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Manganese (Mn) toxicity is common in plants grown on very acid soils. However, some plants species that grow in this condition can take up high amounts of Mn and are referred to as hyperaccumulating species. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of Ilex paraguariensis to accumulate Mn and the effect of excessive concentrations on plant growth and nutrition. For this, a container experiment was conducted using soils from different parent materials (basalt and sandstone), with and without liming, and at six doses of applied Mn (0, 30, 90, 270, 540 and 1,080 mg kg−1). Clonal plants grown for 203 days were harvested to evaluate yield, and leaf tissue samples were evaluated for Mn and other elements. Without liming and with high Mn doses, leaf Mn concentrations reached 13,452 and 12,127 mg kg−1 in sandstone and basalt soils, respectively; concentrations in excess of 10,000 mg kg−1 are characteristic of hyperaccumulating plants. Liming reduced these values to 7203 and 8030 mg kg−1. More plant growth accompanied increased Mn leaf concentrations, with a growth reduction noted at the highest dose in unlimed soils. Elemental distribution showed Mn presence in the mesophyll, primarily in vascular bundles, without high Mn precipitates. Interveinal chlorosis of young leaves associated with high Mn concentration and lower Fe concentrations was observed, especially in sandstone soil without liming. However, the occurrence of this symptom was not associated with decreased plant growth.

Land degradation is becoming a serious concern for the sustainability of traditional agrosilvopastoral systems such as the Brazilian faxinal. The IAP (Environmental Institute of the Federal State of Paran&aacute, ) is favoring the partial exclusion to grazing for 10 years as strategy both to recover degraded lands and to reduce negative effects. Nevertheless, this strategy is being followed by a reduced number of owners (faxinalenses) and little is known about the effectiveness of these measures due to either lack of field data and knowledge on faxinalenses&rsquo, perceptions. We have identified one out of few farms that have followed this official strategy and, within the same farm, we have compared values of some soil properties (bulk density, porosity, water holding capacity, penetration resistance, soil organic matter and root density) from an excluded area to grazing for 10 years, with some areas that represent a gradient of grazing intensity (natural forest, secondary forest, degraded forest, grassland and a degraded area by pigs). In addition, we have interviewed some faxinalenses (one faxinal farm is owned by several farmers) in order to better understand how the risk of land degradation is perceived by them and their opinions about the usefulness of partial grazing exclusion as a strategy to improve the management of their farms. The results have shown that soil quality increases considerably as a consequence of grazing exclusion, in spite of land has been used for cropping yerba mate during the exclusion time, but faxinalenses are not mindful of these benefits and they are no longer interested in excluding other areas of their farms. They think this strategy is simply an obligation imposed by the environmental authority.

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of Dengue, Yellow Urban Fever, Chikungunya fever and Zika virus fever. The strategies for its control include synthetic products that cause damage to the environment and other organisms. This study evaluated the larvicidal activity of aqueous extracts of leaves and fruits of Ilex paraguariensis and Ilex theezans on Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. The bioassays were conducted at the Ecological Entomology Laboratory, Unochapecó, under controlled conditions of temperature and photoperiod. The extracts of fresh and dried leaves of I. theezans showed greater larvicidal activity when compared to extracts of fruits of the same plant. Variation in larvicidal activity was also observed during exposure periods. The results suggest the use of extracts of these plants in the control of A. aegypti and the prospection of substances that can be used as an alternative to synthetic products. They point to the possibility of using yerba mate tissues that are not used commercially.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is an infusion traditionally drunk in many countries of South America. Along its industrial manufacture, a fine yerba mate powder represents a considerable proportion of the total production, consisting of an industrial by-product not safe for human consumption, rich in minerals, that could be useful as organic compost. In line with current bioeconomic trends, here we present the recycling of yerba mate industrial by-products into urea, potassium and phosphate-containing capsules as an environmentally friendly strategy for the design of controlled-release fertilizers. The capsule matrix is based on Ca(II)-alginate with a final yerba mate powder (YMP) content of 83% w/w. The aim of this work was to study the kinetics of mineral fertilizers release both in soil and water, along with an exhaustive macro and microstructural characterization (PIM, DSC, TGA, SEM-EDX, X ray scan tomography and SAXS) to allow the analysis of structure/function relationships. The encapsulation efficiency and release in water of phosphorous were affected, being significantly lower than urea and potassium and releasing under different mechanism. Retention and degradation in soil was mainly related to capsule structure, as well as their thermal properties. The incorporation of different fertilizer induced structural changes in Ca(II)-alginate network as assessed by SAXS.

The present study investigated the inclusion of yerba mate extract (YME) in the lamb&rsquo, s diet on meat quality traits, antioxidant activity, and shelf-life. Thirty&ndash, six lambs were distributed according to a block design with the following groups: control group without YME (0%) and three treatment groups with 1, 2, and 4% YME inclusion in the dry matter. The animals were fed these diets for 53 days. Samples were collected from the Longissimusthoracis (LT) muscle to analyze antioxidant activity and meat quality. Samples were placed on a counter display simulating a retail environment for 0, 3, and 6 days at 4 &plusmn, 2 &deg, C. All data were analyzed using a MIXED model with orthogonal contrasts. Inclusion of 1 and 4% YME in the diet changed the yellow (b*) and the chroma (C*) of the meat (p &le, 0.05). The pH, colour, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and carbonyl values were influenced by the retail display time for all the evaluated treatments (p &le, 0.03). However, neither diet nor the retail display time influenced the oxidation of proteins or the antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione activity (GSH) in meat. Therefore, the inclusion of 4% YME showed positive results in the yellow and colour stability parameters of the meat without increasing the lipid peroxidation values or altering the normal meat quality parameters in lambs.

Yerba Mate (Ilex Paraguariensis) belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family and is a native plant of South America. This plant are enriched in bioactive compounds with biological activities. This study investigated the antitumor activity of Yerba Mate extract (YM) using in vitro and in vivo colon and breast cancer models. YM was generated by aqueous extraction and standardized to total phenolics content, antioxidant activity and Chlorogenic acid content. The HPLC analysis of the YM allowed us to quantify the main polyphenols: Chlorogenic acid (66.3 ± 0.05 mg/g dry sample), Rutin (6.783 ± 0.05 mg/g dry sample), Gallic acid (6.665 ± 0.321 mg/g dry sample), Caffeic acid (0.533 ± 0.04 mg/g dry sample) and Quercetin (0.229 ± 0.02 mg/g dry sample). To investigate the antitumoral activity of YM, we first evaluated its effect on cell proliferation of colon (CT26 and COLO205) and breast (MDA-MB 231, MCF7, F3II and 4T1) cancer cell lines. YM reduced tumor cell viability and induced apoptosis. In addition, YM showed negative modulatory effect on cell adhesion and migration of tumor cells and reduced their invasiveness capacity. The use of herbal products requires previous toxicity studies to identify the dose ranges that are safe for subsequent studies. Acute toxicity was evaluated in rats and chronic toxicity test was conducted in rabbits. Animals exposed showed no statistical changes in weight gain. Clinical examination and macroscopic analysis did not show any changes that indicate toxicity. We found a YM LD50 value above 5000 mg/kg. The effect of YM on tumor progression was also studied in vivo using different syngeneic tumor models. Animals received YM by oral administration in a dose of 1.6 g/kg/day before and after tumor cell inoculation. Orthotopic and heterotopic breast cancer models in BALB/c mice was performed. In the heterotopic F3II model the treatment with YM significantly reduced tumor volumes when compared with control group. In addition, the consumption of YM significantly increased the survival of animals in both models. We also studied the inhibition of spontaneous metastatic activity by YM. Diet with YM resulted in a reduced number of lung metastases compared to control in both models. On the other hand, in the heterothopic colorectal cancer model we observed that oral administration of YM reduced angiogenesis, delayed tumor onset and showed a reduction of tumor volume. The effects of the combination of YM extract with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was also evaluated in mice. The results suggest that this combination increased susceptibility of the colon cancer cells to the cytotoxicity of 5-Fu. In conclusion, our findings suggest that YM may be a promising agent for the treatment of breast and colon cancer in chemoprevention schemes or in combinatory schedules with standard-of-care therapeutics. Citation Format: Rocío S. García Lázaro, Humberto Lamdan, Norailys Lorenzo Perez, Lorena G. Caligiuri, Andrea L. Berengeno, Hugo H. Ortega, Daniel F. Alonso, Hernan G. Farina. Preclinical evidences of antitumoral properties of a Yerba mate extract on breast and colon cancer models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 3455.

El artículo analiza el papel de Aimé Bonpland durante su expedición americana con Alexander von Humboldt (1799 a 1804). Este papel fue mucho más importante de lo que se suponía, así como también el trabajo posterior de Bonpland en América Latina. Bonpland realizó allí valiosas investigaciones botánicas, zoológicas y geológicas. Sobre todo, prestó excelentes servicios a la agricultura de la zona con nuevos métodos de cultivo y cría, especialmente en el cultivo de la yerba mate. En sus últimos años Bonpland inició un proyecto para transferir plantas útiles para la agricultura de Argentina a la entonces colonia francesa de Argelia. De 1855 hasta su muerte (a los 85 años) en 1858, Bonpland trabajó como primer director para el museo de ciencias naturales en Corrientes. Es uno de los museos más antiguos de Argentina y el primero en ser institucionalizado en el interior del país. Bonpland describió todo esto en una detallada correspondencia con Alexander von Humboldt. El artículo también analiza los tres informes contradictorios del médico y escritor de viajes alemán Robert Avé-Lallemant, quien visitó a Bonpland en Santa Ana poco antes de su muerte. Al hacerlo, dibujó un cuadro negativo del investigador que aún hoy influye en la historiografía. Se necesita urgentemente una corrección.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguarensis, YM) was used as biomaterial for the removal of anionic and cationic compounds from wastewater. Chromium hexavalent Cr(VI), Remazol brilliant blue (RBB) and methylene blue (MB) were selected as pollutants. A calcination step was performed after the washing and drying steps to evaluate its effectiveness at increasing the adsorption capacity of the solid. Both YM and calcinated YM (CYM) were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Brunauer&ndash, Emmett&ndash, Teller (BET) analysis. Adsorption batch tests revealed that YM was ineffective for the removal of Cr(VI) and RBB, while good results were obtained for MB (up to 80%) without pH dependency of the adsorption process, and CYM was able to remove Cr(VI) (up to 77%) and RBB (up to 65%) but not MB. The adsorption isotherm of MB on YM at 298 K was obtained experimentally and it is well represented by the Langmuir isotherm. YM&rsquo, s adsorption capacity for MB was estimated to be 59.6 mg/g. Kinetic batch tests were conducted and the experimental results were fitted with a mathematical model. The low influence of temperature compared to the influence of the YM concentration on the adsorption rate was explained.

This paper uses fluorescence spectroscopy in order to evaluate the potential of this technique to classify Argentinean yerba mate from three commercial categories. An extraction method based on ultrasound for sample preparation is proposed. Acquired fluorescence first- and second-order data were analyzed by different chemometric approaches. Aimed at enhancing data interpretability and to reduce redundant information among the retained variables and maximize their relationship regarding the sample, several variable selection algorithms were evaluated. Two three-way algorithms, PARAFAC and n-PLS, were applied to EEMs. Several two-way algorithms such as PCA, SPA, GA, PLS were used previous to model data gathered from emission spectra recorded at the 410 nm excitation and unfolded EEMs. Sample categorization was performed using LDA or QDA as classification techniques. The ability of the models to predict samples was evaluated based on sensitivity and specificity. First-order models reached 89.6% on sensitivity and 90.9% on specificity. Second-order models achieved up to 100% sensitivity and specificity demonstrating that the EEM matrix provides relevant additional information revealing a significant effect on the classification results.

Spread of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) bacteria prompted the surge in need for new antimicrobial agents, especially those found in nature. Ilex paraguariensis commonly known as Yerba Mate, a plant native to South America, is known for its many pharmacological properties. In this study, the aqueous extracts of Yerba Mate were tested for antibacterial activity against different bacterial species. A promising activity was shown against Staphylococcus aureus (standard and clinical strains), Klebsiella pneumoniae (standard strains) and Acinetobacter baumanii (standard and clinical strains) with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of 1.88–3.75 mg/mL, 1.88 mg/mL and 2.5–10 mg/mL respectively. Metabolites produced after in-vitro digestion of Yerba Mate extracts gave similar antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Combination assays between Yerba Mate extracts and different classes of antibiotics suggest an additive effect with the antibiotic Clarithromycin and an antagonistic effect with Gentamicin when tested on S. aureus strains of different profiles of resistance. Furthermore, Yerba Mate was able to delay coagulase activity of S. aureus strains when incubated with the extract at ½ MIC concentration. Further work should be done in order to isolate the compound(s) responsible for Yerba Mate's antibacterial activity and to understand its mechanism of action.

Background Herbal teas are a good alternative to traditional green, black, red and white teas. Herbal teas infusions are also consumed for therapeutic purposes. Teas are the source of many valuable, biologically active compounds, including elements. Infusions drawn up from various teas may be one of the minerals sources in a daily diet. In the study, an attempt was made to assess infusions prepared from popular teas in terms of the content of elements in them. Methods In the work, the amounts of elements such as Ca (calcium), Cr (chromium), Cu (copper), Fe (iron), K (potassium), Mg (magnesium), Mn (manganese), Na (sodium), Ni (nickel) and Zn (zinc) were determined in herbal teas infusions as well as yerba mate and rooibos by atomic absorption spectrometry method (AAS). Their participation in covering the daily nutrient requirements for particular elements was also estimated. Results The average amount (mg/g) of elements that passed from 1 g of teas to their infusions was following: Ca - 5.73 ± 3.33, K - 18.14 ± 9.50, Mg - 1.79 ± 3.47, Na - 1.34 ± 0.85, and (μg/g) for: Cr - 0.14 ± 0.14, Cu - 2.56 ± 1.53, Fe - 18.45 ± 11.90, Mn - 64.20 ± 88.82, Ni - 0.49 ± 0.30 and Zn - 10.77 ± 13.89. Among the tested teas, the infusions of hibiscus, horsetail, nettle, rooibos and yerba mate contained the largest quantities of minerals. A significant positive correlation was determined between the pH value of infusion and Mg content, as well as some pairs of correlating elements (Ca-K, Ca-Mg, Cr-Mg, Cu-Zn and K-Mg) were found in the analyzed brews. Conclusions Generally, the infusions of herbal teas to a small extent cover the daily allowance for elements, however they are a valuable complementary source of them.

The differences among several popular brewed beverages in relation to content of caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, trigonelline, nicotinic acid and amide were studied. Caffeine, the main active component of the green and roasted Arabica and Robusta coffees, was also found in Yerba mate tea and other beverages such as teas. On the other hand, it has been found that roasted grain beverages that are used as a coffee substitute contain 5000-10000 times less caffeine. In addition the effect of coffee treatment such as roasting, steaming and decaffeination processes of coffee beans was analyzed. It was shown that the steaming and/or light roasting processes have influenced the methylxantines and trigonelline content. Decaffeination process has decreased the level of theobromine and theophylline and increased the content of nicotinic acid and there was no change in nicotinamide in Vietnam Robusta coffees.

Recent studies claim that weight loss supplements often contain pharmacoactive ingredients or undeclared drug substances with a potential health risk. This study is focused on food supplements in the category “weight loss” in which label caffeine was not declared. Analysed samples were purchased from dietary supplement stores, pharmacies and internet. In the screening were included only food supplements witch do not contain caffeine or herbal extracts which contain caffeine like guarana, kola nut, yerba mate etc. 30 samples were analysed by HPLC/UV detection. We found undeclared caffeine in 5 of the analysed samples. The presence of undeclared caffeine in food supplements for weight loss could lead to serious health consequences especially for consumers with cardiovascular disea

BACKGROUND: Yerba-mate (YM) and blackcurrant (BC) are rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins with proven health benefits therefore they could be used in functional beverage preparation.OBJECTIVE: To (a) develop a palatable powdered beverage with high physicochemical and nutritional quality using YM/BC, (b) determine the effect of in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion on antioxidant content and activity and (c) evaluate beverage?s acceptance temporal changes and dynamic profile during multiple intakes.METHODS: We determined powder?s water-activity (aw), moisture content, flowability, micro-morphology, color, cold water solubility, glass-transition temperature (Tg), total polyphenols (TP)/anthocyanins (MAC) and ascorbic-acid contents, antiradical activity (DPPH).RESULTS: Powder?s aw (0.089) ensured biochemical/microbiological stability. Tg(55.64◦C) indicated that YM/BC?s vacuum- storage at 20?25◦C was possible without losing glassy state. Powder?s cold water?s solubility was 90%. 1 L (60 g/L)provided 556.8mg TP/198.11mg monomeric-anthocyanins. Ascorbic- acid dose was half the recommended daily intake. In-vitro gastrointestinal digestion reduced total polyphenols/monomeric-anthocyanins 59?70%, but antiradical activity losseswere 9%. Overall-acceptance and Time-Intensity curves results were in the Hedonic scale?s ?Like moderately to like very much? zone. Berries/Sweet were the only dominant attributes Astringency accumulative effects not detected.CONCLUSIONS: The YM/BC powder had good physical/biochemical/microbiological stability under industrial storage conditions and high antiradical activity after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Sensory scores suggested that consumer?s acceptance could be high. Fil: Orjuela Palacio, Juliana Marcela. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos; Argentina Fil: Zamora, María Clara. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina "Santa María de los Buenos Aires"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Lanari Vila, Maria Cecilia. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos; Argentina

The enzyme-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from plants has been studied as an alternative green technology and the carbohydrases have been candidates to improve the extraction process of numerous such compounds from plants. Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites, generally involved in the defense against different types of stress and yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil., Aquifoliaceae) is a natural source of these antioxidant compounds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the enzyme-assisted extraction of polyphenols from green yerba mate employing response surface methodology (RSM), in order to determine the best extraction conditions. The independent variables were temperature (33.2 to 66.8 °C), enzyme concentration (0 to 336 FGBU/100g), reaction time (19 to 221 minutes) and pH (2.82 to 6.18). The use of carbohydrases increased the extraction of polyphenols from about 38.67% to 52.08%. The present results showed that all the independent variables were significant at the linear level and that temperature and pH were not significant at the quadratic level. The interactions of temperature and pH; enzyme and reaction time; and enzyme and pH were significant. The regression model presented a determination coefficient (R2) close to 0.85 and a fitted value close to 0.45. Considering the results of this study and their industrial viability, the best conditions for the extraction of polyphenols from green yerba mate are a temperature of 50.0 °C, enzyme concentration of 168 FGB/100 g, reaction time of 120 minutes and pH value of 4.50. This study was the first RSM-based report of the optimization of the enzyme-assisted extraction of total phenolic compounds from green yerba mate. Resumo A extração de bioativos de plantas assistida por enzimas tem sido estudada como uma tecnologia verde alternativa. As carboidrases foram candidatas para melhorar o processo de extração de numerosos compostos bioativos de plantas. Os polifenóis são metabólitos secundários de plantas geralmente envolvidos em defesa contra diferentes tipos de estresse. A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil., Aquifoliaceae) é uma fonte natural desses compostos antioxidantes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a extração de polifenóis auxiliada por enzimas para determinar as melhores condições para o uso, empregando metodologia de superfície de resposta (RSM). As variáveis independentes foram: temperatura (33,2 to 66,8°C), concentração enzimática (0 to 336 FGB / 100 g), tempo de reação (19 to 221 minutos) e pH (2,82 to 6,18). O uso de carboidrase aumentou a extração de polifenóis de 38,67% para 52,08%. Os resultados mostraram que todas as variáveis independentes foram significativas a nível linear e a temperatura e o pH não se mostraram significativos nos níveis quadráticos. As interações de temperatura e pH, tempo de reação e concentração da enzima e pH e concentração da enzima foram significativas. O modelo de regressão apresentou coeficiente de determinação (R2) próximo de 0,85 e ajustado perto de 0,45. Considerando-se os resultados deste estudo e a viabilidade industrial, as melhores condições para a obtenção de polifenóis de erva-mate são temperatura de 50,0°C, concentração de enzima 168 FGBU / g de folhas secas, 120 minutos de tempo de reação e pH 4,5. Este estudo é o primeiro relato de otimização da extração de polifenóis de erva-mate verde assistida por enzimas baseada em RSM.

International audience; Dried leaves and stems of Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. (yerba mate) are used to make a popular beverage in some countries of South America, commonly known as “chimarrão”. The present study was designed to evaluate the occurrence of toxigenic Aspergillus in yerba mate in order to define the mycotoxin risk associated with this foodstuff. All samples tested were positive for fungal contamination, and the fungal load per sample ranged from 2.0 × 102 to 1.6 × 104 CFU/g. Aspergillus section Nigri was found in all samples and represented 76.5% of the total fungi isolated. Aspergillus section Circumdati, Aspergillus section Flavi and Aspergillus section Cremei were found at low frequencies. Thirteen different Aspergillus species were identified. The most common species found was A. luchuensis, which does not produce any harmful toxin for humans. A. niger, A. welwitschiae, A. flavus and A. novoparasiticus, all potentially toxigenic species, were found only in small quantities. The A. niger and A. welwitschiae strains were cultured to test for ochratoxin A and fumonisin B2 production. Only one strain producing ochratoxin A was found, but approximately 29% of the strains were positive for fumonisin B2. The A. flavus and A. novoparasiticus strains were tested for aflatoxins production, and 63% were positive. A. pallidofulvus, recently assigned to A. section Circumdati, was reported for the first time in herbs. All A. pallidofulvus strains analyzed in this study were negative for ochratoxin A production. In conclusion, A. section Nigri occurs with high frequency in yerba mate, and A. luchuensis is the predominant species. Although toxigenic species were found in this herb, the incidence was low.

The yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) has great socioeconomic importance on family farming in Southerm Brazil. One of the main yerba-mate disease is root rotting, caused by Fusarium spp. Little is known about the pathogen physiology, especially regarding the aggressiveness associated with the production of extracellular enzymes. On this work, the aggressiveness of isolates of F. oxysporum and F. solani pathogenic to yerba-mate was evaluated and it was determined the activities of extracellular enzymes catalase, laccase, cellulase, caseinase, amylase, protease, lipase and pectinases produced by Fusarium spp. in culture medium. Six isolates of F. solani and one isolate of F. oxysporum pathogenic to yerba-mate were used. The F. oxysporum isolate proved to be less aggressive in relation to the other F. solani isolates. All isolates of Fusarium spp. produced, on a semiquantitative manner, the extracellular enzymes catalase, laccase, cellulase, caseinase, amylase, protease, lipase and pectinases (polygalacturonase and pectate lyase). However, the quantity produced for each enzyme was significantly different among the isolates. With the exception of the laccase and polygalacturonase enzymes, the M7C1 isolate showed the highest enzymatic index and was also responsible for the highest percentage of yerba-mate seedlings death. RESUMO A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) tem grande importância socioeconômica na agricultura familiar do Sul do Brasil. A principal doença da erva-mate é a podridão-de-raízes causada por Fusarium spp. Pouco se sabe a respeito da fisiologia deste patógeno, principalmente quanto à agressividade associada à produção de enzimas extracelulares. Neste trabalho, avaliou-se a agressividade de isolados de F. oxysporum e F. solani patogênicos à erva-mate e determinou-se as atividades das enzimas extracelulares catalase, lacase, celulase, caseinase, amilase, protease, lipase e pectinases produzidas por Fusarium spp. em meio de cultura. Foram utilizados seis isolados de F. solani e um isolado de F. oxysporum patogênicos à erva-mate. O isolado de F. oxysporum mostrou-se menos agressivo em relação aos demais isolados de F. solani. Todos os isolados de Fusarium spp. produziram, de maneira semiquantitativa, as enzimas extracelulares catalase, lacase, celulase, caseinase, amilase, protease, lipase e pectinases (poligalacturonase e pectato liase). Entretanto, a quantidade produzida de cada enzima foi significativamente diferente entre os isolados. Com exceção das enzimas lacase e poligalacturonase o isolado M7C1 de F. solani exibiu as maiores médias do índice enzimático e foi também o responsável pelo maior percentual de morte de mudas de erva-mate.

The main phenol in mate and coffee, 5-caffeoylquinic-acid (5-CQA), and its relevant microbial metabolites, dihydrocaffeic (DHCA) and dihydroferulic (DHFA) acids, have shown oxidative-stress protective effects in HepG2 cells. To evaluate possible endothelial-protective effects of the extracts and compounds, endothelial EA.hy926 cells were pre-treated with yerba mate (YME) and green coffee bean (GCBE) phenolic extracts, 5-CQA, DHCA and DHFA and afterwards stressed with tumour-necrosis-factor-alpha (TNF-α). Then oxidative-stress markers and endothelial-nitric-oxide-synthase levels were studied. TNF-α (10 ng/mL, 24 h) depleted reduced glutathione (GSH) and eNOS levels, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reductase (GR) activities, and protein oxidation (carbonyl groups, CG) in EA.hy926 cells. Pre-treatment with YME, GCBE, 5-CQA, DHCA at certain physiological concentrations, lowered ROS production, recovered depleted GSH, reduced GR and GPx activities, and CG levels, and enhanced eNOS concentration.. YME, GCBE and 5-CQA show antioxidant effects in endothelial cells playing DHCA an important role in such protection; moreover, the extracts, 5-CQA, DHCA and DHFA increased eNOS levels., This work was supported by projects AGL2010-18269 and AGL2015-69986-R funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity, and project PIE-201670E061 funded by Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC). Shenli Wang thanks the Chinese Government for her PhD Scholarship.

Using double-strand RNA (dsRNA) high-throughput sequencing, we identified five RNA viruses in a bean golden mosaic virus (BGMV)-resistant common bean transgenic line with symptoms of viral infection. Four of the identified viruses had already been described as infecting common bean (cowpea mild mottle virus, bean rugose mosaic virus, Phaseolus vulgaris alphaendornavirus 1, and Phaseolus vulgaris alphaendornavirus 2) and one is a putative new plant rhabdovirus (genus Cytorhabdovirus), tentatively named bean-associated cytorhabdovirus (BaCV). The BaCV genome presented all five open reading frames (ORFs) found in most rhabdoviruses: nucleoprotein (N) (ORF1) (451 amino acids, aa), phosphoprotein (P) (ORF2) (445 aa), matrix (M) (ORF4) (287 aa), glycoprotein (G) (ORF5) (520 aa), and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L) (ORF6) (114 aa), as well as a putative movement protein (P3) (ORF3) (189 aa) and the hypothetical small protein P4. The predicted BaCV proteins were compared to homologous proteins from the closest cytorhabdoviruses, and a low level of sequence identity (15&ndash, 39%) was observed. The phylogenetic analysis shows that BaCV clustered with yerba mate chlorosis-associated virus (YmCaV) and rice stripe mosaic virus (RSMV). Overall, our results provide strong evidence that BaCV is indeed a new virus species in the genus Cytorhabdovirus (family Rhabdoviridae), the first rhabdovirus to be identified infecting common bean.

In recent years, the debate over the application of non-tariff measures for environmental protection as a new form of disguised restriction on international trade by developed countries has become increasingly important. While tariffs have decreased over the decades, the increasing application of environmental-related requirements are a new factor that affects international business. These new requirements not only modify companies’ decision-making processes at national and international levels, but also within the firm. Hence, this paper proposes to examine the application of such measures by the European Union in the tea, coffee and yerba mate market, and their impact on exporting Latin-American firms for the 1995-2015 period and analyze whether there has been an improvement in their productive quality. For this aim, through a qualitative methodology, we carried out interviews with specialists of the field and surveys to Latin-American exporting companies. In this way, this analysis discusses with theorists if the application of measures related to environmental sustainability leads to ameliorate firms’ productive quality. Among the results, it is highlighted the fact that non-tariff measures—in particular sanitary and phytosanitary ones—have been used as trade barriers. However, complying with them allows exporting companies to develop environmental performance strategies and ultimately, it leads to a positive growth in their productive quality in the medium-long term. KEYWORDS: non-tariff measures, trade barriers, sanitary and phytosanitary policies, productive quality

Prostate cancer is a major cause of cancer-related mortality in men. Even though current therapeutic management has contributed to reducing mortality, additional intervention strategies are warranted to further improve the outcomes. To this end, we have investigated the efficacy of dicaffeoylquinic acids, ingredients in Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis), an evergreen cultivated in South America, the leaves of which are used to prepare a tea/coffee-like drink. Of the various analogs tested, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (4,5-diCQA) was the most active molecule against DU-145 prostate cancer cells with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 5 μM. 4,5-diCQA was active both under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The effect of 72-hour treatment on DU-145 cells persisted for an extended time period as assessed by clonogenic assay. Mechanistic studies revealed that the toxic effect was not due to induction of programmed cell death but through cell cycle arrest at S phase. Additionally, 4,5-diCQA did not impact PI3K/MAPK signaling pathway nor did it affect the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. 4,5-diCQA-induced accumulation of cells in the S-phase also seems to negatively impact Bcl-2 expression. 4,5-diCQA also exhibited inhibitory activity on LNCaP and PC-3 prostate cancer cells suggesting that it has therapeutic potential on a broad range of prostate cancers. Taken together, the novel inhibitory activity and mechanism of action of 4,5-diCQA opens up potential therapeutic options for using this molecule as monotherapy as well as in combinatorial therapies for the clinical management of prostate cancer.

Native to the subtropics of South America, yerba mate ( Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil., Aquifoliaceae) has a long history of usage as a beverage plant far before the conquest of the region by the Spaniards. This chapter outlines the transformation of this local beverage as commercial product which is now extended for treatment of obesity, diabetes and associated diseases. The chemistry of the polyphenolic components dominated by quinic and shikimic acids esters of caffeoyl, feruloyl and other structural moieties; flavonoids such as rutin, saponins and the alkaloidal compounds such as caffeine are the basis for the claimed health benefits of yerba mate commercial products. Data from in vitro and animal studies dominated by obesity models are used to systematically present the mechanisms and potential applications of this plant in metabolic syndrome. Further scrutiny on toxicological and therapeutic implications are based on clinical trials where promising effects are recorded for yerba mate.

Functional and medicinal beverages have been used to treat and cure diseases since the beginning of civilization. Among these beverages, coffee (Coffea arabica), black/green tea (Camellia sinensis), and yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis), have been studied due to their important functional activities. These plants present several bioactive molecules in their chemical matrix that are responsible for therapeutic properties. For instance, coffee is mainly composed of caffeine, chlorogenic acid (CGA), cafestol, and kahweol, while black/green tea present principally polyphenols, caffeine, and theobromine. Moreover, yerba mate is predominantly composed of caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, aglycones, ursolic acid, oleoanolic, and CGA. Some studies reported important functional properties of these plants. Previous investigations described that these plants are able to increase neural activity and to promote health, besides presenting antiinflammatory, antitumor, thermogenic, and antioxidant capacities. In this sense, the frequent intake of these functional beverages can contribute to a healthier life.

Energy drinks are increasingly used by young people and young athletes in order to improve their performance alone or in association of other substances, particularly alcohol. In recent years, a number of reports of reports have raised attention on the side-effects associated with the use or abuse of energy drinks particularly serious cardiovascular events. The European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (ECAS) has undertaken a systematic and critical review of reported data on cardiovascular events including life-threatening arrhythmias with or without cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular events, and discussed in this review the possible causal effect of caffeine and other ingredients contained in energy drinks and the reported events. Twenty-two cardiovascular events were reported in association with the use or abuse of energy drinks. The European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society would like to draw attention on the possible cardiovascular complications that may occur with the consumption of these beverages and to emphasize the prevention measures to be taken particularly in the young population. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to clarify the possible role of energy drinks in inducing the cardiovascular events reported.

Yerba mate waste based urea fertilizer capsules were obtained and characterized. Yerba mate powder (YMP) content in these encapsulation systems ranged from 52 to 82% for the different formulations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of yerba mate powder:calcium alginate ratio and the assay temperature on capsule degradation and urea release rate in soil. Degradation evolution was monitored by microbiological tests, environmental scanning electronic microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. Encapsulation efficiency increased with YMP content. The green fertilizing systems generated did not inhibit microorganism development in soil. Degradation was slower for capsules with higher YMP content. Capsules with high YMP content released lower amounts of urea. Both degradation and release rates increased with assay temperature. The recycling of yerba mate powder as a green composite material originated a new fertilizer system., This work has been carried out thanks to project “PRASY 060-14” of the “Instituto Nacional de la Yerba Mate (INYM)”. The contribution of project AGL2016-77056-R (AEI/FEDER, UE) from the Spanish MINECO, is also acknowledged. L. Llive was supported by the “Instituto de Fomento al Talento Humano”, within the fellowship program funded from the Ecuador.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produtividade e arquitetura da Ilex paraguaiensis sob diferentes coberturas de solo e dosagens de adubação. Os tratamentos foram: Crotalária juncea L., feijão-de-porco (Canavalia ensiformis L.), feijão-guandu-anão (Cajanus cajan L) e Urochloa ruziziensis. Foram utilizadas 5 diferentes doses de fertilizante mineral NPK, equivalente a 0 kg, 100 kg, 200 kg, 400 kg e 800 kg ha-1. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas. As avaliações foram submetidas a análise de variância e as médias ao teste de Tukey (p

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is one of the most popular hot drinks in the world and might represent an opportunity for energetic valorization after its consumption. Alkaline pretreatment appears to be a potential strategy for unlocking cellulosic biofuels. Thereby, in this study, four alkaline agents were evaluated for improving yerba mate anaerobic digestion (AD): (1) sodium hydroxide (NaOH); (2) potassium hydroxide (KOH); (3) lime; and (4) sodium bicarbonate. Complete factorial design with center point repetition was chosen to evaluate all combinations of concentration of alkali (50, 125, and 200 galkaline agent kg−1dry yerba mate), reaction time (12.2, 30.1, and 48 h) and temperature (30, 65, and 100 °C) in carbohydrate solubilization (variable response). Pre-treatment harshness was quantified by the modified severity factor (MSF). The methane production potential was determined for the best pretreatment condition achieved for each alkali tested. Energy balance for assessing the effectiveness of the proposed treatments on net energy gain was performed. NaOH and KOH had the same effect on organic matter solubilization and produced the same optimum value for the MSF. Thermal-alkaline pretreatment of yerba mate can increase the methane yield up to seven-fold as compared to control (maximum cumulated methane yield of 700 N-LCH4.Kg-VS−1added). All of the alkalis evaluated in the yerba mate pretreatment improved the kinetics of the AD process (kh; from 1e−5 to 1e−1 d−1). NaOH pretreatment at its highest levels of alkali concentration and temperature and lowest level of reaction time was found to be the best scenario in terms of net energy gain.

Aged-related macular degeneration (AMD), a prevalent chronic disease leading to blindness, is associated with oxidative damage of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate, YM), widely consumed in South America, is an excellent source of antioxidants and could prevent RPE cell impairment. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of YM extracts or caffeic (CAF) and chlorogenic (CHL) acids, two major Ilex polyphenols on cell death or premature senescence in a cell line derived from human RPE (ARPE-19). Cultures were incubated with YM, CAF, CHL or appropriate controls and then exposed to H2O2. Protection was correlated with decreases of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA breaks, phosphorylation of the cAMP response element (CREB) and increases of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), BCL2, superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). These results support the protective role of YM and its polyphenols against oxidative stress induced RPE injury.

The aim of this study was to evaluate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contamination, distribution, and toxicity in “yerba mate” fractions, and to propose actions to reduce its pollution. Sixteen PAHs were quantified using a recently developed methodology by HPLC-DAD/FLD, obtaining recoveries higher than 84.5% and relative standard deviation of individual compounds from 0.2% to 9.6%. The PAHs distribution was not normal. The Inverse Gaussian, Birnbaum-Saunders, Lognormal, Gamma, and Weibull were the models that best described benzo(a)pyrene and PAH4 distribution. The fraction that was significantly less contaminated was stem. Also, there was significant difference between leaf and powder fractions, the latter being the one that presented higher PAHs concentration. This may be due to the products generated in the pyrolysis of wood, used in the drying process of “yerba mate.” If powder were removed, a reduction of ∼3.5% of ∑PAHs and 6.5% of TEQ would be achieved. Although eliminating powder could be a strategy to reduce PAHs contamination, this would not be enough to diminish PAHs levels below the regulatory limits. Fil: García Londoño, Víctor Alonso. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Fundación de Investigaciones Científicas Teresa Benedictina de la Cruz; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Industrias; Argentina Fil: Pok, Paula Sol. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Industrias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Resnik, Silvia Liliana. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina. Fundación de Investigaciones Científicas Teresa Benedictina de la Cruz; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Industrias; Argentina

Water-resistant electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) mats and a yerba mate extract (YM) were incorporated together within potato starch (PS) matrices to prepare biocomposites (PS-YM/PVA/PS-YM). The thermal, mechanical and barrier properties of the PS-YM/PVA/PS-YM systems were compared with biocomposites without YM (PS/PVA/PS) and, with potato starch films without (PS) and with (PS-YM) the YM extract. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the electrospun mats were fully incorporated into the biocomposites and that the PS/PVA interlayer adhesion was only slightly affected by the addition of the extract. Infrared spectra analysis confirmed that this behavior was due to the lower amount of hydroxyl groups available in the biocomposites. As compared with the other systems, the PS-YM/PVA/PS-YM biocomposites exhibited better light- and water vapor barrier properties. Moreover, the presence of the electrospun PVA core layer and the YM extract caused an increase of around 60% in the elastic modulus of these materials.

Tea and coffee are caffeinated beverages commonly consumed around the world in daily life. Tea from Camellia sinensis is widely available and is a good source of caffeine and other bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols and carotenoids). Other tea-like beverages, such as those from the genus Ilex, the large-leaved Kudingcha (Ilex latifolia Thunb and Ilex kudingcha C.J. Tseng), Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil), Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria), and Guayusa (Ilex guayusa Loes) are also traditional drinks, with lesser overall usage, but have attracted much recent attention and have been subjected to further study. This review summarizes the distribution, composition, and health benefits of caffeinated beverages from the genus Ilex. Plants of this genus mainly contain polyphenols and alkaloids, and show diverse health benefits, which, as well as supporting their further popularization as beverages, may also lead to potential applications in the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical industries.

Studies on strategies to generate cardioprotective effects have been on the rise. Previous work by our group with an ex vivo model of ischemia/reperfusion has shown that both the short-term consumption of yerba mate and exercise can each induce protection of cardiac function independently. Surprising, the two strategies together do not, with an apparent loss of their respective cardioprotection activity. To improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved without reperforming the experiments, we have conducted a retrospective data science-analysis that have produced new insights. The analysis shows that yerba mate generated reductive stress. Alone, this stress increased redox damage in the heart that appears to have led to a protective conditioning. In combination with exercise, the effects of mate inhibited the intermittent ROS generation promoted by exercise alone, which diminished the adaptive response in the heart. These results suggest that an understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved with the yerba mate-promoted reductive stress in cardiac tissue could lead to improved strategies to induce cardioprotection.

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. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Positive influence of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) on human health issues has been attributed to its frequent consumption in South American countries and is assumed to be due to its high content of antioxidant compounds, including chlorogenic acid (CGA); however, hard evidence about its positive effects under chronic stress conditions is still required. In this study, the effects of yerba mate extracts (IpE), and its main compound chlorogenic acid (CGA), on behavioral and morphological endpoints of brain damage induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS) to rats were evaluated and compared. CRS sessions were performed during 21 days. IpE (200 mg/mL, p.o.) or CGA (2 mg/mL, p.o.) were administered daily 30 min before stress. Behavioral tests comprised motor skills and anxiety-like activity. Histological (H&E) and histochemical changes were explored in three brain regions: cortex (Cx), hippocampus (Hp), and striatum (S). Rats subjected to CRS exhibited hypoactive patterns of locomotor activity. Rats receiving IpE before CRS preserved the basal locomotor activity. Stressed animals also augmented the anxiety-like activity, whereas IpE normalized exploratory behavior. Stressed animals presented cell damage in all regions. Morphological damage was more effectively prevented by IpE than CGA. Stressed animals also augmented the expression/localization pattern of the tumor necrosis factor alpha in the striatum and the expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus (stratum moleculare) and cortex, whereas IpE and CGA reduced the expression of these molecules. In turn, CGA exhibited only moderate protective effects on all markers analyzed. Our findings support a protective role of IpE against CRS, which may be related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of its compounds. Since CGA was unable to prevent all the alterations induced by CRS, it is concluded that the protective properties of the whole extract of Ilex paraguariensis are the result of the combined effects of all its natural antioxidant compounds, and not only of the properties of CGA.

The Mesopotamian Region occupies about 200,000 km2 in the NE of Argentina, which includes Entre Rios, Corrientes, and Misiones provinces. Their landscapes are characterized by gently rolling plains, whose natural land cover is a mix of open savannas or grasslands and semidry forests, and by structural lava plains in the extreme northeast of the region, mostly covered by subtropical rainforest vegetation. Additionally, lowlands and wetlands are common. The main productive activities are cattle-farming, cereal and oil crops, tea, yerba mate, and timber woods. The climate varies from humid temperate to subtropical. Fluvial process is the main geomorphic feature in the whole region. Soils of Entre Rios and Corrientes are similar to those of the Chaco and the Pampas regions, and they are characterized by horizons rich in organic matter, well developed and slightly acidic pH. These soils essentially belong to the Mollisols, Alfisols, Vertisols, Entisols, and Inceptisols orders. On the other hand, soils of northeast of Corrientes and Misiones are characterized by large accumulation of iron and aluminum oxides, as a result of the high chemical weathering basalt, low organic matter content, and acidic pH. Mollisols, Alfisols, Ultisols, and Oxisols orders are the most representative soils of this region.

The yerba mate ( Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill.) is a native species from subtropical regions of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are symbiotically associated with 82% of the vegetable species including crops of economic importance. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of yerba mate with AMF growing in natural and crop conditions, and to evaluate the influence of tillage practices and seasonality on root colonization. We selected five situations ranging from old systems to recent implementations with different agricultural managements and intensity of tillage, as reference native trees were analyzed. Root samples of yerba mate were extracted in winter and summer during the years 2013–2014. The percentage of root colonization was determined. Significantly higher values of colonization were found in native trees. Regarding seasonality, significantly higher values on the total mycorrhizal colonization were observed in winter. Organic matter and nitrogen were the soil factors that showed significant correlation with the percentage of colonization. This work confirms the association of I. paraguariensis with AMF, showing that yerba mate is a host species under both crop and natural conditions. Even though crop management of yerba mate is compatible with the symbiosis, it affects the colonization negatively., Instituto de Botánica "Dr. Carlos Spegazzini"

Carrot-orange juice processed by UV-C (10.6 kJ/m 2 ) assisted with mild heat (H, 50 °C) and yerba mate addition (E) was obtained. UV-C/H + E treated juice was examined for native flora, polyphenol content (PC), total antioxidant activity (TAA), colour, turbidity, °Brix and pH along storage (4 °C). Consumer profiling studies were performed. UV-C/H + E provoked 2.6–5.7 native flora log reductions, preventing from recovery during 24 day-storage. The UV-C/H + E juice exhibited a significant increase in PC (720.2 µg/mL) and TAA (5.5 mg/mL) compared to untreated (PC = 205.0 µg/mL/TAA = 0.7 mg/mL) and single treated juices (PC = 302.1–408.0 µg/mL/TAA = 0.7–2.4 mg/mL), remaining constant throughout storage. UV-C/H + E juice exhibited scarce changes in colour. Nevertheless, increases in °Brix and turbidity were observed compared to single treatments. A cluster sensory analysis revealed that one group showed a marked interest in UVC/H + E beverages with herbal taste and strong aroma. CATA question revealed that some improvements should be introduced in order to satisfy the consumers’ ideally beverage. Fil: Ferrario, Mariana Inés. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Industrias. Instituto de Tecnología de Alimentos y Procesos Quimicos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Tecnología de Alimentos y Procesos Quimicos.; Argentina Fil: Schenk, Marcela Liliana. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Industrias. Instituto de Tecnología de Alimentos y Procesos Quimicos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Tecnología de Alimentos y Procesos Quimicos.; Argentina Fil: García Carrillo, Mercedes. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Industrias. Instituto de Tecnología de Alimentos y Procesos Quimicos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Tecnología de Alimentos y Procesos Quimicos.; Argentina Fil: Guerrero, Sandra N.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Industrias. Instituto de Tecnología de Alimentos y Procesos Quimicos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Tecnología de Alimentos y Procesos Quimicos.; Argentina

This contribution contains data associated to the research article entitled “Exploring the genes of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) by NGS and de novo transcriptome assembly” (Debat et al., 2014) [1]. By means of a bioinformatic approach involving extensive NGS data analyses, we provide a resource encompassing the full transcriptome assembly of yerba mate, the first available reference for the Ilex L. genus. This dataset (Supplementary files 1 and 2) consolidates the transcriptome-wide assembled sequences of I. paraguariensis with further comprehensive annotation of the protein coding genes of yerba mate via the integration of Arabidopsis thaliana databases. The generated data is pivotal for the characterization of agronomical relevant genes in the tree crop yerba mate -a non-model species- and related taxa in Ilex. The raw sequencing data dissected here is available at DDBJ/ENA/GenBank (NCBI Resource Coordinators, 2016) [2] Sequence Read Archive (SRA) under the accession SRP043293 and the assembled sequences have been deposited at the Transcriptome Shotgun Assembly Sequence Database (TSA) under the accession GFHV00000000. Fil: Aguilera, Patricia Mabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical; Argentina Fil: Debat, Humberto Julio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical; Argentina Fil: Grabiele, Mauro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigaciones Agropecuarias. Instituto de Patología Vegetal; Argentina

Tea is usually consumed at two temperatures (as hot tea or as iced tea). However, the importance of drink temperature on the cardiovascular system and on metabolism has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiovascular, metabolic and cutaneous responses to the ingestion of caffeinated herbal tea (Yerba Mate) at cold or hot temperature in healthy young subjects. We hypothesized that ingestion of cold tea induces a higher increase in energy expenditure than hot tea without eliciting any negative effects on the cardiovascular system.Methods: Cardiovascular, metabolic and cutaneous responses were analyzed in 23 healthy subjects (12 men and 11 women) sitting comfortably during a 30-min baseline and 90 min following the ingestion of 500 mL of an unsweetened Yerba Mate tea ingested over 5 min either at cold (~3°C) or hot (~55°C) temperature, according to a randomized cross-over design.Results: Averaged over the 90 min post-drink ingestion and compared to hot tea, cold tea induced (1) a decrease in heart rate (cold tea: −5 ± 1 beats.min−1; hot tea: −1 ± 1 beats.min−1, p < 0.05), double product, skin blood flow and hand temperature and (2) an increase in baroreflex sensitivity, fat oxidation and energy expenditure (cold tea: +8.3%; hot tea: +3.7%, p < 0.05). Averaged over the 90 min post-drink ingestion, we observed no differences of tea temperature on cardiac output work and mean blood pressure responses.Conclusion: Ingestion of an unsweetened caffeinated herbal tea at cold temperature induced a greater stimulation of thermogenesis and fat oxidation than hot tea while decreasing cardiac load as suggested by the decrease in the double product. Further experiments are needed to evaluate the clinical impact of unsweetened caffeinated herbal tea at a cold temperature for weight control.

Aim Tea is usually drunk either hot or cold. The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiovascular and metabolic responses to the ingestion of caffeinated herbal tea (Yerba Mate) at cold or hot drink temperature in healthy young subjects. We hypothesized that ingestion of cold tea induces a higher increase in energy expenditure (EE) than hot tea without eliciting any negative effects on the cardiovascular system. Methods Cardiovascular, metabolic and cutaneous responses were analyzed in twenty-three healthy subjects (twelve men and eleven women) sitting comfortably with a 30-min baseline and 90 min following ingestion of 500 mL of an unsweetened Yerba Mate tea ingested over 5 min either at cold (~3 °C) or hot (~55 °C) temperature, according to a randomized cross-over design. Results Averaged over the 90 min post-drink ingestion and compared to hot tea, cold tea induced a decrease in heart rate (cold tea: −5 ± 1 beats.min−1; hot tea: −1 ± 1 beats.min−1), double product, skin blood flow and hand tempe...

Twenty-nine species are recognized in the Orasema stramineipes species group, including 22 new species in what is now the most diverse species group of the New World ant-parasitoid genus Orasema Cameron. Orasema aenea Gahan syn. n. is synonymized with O. freychei (Gemignani), the holotype of which has been rediscovered. Orasema smithi Howard syn. n. is synonymized with Orasema minutissima Howard. Orasema violacea Gemignani syn. n. and its replacement name Orasema gemignanii De Santis syn. n. are synonymized with O. worcesteri (Girault). Twenty-two species are described as new: O. arimbome Dominguez, Heraty & Burks n. sp., O. carchi Heraty, Burks & Dominguez n. sp., and the following 20 species by Burks, Heraty & Dominguez: O. chunpi n. sp., O. cozamalotl n. sp., O. evansi n. sp., O. hyarimai n. sp., O. kaspi n. sp., O. kulli n. sp., O. llanthu n. sp., O. llika n. sp., O. mati n. sp., O. nyamo n. sp., O. pirca n. sp., O. pisi n. sp., O. qillu n. sp., O. qincha n. sp., O. rikra n. sp., O. taku n. sp., O. tapi n. sp., O. torrensi n. sp., O. woolleyi n. sp., and O. yaax n. sp. The stramineipes -group has much greater diversity in tropical America than outside the tropics, and is much more diverse than its sister-group, the susanae -group, which is mainly present in temperate regions of Argentina. A hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships is proposed based on an analysis of 28S-D2 rDNA and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) for 14 stramineipes -group species. Species concepts were established using both morphological and molecular data. Most species in the stramineipes -group have a tropical distribution, with only a few species in temperate regions. Ant hosts for the group include Pheidole Westwood , Wasmannia Forel, and possibly Solenopsis Westwood (Formicidae: Myrmicinae). Orasema minutissima is a common parasitoid of Wasmannia auropunctata Roger in the Caribbean and has the potential to be a biological control agent in other areas of the world. Two distinct size morphs are recognized for O. minutissima, which are correlated with attacking either Wasmannia (small morph) or different castes of Pheidole (medium to large size morphs). Some species of Orasema have been regarded as pests due to scarring or secondary infections of leaves or fruit of banana, yerba mate or blueberry, but outbreaks are rare and the threat is usually temporary.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the intake of yerba mate (YM) and green tea (GT) on serum levels of leptin and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), compared to control. Controlled, randomized clinical trial (RCT) that evaluated 142 men and women affected by overweight or obesity aged 35–60 years, untreated dyslipidemia and no history of coronary artery disease. Participants were randomized to ingest 1000 mL GT, YM or apple tea (AT, control group) daily, during eight weeks. Serum PON-1 and leptin levels were analyzed by ELISA immunoassay at the beginning (baseline) and after eight weeks of intervention. The intake of 1 l of YM/day resulted in significant increase in serum levels of PON-1 (9.7%; p = 0.005). The consumption of GT induced no significant difference in the levels of PON-1 (p = 0.154) and leptin (p = 0.783). Intergroup analysis showed a significant difference (p = 0.036) in the variation of PON-1 levels in the YM group when compared to GT and AT groups. In addition, the increase in PON-1 levels in the YM group was significantly associated with increased HDL-c (p = 0.004). The intake of yerba mate increased the antioxidant capacity by increasing serum levels of PON-1 and was positively associated with increased HDL-c, stressing the protective role of this beverage against atherosclerotic diseases. GT intake had no significant effect on serum levels of PON-1 and leptin. This study is registered with under protocol number NCT00933647.

Este estudio describe la presencia de hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) en las infusiones tradicionales frías y calientes de yerba mate ( mate y tereré ), mediante el seguimiento del contenido de benz [a] antraceno, criseno, benzo [b] fluoranteno, benzo [k] fluoranteno , benzo [a] pireno, dibenz [ah] antraceno, benzo [ghi] perileno e indeno [1,2,3-cd] pireno (PAH8), que han sido elegidos como indicadores de la presencia y toxicidad de los HAP en los alimentos por la Agencia Europea de Seguridad Alimentaria. El contenido de PAH8 en mate y tereré se determinó mediante cromatografía líquida de alta resolución utilizando detección de fluorescencia (HPLC-FLD). El contenido de PAH8 en infusiones de yerba mate calientes y frías osciló entre 371,2 y 2438,8 ng / L y entre 19,2 y 937,3 ng / L, respectivamente. El contenido de benzo [a] pireno varió entre 37,0 y 373,9 ng / L en infusiones de yerba mate caliente y entre 7,0 y 92,1 ng / L en infusiones de yerba mate fría. Ninguna de las muestras analizadas excedió los criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud para el agua potable, ya que el nivel máximo permitido de benzo [a] pireno es de 700 ng / L. This study describes the occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in traditional yerba maté hot and cold infusions ( mate and tereré), by monitoring the content of benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, dibenz[ah]anthracene, benzo[ghi]perylene and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (PAH8), that have been chosen as indicators for the occurrence and toxicity of PAHs in food by the European Food Safety Agency. PAH8 content in mate and tereré was determined by high performance liquid chromatography using fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD).PAH8 contents in hot and cold maté infusions ranged from 371.2 to 2438.8 ng/L and from 19.2 to 937.3 ng/L, respectively. Benzo[a]pyrene contents varied between 37.0 and 373.9 ng/L in hot yerba maté infusions and between 7.0 and 92.1 ng/L in cold yerba maté infusions. None of the samples analyzed exceeded the World Health Organization criteria for drinking water, since the maximum level allowed for benzo[a]pyrene is 700 ng/L. Fil: Thea, Ana Eugenia. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste; Argentina Fil: Ferreyra, Dario Jorge. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales; Argentina Fil: Brumovsky, Luis Alberto. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales; Argentina Fil: Schmalko Radichowski, Miguel Eduardo. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales; Argentina

Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) is a native South American species. Plant progenies are populations that differ in terms of their productivity, morphology and phytochemical profile. This study aimed to determine the concentration of primary and secondary metabolites, such as antioxidants, in leaves, of yerba-mate progenies selected based on morphological characteristics. We evaluated the centesimal composition of secondary metabolites in the leaves of five yerba-mate plants. Methylxanthines and phenolic compounds were determined by UPLC-PDA, and antioxidant activity by measuring DPPH scavenging. Significant differences were found in centesimal composition and the contents of caffeine, theobromine, rutin and chlorogenic acid, as well as antioxidant activities, in selected progenies. The IC50 values were correlated with the chlorogenic acid levels ( r2 = 0.5242) and soluble content ( r2 = 0.7686). The morphological characteristics observed in yerba-mate leaves can be used as a tool for plant selection, to obtain matrices with different phytochemical profiles as a genetic material source. RESUMO A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) é uma espécie nativa da América do Sul. Progênies vegetais são grupos de plantas que apresentam diferenças em relação a sua produtividade, morfologia e possivelmente perfil fitoquímico. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se determinar os teores de metabólitos primários e secundários, assim como atividade antioxidante em folhas de progênies de erva-mate, morfologicamente caracterizadas. Foi avaliada a composição centesimal e níveis de metabólitos secundários em cinco plantas. Metilxantinas e compostos fenólicos foram determinados por UPLC-PDA, e a atividade antioxidante, por meio da medição da capacidade de sequestro do radical DPPH. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas na composição centesimal, e no conteúdo de cafeína, teobromina, rutina e ácido clorogênico, assim como atividade antioxidante nas progênies selecionas. Os valores de IC50 estiveram correlacionados com os níveis de ácido clorogênico ( r2 = 0,5242) e conteúdo de solúveis ( r2 = 0,7686). Os caracteres morfológicos observados nas folhas de erva-mate podem ser utilizados como uma ferramenta visando a obter matrizes com perfil fitoquímico diferenciado como fonte de material genético.

Un gran porcentaje de la población mundial, utiliza plantas medicinales para hacer frente a sus necesidades de salud. En Paraguay se utiliza un gran número de especies vegetales con fines medicinales, para diferentes afecciones, entre ellas la diabetes. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar las plantas medicinales empleadas por pacientes que consultan el Programa Nacional de Diabetes, Centro de Salud Nº 9, de Asunción, que forma parte de un programa de Atención Farmacéutica, desarrollado dentro del marco de la Tesis Doctoral: “Evaluación de un programa de Atención Farmacéutica en paceintes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2”. Se realizaron encuestas a 61 pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, que consultaron en el mencionado programa, entre octubre y diciembre del año 2011. De los 61 pacientes entrevistados, 17 eran hombres y 44 mujeres, la edad promedio fue de 55 años ± 10,6 años, el 45,9% vive en Asunción y 54,1% en diferentes ciudades del Departamento Central. El 78,1% utiliza plantas medicinales sin prescripción médica, el 18,8% no las utiliza y el 3,1% no contestó la pregunta. Los pacientes mencionaron 33 especies vegetales empleadas con fines medicinales. Las mismas se encuentran distribuidas en 25 familias, siendo la Asteraceae la familia mayormente representada con el 21,6%; la parte más utilizada es la hoja, (48,5%), la forma de empleo más reportada fue el tereré, bebida tradicional de Paraguay semejante al mate (infusión de yerba mate), pero frío; con el 51,5%. Las 5 especies más reportadas fueron: Moringa oleífera (Fabaceae); Artemisia absinthium, Tithonia diversifolia, Baccharis trimera y Stevia rebaudiana todas de la familia Asteraceae. Los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 que emplean plantas medicinales, lo hacen de forma concomitante con medicamentos de síntesis, de los cuales el 47% son para el sistema cardiovascular, el 26% son antidiabéticos y el 17% para el sistema nervioso.

This work used a central composite design to optimise a reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous separation of gallic, syringic, 5-caffeoylquinic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinc acids, rutin in aqueous extracts of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis). The effect of the linear gradient time, the initial and the final methanol concentration in the mobile phase on the peak resolution and peak symmetry was evaluated. The 26 responses obtained were simultaneously optimised using the desirability method of Derringer and Suich. According to results, the increasing in the resolution and peak symmetry was achieved by using lesser levels of methanol in both initial and final gradient elution (−1.68, −1), as well as higher gradient times (+1, +1.68). The optimal condition (13.9–40% of methanol in 39.4min) were successfully applied for analysis of chimarrão, tererê and mate tea aqueous extracts, which showed as excellent sources of chlorogenic acids.

Yerba mate (YM) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in several studies. However, this effect has been found mainly in obesity-related inflammation. The aim of this work was to study the effect of YM on cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells to see whether it has anti-inflammatory properties. We stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in the presence of yerba mate and determined their activation by measuring the expression of CD25 by flow cytometry. We observed that YM treatment produced a dose-dependent reduction in PBMC activation (CD25 positive cells) when they were stimulated with PHA. This effect was also observed in T cells' (CD3 positive) subpopulation. Microarray analysis revealed the differential expression of 128 genes in YM-treated cells. According to a protein-protein interaction database, these genes were highly connected and they are involved in the inflammatory response. In summary, it was demonstrated that YM produces a reduction in the amount of activated cells under the stimulation of PHA. Therefore, it might be used in diseases with an inflammatory component.

The study aimed to determine the content of selected elements: sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese and active ingredients such as phenolic acids and tannins in teas containing Yerba Mate and Rooibos cultivated in various areas. The study material comprised six samples of Yerba Mate teas and of Rooibos teas, both tea bags and leaves, purchased in Puławy and online via Allegro. In total, 24 samples were tested. Yerba Mate was particularly abundant in Mn and Fe. The richest source of these elements was Yerba Mate Yer-Vita (2261.3 mg · kg(-1) d.m.) and (691.6 mg · kg(-1) d.m.). The highest content of zinc was determined in Yerba Mate Amanda with lime (106.0 mg · kg(-1) d.m.), while copper was most abundant in Yerba Mate Big-Active cocoa and vanilla (14.05 mg · kg(-1) d.m.). In Rooibos, the content of sodium was several times higher than in Yerba Mate. A clear difference was observed in the content of minerals in dry weight of the examined products, which could be a result of both the taxonomic distinctness and the origin of the raw material. Leaf teas turned out to be a better source of tannins; on the other hand, tea bags contained substantially more phenolic acids. The richest source of phenolic acids was Yer-Vita in bags (1.8 %), and the highest amount of tannins was recorded in the leaf tea Green Goucho caramel and dark chocolate (9.04 g · 100 g(-1) d.m.). In Rooibos products, the highest content of phenolic acids was recorded in tea bags (Savannah with honey and vanilla 0.96 %), and tannins in (Lord Nelson with strawberry and cream 7.99 g · 100 g (-1) d.m.).