Yerba Maté Chemical Features From a chemical point of view, Ilex paraguariensis (Yerba Maté) can be evaluated under its food chemical aspect or as a raw material for several byproducts. Long before its chemical composition was known, Indians used Yerba Maté not only due to the beverage's taste but also and mainly because they knew its virtues, chiefly an increased resistance to fatigue and its thirst and hunger mitigation powers. Studies show that the Yerba Maté has the following components: water, cellulose, gums, dextrin, mucilage, glucose, pentose, fat substances, aromatic resin, legumin, albumin, xanthine, theophylline, caffearin, folic acid, caffeic acid, viridic acid, chlorophyll, cholesterin and essence oil. Ashes contain great amounts of potassium, lithium, folic, sulfuric, carbon, chloric and citric acids, beside magnesium, manganese, iron, aluminum and arsenic traces. Xanthine, theophylline and theobromine are three strongly related alkaloids found in Yerba Maté and are the most interesting compounds from a therapeutic standpoint. The Yerba Maté's xanthine rate averages 1.60%, whereas it is 1.10% in infusions. Average composition of Yerba Maté (100 gr.) Minimum amount Maximum amount Average amount Moisture 5.36 9.80 8.17 Proteins 8.30 13.45 10.89 Carbohydrates 9.70 14.18 12.04 Starch 2.56 6.63 4.55 Glucose 1.30 6.14 3.84 Fibers 14.96 19.95 16.96 Mineral composition of Yerba Maté (100 gr.) Minimum amount Maximum amount Average amount Ashes 6.310 7.780 6.910 Chlorine (g) 0.082 0.160 0.116 Sulphur 0.082 0.168 0.125 Phosphorus (g) 0.074 0.214 0.120 Calcium 0.597 0.824 0.668 Magnesium 0.134 0.484 0.337 Potassium (g) 1.181 1.554 1.350 Sodium (g) 0.000 0.003 0.002 Iron (mgs) % --- 94.000 59.900 Cuprum (mgs) 0.600 1.600 1.260 Manganese (mgs) 30.200 183.000 133.180 Vitaminic contents of Yerba Maté (100 gr.) Minimum amount Maximum amount Average amount Caroffin (mgs) 0.639 2.267 1.234 Caroffin (vitamin A UI) 1.065 3.779 2.095 Thiamin (gamma) 62.300 313.100 222.700 Riboflavin 246.000 573.900 404.300 Ascorbic acid 8.200 20.700 11.900 Therapeutic Properties Yerba Maté is basically a stimulant drink, eliminates fatigue, stimulating metal and physical activity. It has a beneficial effect on nerves and muscles; it also enhances intellectual work. Due to the central stimulant effects of xanthine jointly with the activation of reserve substances, the cardiovascular activity strengthens the organism. Xanthine has a well-known effect on the central nervous system, that stimulates mental energy. Thanks to its vitamin B complex, Yerba Maté collaborates to sugar intake in man's muscles, nerves and cerebral activity; vitamins C and E act as organic defense and on the organism's tissues; mineral salts, jointly with xanthine, help the cardiovascular work and blood circulation by decreasing blood pressure, since xanthine acts as a vasodilator. In such circumstances, hunger can feel as satisfied. Yerba Maté enhances diuresis and is very useful for bladder troubles. Yerba Maté also acts on the digestive tube by activating peristaltic movements; it facilitates digestion, attenuates gastric troubles and enhances evacuation and urination. Yerba Maté's stimulant action is longer than that of coffee and does not have side effects such as insomnia and irritability. Researches at the Paris Pasteur Institute confer to Yerba Maté a very important role in the cell regeneration process. Sources Yerba Mate - La bebida que revitaliza. Gobierno de la provincia de Misiones. Secretaria de comercio exterior e integración. Argentina Valduga, Eunice. Chemical and anatomic characterization of Ilex paraguariensis Saint Hilaire leaf and some species used in adulterating Yerba Maté. Post-graduation thesis presented at the University of Paraná, Curitiba, in 1995.

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