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.

Development and evaluation of tablets from spray dried extract of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil A) / Desarrollo y evaluación de las tabletas de extracto seco por aspersión de yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil A)

Introduction: yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil A) is a South American plant species of Aquifoliaceae family. The presence of methylxanhtines and clorogenic acids was reported in this species. These compounds have antioxidant activity and could be included in tablets, a pharmaceutical form presently unavailable in the market. Objective: to develop tablets containing yerba mate spray dried extract. Methods: the tablets were produced by direct compression with yerba mate dried extract. The dried extract was evaluated for yield, repose angle, compressibility index, residual moisture and caffeine content. The tablets were evaluated in the following parameters: external appearance, weight, hardness, friability, disintegration and caffeine content. Results: the tablets complied with the general pharmacopoeial specifications. Conclusions: this method is effective to produce tablets containing spray dried extract from yerba mate.

Introducción: la yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil A) es una planta de América del Sur, de la familia Aquifoliaceae. Para esta especie se informó la presencia de ácidos clorogénico y metilxantinas. Estos compuestos tienen actividad antioxidante y podría incluirse en tabletas, una forma farmacéutica que no está disponible. Objetivo: desarrollar comprimidos que contienen extracto seco por aspersión de yerba mate. Métodos: se produjeron comprimidos por compresión directa. Se determinaron al extracto seco los parámetros de rendimiento, ángulo de reposo, índice de compresibilidad, humedad y contenido de cafeína, y a los comprimidos, apariencia externa, peso, dureza, friabilidad, desintegración y contenido de cafeína. Resultados: los comprimidos cumplieron con las especificaciones generales planteadas en farmacopeas. Conclusión: el método empleado es eficaz en la producción de comprimidos que contienen extracto seco de yerba mate.

Caracterização química e capacidade antioxidante da erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) / Chemical characterization and antioxidant capacity of mate (ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características químicas e a capacidade antioxidante de folhas de erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) originárias da região de Irati-PR (Brasil). Para a caracterização química foram utilizadas as metodologias do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, enquanto a capacidade antioxidante foi determinada pelo método do complexo fosfomolibdênio, utilizando-se ácido ascórbico e rutina como padrões. Nas determinações de umidade, resíduo mineral fixo, lipídios e nitrogênio da erva-mate "in natura" seca foram obtidos, respectivamente, 11,23 %; 5,51 %; 10,84 % e 1,72 %. A capacidade antioxidante do extrato aquoso da erva-mate cancheada foi maior que a apresentada pelo extrato hidroalcoólico, o extrato da erva-mate "in natura" seca apresentou maior atividade. O extrato hidroalcoólico das folhas "in natura" secas apresentou cerca de 50 % da atividade do ácido ascórbico e os demais extratos evidenciaram atividades menores. Com relação à rutina, os resultados obtidos mostraram-se intermediários aos apresentados para os extratos aquoso e hidroalcoólico das folhas "in natura" secas e cancheadas.