Ursane-type triterpene oligoglycosides with anti-hepatosteatosis and anti-hyperlipidemic activity from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.

The methanol extract from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. (Aquifoliaceae), popularly known as mate, maté, or yerba maté, inhibits the intracellular triglyceride accumulation in HepG2 cells and suppresses the plasma triglyceride elevation in olive oil-treated mice. Three new triterpene saponins, termed mateosides I (1), II (2), and III (3), were isolated from the extract along with 29 known compounds. The structures of 1-3 were elucidated based on chemical and spectroscopic evidence. Among the isolates, principal saponin constituents, 2 and matesaponins 1 (7) and 2 (9), potently inhibited the triglyceride accumulation in HepG2 cells simultaneously treated with oleic acid and high glucose. In vivo assay of the methanol extract of I. paraguariensis revealed that 7 and 9 showed anti-hyperlipidemic activities in olive oil-treated mice. These results suggested that the saponin constituents of I. paraguariensis could be valuable bioactive marker for the anti-obesogenic activity.

MALDI- and LDI-MS saponin fingerprint of leaves and stick components of commercial yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis).

Yerba mate (YM) is massively produced and consumed as an infusion in South America and spreading all over the world. This product is obtained from dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis Saint Hilaire, mixed with fragments of dried branches (sticks). For its commercialization, YM must have a minimum percentage of leaves because its presence determines YM quality and price. Till today, a mechanical methodology to determine the relative amount of components (sticks, leaves, and powder) is used. There is not any modern analytical method that provides information for quick characterization of the YM components. Typical saponin fingerprints for leaves and sticks were found by using ultraviolet matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization and ultraviolet laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. Then, their possible application as useful tools for quick characterization of components of commercial YM (leaves and sticks) is presented. Furthermore, fingerprints obtained from authentic samples of Ilex paraguariensis and Ilex dumosa are also included and discussed. Each Ilex show typical saponin fingerprints for leaves and sticks.

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.