribution of each beverage and food to the total daily intake. The determination of caffeine was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Through a questionnaire distributed on the web, caffeine consumption data were obtained from 1947 women who met the inclusion criteria. Higher caf­feine contents were found in espresso coffee (1300 mg/L) and mate "cebado" (950 mg/L). In the sample, mean caffeine intake was 340 mg/day (5.5 mg/kg/day), with 31% of the participants exceeding the recommended intake of 400 mg/day. Of the women of childbearing age, 37% exceeded the intake of 300 mg/day and 52% the intake of 200 mg/day recommended during gestation and lactation. In the 90th percentile, these women consumed 851 mg/day and 775 mg/day of caffeine, respectively. Mate "cebado" and coffee were the major contributors to daily caffeine intake in this group of women and in the total sample. Regional differences were found in the consumption of mate "cebado", being Misiones and Corrientes the provinces with the highest intakes. Although 68% of the people interviewed consumed moderate doses of caffeine, more than a quarter of the women of reproductive age exceeded the recommended intakes for pregnancy and lactation.

Antioxidant potential of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) extracts in Saccharomyces cerevisae deficient in oxidant defense genes / Potencial antioxidante de extratos de erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) em Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficientes para genes de defesa oxidante

Abstract Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) is mainly consumed as “chimarrão”, a hot drink highly appreciated in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. This study evaluated the antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts of I. paraguariensis precipitated with ethanol. The leaves were processed as for tea product (TM) and oxidized (OX). The antioxidant potential was evaluated in cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficient in antioxidant defense genes. Three strains evaluated were: a wild (EG) and two mutants (ctt1Δ e ctt1Δsod1Δ). These strains were pre-treated with the yerba-mate extracts (TM e OX) and submitted to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. None of the extracts produced loss of cell viability. The extracts exerted antioxidant activity, protecting the strains (except sod1∆ctt1∆). The TM extract was more effective than OX. I. paraguariensis extracts showed a potential to be explored in the development of new products.

Resumo A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) é consumida principalmente como “chimarrão”, uma bebida quente muito apreciada no Brasil, Argentina, Paraguai e Uruguai. Este estudo avaliou o potencial antioxidante de extratos aquosos de I. paraguariensis precipitado com etanol. Folhas de erva-mate foram processados de maneira semelhante ao processamento do chá-preto (OX) e na forma de mate (TM). O potencial antioxidante foi avaliado sobre células de Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficientes para genes de defesa antioxidante. Três linhagens celulares foram estudadas: uma selvagem (EG) e duas mutantes (ctt1Δ e ctt1Δsod1Δ). As linhagens foram pré-tratadas com os extratos de erva-mate (TM e OX) e submetidos ao estresse oxidativo induzido por peróxido de hidrogênio. Nenhum dos extratos produziu perda de viabilidade celular. Os extratos exerceram atividade antioxidante, protegendo as linhagens (exceto a sod1Δctt1Δ). O extrato TM foi mais eficaz em relação ao OX. Extratos de I. paraguariensis apresentaram potencial para ser explorado no desenvolvimento de novas formulações.

Efecto de la yerba mate (ilex paraguariensis) sobre el hueso de ratas ovariectomizadas / Effect of yerba mate (ilex paraguariensis) on bone in ovariectomized rats

El consumo de yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) es habitual en la Argentina y otros países de América del Sur. La yerba mate, al igual que el café y el té, contiene xantinas y polifenoles. El consumo de café ha mostrado tener impacto negativo sobre la densidad mineral ósea (DMO), mientras que el té ha mostrado tener efecto protector. En mujeres posmenopáusicas tomadoras de mate se halló mayor DMO de columna lumbar y cuello femoral en comparación con controles que no bebían mate. La DMO también fue mayor en ratas que recibieron una infusión de yerba mate y dieta baja en calcio; sin embargo, este incremento no fue capaz de revertir el efecto negativo del bajo contenido de calcio sobre las propiedades biomecánicas y la conectividad trabecular. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar el tejido óseo de ratas ovariectomizadas (OVX) luego de recibir una infusión de yerba mate por 90 días en reemplazo del agua de bebida. Se utilizaron ratas Sprague Dawley (n=16) hembras divididas en 2 grupos: OVX+agua y OVX+yerba. Otro grupo de ratas (n=6) fue sometido a una cirugía simulada (Sham). El estudio mostró claramente el efecto deletéreo de la ovariectomía sobre todos los parámetros estudiados (DMO, histomorfometría ósea, conectividad trabecular y biomecánica) respecto del grupo Sham. El grupo OVX+yerba no mostró diferencias con el grupo OVX+agua en ninguno de los parámetros analizados, por lo que la yerba mate no produciría efecto alguno sobre el hueso de ratas adultas ovariectomizadas. (AU)

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption is common in Argentina and other South American countries. Like coffee and tea, yerba mate contains xanthines and polyphenols. It has been reported that caffeine consumption has a negative impact on bone mineral density (BMD) while tea has been shown to have a protective effect. On the other hand, in postmenopausal women that usually consumed yerba mate, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMDs were higher than in non-consumers. BMD was also higher in rats that received a yerba mate infusion and low calcium diet. However, this increase was not sufficient to reverse the negative effect of a low calcium diet on bone biomechanical properties and trabecular connectivity. The aim of this work was to study bone tissue in ovariectomized (OVX) rats receiving an infusion of yerba mate instead of drinking water for 90 days. Female Sprague Dawley rats (n=16) were divided into 2 groups: OVX+water and OVX+yerba. A third group of rats (n=6) was submitted to sham surgery (Sham). Results clearly showed the deleterious effect of ovariectomy on all studied parameters (BMD, bone histomorphometry, trabecular connectivity and biomechanical properties) compared to Sham group. The OVX+yerba group showed no difference with OVX+water group in all analyzed parameters. It is concluded that yerba mate does not produce any effect on the bone of ovariectomized adult rats. (AU)

Substâncias fenólicas, flavonoides e capacidade antioxidante em erveiras sob diferentes coberturas do solo e sombreamentos / Phenolic Substances, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Capacity in Herbs under Different Soil Covers and Shadings

RESUMO Objetivou neste trabalho analisar a concentração de polifenóis totais, flavonoides e capacidade antioxidantes por meio dos métodos ABTS e FRAP, em erveiras jovens cultivadas em solo coberto e com sombreamento. Mudas de erva-mate foram submetidas aos tratamentos com solos cobertos e desnudos em sombreamentos de 0, 18, 35 e 50%, após sete e onze meses de cultivo, verão e outono, respectivamente. Foram coletadas folhas maduras para realização dos extratos utilizados para as análises de compostos fenólicos por meio da reação de oxirredução com reagente de Folin-Ciocalteu, flavonoides por método colorimétrico e capacidade antioxidante por frente ao radical ABTS e poder de redução do ferro (FRAP). O teor de compostos fenólicos foi maior nos tratamentos com 35% de sombreamento em comparação ao grupo dos flavonoides e capacidade antioxidante, o que foi demonstrado pela correlação do sombreamento com estes parametros. No método FRAP a maior correlação demonstra que o outono é a melhor época de colheita por apresentar maior concentração de compostos fitoquímicos. Ficou evidente a influência positiva dos sombreamentos (35 e 50%) no teor de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides relacionados à capacidade antioxidante e à qualidade da erva-mate para atender ao mercado consumidor.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyze the concentration of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity, by the methods ABTS and FRAP, in young herbs grown in covered and shaded soil. Yerba mate seedlings were subjected to treatment with bare and covered soils in shadings of 0, 18, 35, and 50%, after seven and eleven months cultivation, summer and fall, respectively. Mature leaves were collected to perform the analyses of phenolic compounds by redox reaction with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, of flavonoids by colorimetric method, and of antioxidant capacity by ABTS radical and FRAP (iron reduction method). The content of phenolic compounds was higher in the treatments with 35% shading in correlation with the group of flavonoids and antioxidant capacity. In the FRAP method, the higher correlation shows that autumn is the best time to harvest because of the higher concentration of phytochemical compounds. The positive influence of shading (35 and 50%) was evident in the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids related to antioxidant capacity and better quality of yerba mate to meet the consumer market.