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The exposure of yerba-mate leaves to boiling water for 60 seconds yields enzymatic inactivation, low colorimetric coordinate a*, avoids chlorophyll degradation and improves food safety.

This work investigated collateral effects on non-target yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil) plants when using glyphosate for weed control; growth and leaf elemental composition were examined. Special emphasis was placed on examining the heavy metals Cd and Pb due to regulations defining maximum limits in South American infusion products. The experiment was conducted in pots using glyphosate [applied to Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis), soil surface application, and control], two P rates (with and without P), two clonal yerba mate cultivars, and two different soils (basalt- and rhyodacite-derived). When using glyphosate to control Congo grass, total dry matter and basal diameter of yerba mate plants decreased. This effect was enhanced by lack of P. Collateral effects of glyphosate use resulted in increased K, P, and Cu in clone 1 cultivated in basalt-derived soil; with rhyodacite-derived soil, increased levels of Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, and Zn were observed in clone 1, while clone 2 displayed increases in B, Cd, and Pb. These observations demonstrate that glyphosate use to control undesirable plants can impact initial development and elemental composition of yerba mate, with variations between cultivars and soil type.

Aerogels are used in several areas and applications because of their properties. Study of the gel drying time by supercritical CO2 is among the attributes required for further study before these ma...

Functional and medicinal beverages consumption plays an important role in human health, considering that metabolites, with a wide range of pharmacological effects, are inserted in the human diet. Nowadays, the most consumed beverages are obtained from Camellia sinensis leaves and coffee grain processing, and contain different classes of polyphenols and phenolic acids in their phytochemical composition. Besides C. sinensis and coffee, numerous plants have been receiving attention due to their phytochemical composition and pharmacological effects, such as yerba mate, hibiscus, chamomile, lemongrass, fennel and mentha. Furthermore, atomized or lyophilized medicinal plant extracts can be employed in many beverage formulations and the consumption of these products is an excellent delivery means for nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as: minerals, vitamins, terpenes, antioxidants, saponins, alkaloids and polysaccharides. Innovation in food processing in order to insert functional and medicinal beverages in the human diet poses a challenge for the coming years. The technological development of new processing forms and use of plants with bioactive metabolites could be an important tool in relation to this proposal. In this context, this review has aimed to summarize and analyze pharmacological, phytochemistry and technological aspects of species with classical ethnobotanical and traditional use.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) extract (YME) on oxidative stress parameters and pathological changes in the lungs of mice chronically exposed to hand-rolled cornhusk cigarette (HRC) smoke. Twenty-four male Swiss mice were divided into four groups exposed to the following treatments: control (ambient air), HRC, YME, and HRC plus YME. The animals were exposed to four HRCs per session, with 3 sessions/day, every day for 30 days. Twenty-four hours after the last inhalation, the mice were killed, and the left lungs were removed. The results showed that HRC contains elevated levels of tin and carbon oxide, but less arsenic, cobalt, manganese, and selenium than commercial cigarettes. YME administration reversed fibrosis, alveolar enlargement, and hemorrhage induced by HRC smoke. In addition, the YME and HRC significantly reduced the production of oxidants, oxidative damage and promoted a significant increase in total thiol. In conclusion, exposure to HRC smoke compromised pulmonary histoarchitecture by promoting structural changes and increasing oxidative stress in tissues. However, concomitant treatment with YME regulated the redox state and reduced the harmful effects of HRC smoke exposure in the lungs.

In general, environmental responses at level of populations or communities are preceded by alterations at lower biological levels which can be efficiently detected by the analysis of biomarkers. We analyzed the oxidative biomarkers TBARS and Catalase in Aegla singularis, a freshwater crustacean highly sensitive to environmental changes. The objective was to address if are differences in these biomarkers related to the gender as well if they are influenced by seasonal or water physicochemical variables. The results showed differences in biomarkers profile related to the gender. In female crabs were not sensitive to seasonal variations throughout the study period. However, in males the biomarkers evaluated were higher in the winter as compared to remaining seasons and showed tendency of negative correlation with water temperature and pH. This study highlights that gender, seasonal variations and physicochemical variables can influence oxidative stress biomarkers in A. singularis. Female crabs probably are better suited as a model for biomarker application in environmental studies, because their insensibility to seasonal variations can facilitate the observations of responses related specifically to environmental disturbances. Resumo Em geral, as respostas ambientais ao nível de populações ou comunidades são precedidas pelas alterações nos níveis biológicos inferiores que podem ser eficientemente detectados pela análise de biomarcadores. Neste trabalho, foram analisados os biomarcadores oxidativos TBARS e Catalase em Aegla singularis, um crustáceo de água doce altamente sensível às mudanças ambientais. O objetivo foi investigar se há diferenças nestes biomarcadores relacionados com o gênero, bem como se eles são influenciados por parâmetros sazonais ou físico-químicos. Os resultados mostraram diferenças no perfil de biomarcadores relacionados com o gênero. Caranguejos fêmeas não foram sensíveis a variações sazonais ao longo do período de estudo. Nos machos, os biomarcadores avaliadas apresentaram níveis mais altos no inverno, em comparação com as demais estações e mostraram uma tendência de correlação negativa com a temperatura e pH da água. Este estudo destaca que o sexo, variações sazonais e variáveis físico-químicas podem influenciar os biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo em A. singularis. As fêmeas de A. singularis provavelmente são mais adequadas como um modelo para aplicação destes biomarcadores em estudos ambientais, uma vez que sua insensibilidade às variações sazonais podem facilitar as observações das respostas relacionadas especificamente com perturbações ambientais.

Aim This work aimed to analyze the effectiveness of protected areas (PA) as maintainers of the fauna of benthic macroinvertebrates and the use of these in the water management of these areas. We tested the hypothesis that in streams located within the PA there will be greater abundance and diversity of organisms. Methods We collected macroinvertebrates in streams located inside and outside two PA in Southern Brazil: (Fritz Plaumann State Park, Santa Catarina, Teixeira Soares Municipal Natural Park, Rio Grande do Sul). In each stream we measured physical and chemical variables of the water. Three sub-samples of macroinvertebrates were collected on stony substrate with a Surber sampler and calculated abundance of organisms, rarefied richness, Shannon diversity and Evenness. Results The streams located in the interior of the PA presented well oxygenated waters and slightly basic pH. The electrical conductivity was higher in the external sections than the UC. We observed that rarefied richness, Shannon diversity and equitability were higher in the streams located inside the PA. PerMANOVA indicates that the composition was different between streams sections (p = 0.03) and PA (p = 0.01). Conclusions The use of organisms as bioindicators showed a potential response to the environmental integrity of streams. Thus, these organisms have potential for use by PA managers for monitoring and decision making on the maintenance of protected areas.

The presence of toxic metals in soil enables them to be absorbed by plants. The RDC 42/2013 published by Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) defines the maximum values of cadmium (0.4 mg kg−1) and lead (0.6 mg kg−1) in yerba mate commercialized in Common Market of the South (Mercosul). This work is a retrospective study that aimed to evaluate cadmium and lead levels in processed yerba mate and in natura leaves in Southern Brazil. The cadmium and lead concentrations in 370 processed yerba mate and 122 in natura leave samples obtained in Southern Brazil were analyzed. In 47.56% of the processed samples, the levels of cadmium and/or lead were found to be above the authorized levels. The cadmium levels found in the processed yerba mate were 0.37 ± 0.19 mg kg−1, and the corresponding values for lead were 0.34 ± 0.21 mg kg−1. Values above the authorized levels were also found in the non-processed leaves. Studies are required to determine whether these levels are natural or represent contamination.

Current legislation for Cd and Pb has been causing concern in the yerba mate production chain. An international survey was conducted to identify the relation of Cd and Pb concentration in yerba mate leaves with soil properties, geographic location, and agricultural management, and also to assess the exposure of humans to Cd and Pb when drinking yerba mate infusion. Paired yerba mate leaves and soil samples were collected on 115 farms from agroforestry and plantation systems in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. We found correlations between available Cd in soil and yerba mate leaves, as well as between Cd and Zn foliar. Cultivation management adopted did not reflect differences in Cd and Pb concentrations between soils and the plant leaves. Cadmium in 21 % of the leaf samples (0.29 ± 0.30 mg kg−1) were above the Cd threshold established for yerba mate leaves in South America (0.40 mg kg−1) and 38 % of leaf samples (0.61 ± 0.40 mg kg−1) were above the Pb threshold of 0.60 mg kg−1. The legal levels of Cd and Pb established for yerba mate leaves affect rather their trade than consumer health, as Cd and Pb intake estimated from yerba mate infusion were low.

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.

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.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to assess the changes in secondary metabolites and color during yerba-mate aging under controlled conditions. In Uruguay and Paraguay, the yerba-mate matured, in which chlorophyll degradation occurs, is preferred. For the matured product, the yerba-mate is stored for six months to one year. Design/methodology/approach – Processed yerba-mate was submitted to 35°C and 80 per cent humidity during 42 days in a climatic chamber. Samples were collected every seven days, and the phenolic compounds/methylxanthines were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography – photodiode array and chlorophylls/phaeophytins by spectrophotometry. L*, a* and b* colorimetric coordinates were measured. Findings – The most expressive changes in the color occur in the first 14 days. At this time, 23.161 ± 2.984 per cent of total chlorophyll was degraded, considering that in 42 days, 37.458 ± 0.955 per cent is degraded, according to an exponential model. A positive correlation between theobromine amount and maturation time was found. This was verified by an increase in dicaffeoylquinic acid concentrations and small changes in chlorogenic acid isomers. Practical implications – The results indicate that this is a viable accelerated yerba-mate maturation process according to economics and nutraceutics. Originality/value – The paper has reported here a novel strategy to promote the yerba-mate maturation using controlled conditions.

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) light on the color, secondary metabolites and sensory acceptance of processed yerba-mate. Design/methodology/approach – Samples were exposed to UV light for 72 hours. The colorimetric coordinates (L*, a* and b*) were analyzed every 6 hours, while secondary metabolites and sensory acceptance were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Methylxanthines and phenolic compounds were quantified by ultra performance liquid chromatography photodiode array detectors and vegetable pigments by UV/visible spectrophotometry. Findings – Decreases in methylxanthines, rutin and isomers of chlorogenic acids were found, along with an increase in isomers of dicaffeoylquinic acids. The product showed less sensory acceptance compared to the control. These results show that UV light treatment of yerba-mate accelerates the maturation process. Practical implications – UV light can be used in yerba-mate maturation with a reduction time and can ensure microbiological safety with small changes in its phytochemical profile. Originality/value – This paper is the first report of a novel strategy to investigate the yerba-mate maturation using UV light.

We evaluated the leaching of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon (DOC and DIC, respectively) from leaf litter of plant species of the native Atlantic Forest and of Pinus elliottii (Engelm.) and Eucalyptus grandis (Hill ex Maiden) forests. We carried out experiments in which leaves from each forest system (native, E. grandis, and P. elliottii) were placed in reactors with sterile water. After 1/4 h, 1 h, 4 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h of incubation, we quantified the concentrations of DIC and DOC of each leachate. The greatest quantity of DIC was leached in the native forest system, whereas the greatest quantity of DOC was leached in the E. grandis forest system. With respect to the period of year, the greatest quantity of DIC was leached in autumn, whereas that of DOC was leached in the summer. Our results demonstrated that the replacement of native species in riparian zones, by non-native forest monocultures, could alter the chemical composition of the water. Finally, the results presented in this paper reinforce the need for a more careful look at ecological processes.

Ilex paraguariensis is a native species to South America. Its economic importance is in the use of its leaves and twigs in the processing of a product popularly known as "chimarrão". The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations between some physico-chemical process parameters in the oxidation of I. paraguariensis leaves oxidation. The leaves of Maté with age 1.0, 6.5 and 12.0 months were subjected to an oxidation process for 3 h under different relative humidity conditions (80, 90 and 99%) at 26°C. The extracts were evaluated using the experimental design techniques to maximize the oxidation conditions for the total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, water activity and color. The condition of 90% humidity and leaf age 6.5 months resulted in lower lightness and yellow color of the product. Green color was not significantly influenced by the studied parameters. The highest levels of total phenols and antioxidant potential were found when the leaf age was one month and humidity was 90%. Thus, it could be concluded that the air humidity of the chamber and leaf age influenced the oxidation process of the leaves of Maté as well as the antioxidant capacity of the extract obtained.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a Conservation Unit (CU) in maintaining the quality of freshwater habitats and to evaluate the influence of environmental integrity on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages. METHODS: The research was conducted at sampling sites located within and outside of the CU in the Alto Uruguai region, southern Brazil, and included two stages: (i) the collection of benthic macroinvertebrates and (ii) the application of a Rapid Assessment Protocol (RAP) to characterise the habitat quality. RESULTS: A total of 1,362 benthic macroinvertebrates were collected during the study, totalling 30 taxa. The densities within and outside the CU were significantly different (F= 160.08; p= 0.05), and the Shannon diversity and taxa richness followed the same pattern (F= 118.72, p= 0.05; and F= 176.33, p= 0.04, respectively). In contrast, the Pielou equitability did not differ within and outside the CU (F= 0.19, p= 0.74). The biotic index (Biological Monitoring Working Party) indicated that water quality was good or very good in the majority of cases. Most of the sampling sites were classified as ‘natural’ according to the RAP. The taxa richness was significantly related to habitat diversity (F= 7.24; p = 0.05), but no significant relationship was found between the habitat diversity and the Shannon diversity (F= 2.13, p = 0.22). CONCLUSION: The CU was effective for the conservation of water quality and the freshwater biodiversity of benthic macroinvertebrates. The results show that the environmental integrity was related to the distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates, primarily to the taxa richness. More detailed investigations need to be developed to better understand these relationships and to take into account the temporal scale. An analysis of the most significant sources of stress on the aquatic life outside the area is recommended.

The objective of this work is to evaluate the effects of the addition of dried extract from mate leaves and mesophilic cultures (Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis and cremoris) on the chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of Prato cheese. The Prato cheese presented high moisture contents (49 to 53 %) and mean pH values of 5.15 for all tested formulations. The addition of mate leaves extract in the product did not influence the growth of the microbial cultures. During the maturation time, all formulations with the addition of adjunct cultures and mate leaves extract presented lower levels of lipid and protein oxidation compared to the control, proving the antioxidant effect of mate extract. The formulation of Prato cheese added of 0.1 wt.% of extract presented acceptability of about 80 % after 30 days of maturation. The sensory evaluation showed that only the formulation added by adjunct culture and 0.2 wt.% of mate extract presented lower values for the attributes global acceptance, texture and flavor, compared to the control. The formulations added of mate leaves extract presented residual bitter flavor after 45 days of storage.

Teas from Maté have been widely consumed for centuries in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. We now determine how age, growth conditions and post-harvesting processes of leaves from Ilex paraguariensis affect the concentration of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant capacity. Phenolics, xanthines, and carbohydrates were identified and quantified by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), which dramatically reduces the time for each analysis (

The objective of this work is to evaluate the effects of the addition of dried extract from mate leaves on the oxidative stability (lipid and protein), microbiological characteristics (lactic and Micrococcaceae bacteria) and sensory attributes of formulations of Italian-type sausages. The different Italian-type sausages formulations tested in this work were in agreement with the legislation in terms of chemical and microbiological parameters. During storage, the formulation with 0.4 wt% of mate leaves extract presented lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and carbonyl values compared with the control, proving the antioxidant action of the extract. The sensory characteristics of flavour, texture and global acceptation were not affected by the addition of mate extract compared with the formulation with artificial antioxidant.

Proteolytic changes, during ripening (1–60 days) of 12 batches of artisanal Prato cheese, a Brazilian semihard cows’milk variety, were evaluated by determining the soluble nitrogenous compounds, caseins and their degradation products and free amino acids. Levels of pH 4.4-soluble nitrogen (pH 4.4-SN) and 12% TCA-soluble N, expressed as% TN, at the end of ripening were 21.4 and 12.5, respectively.% Aminoacid nitrogen/TN increased significantly (P

Efetuou-se a extração de solúveis de erva-mate, progênie Cambona 4, utilizando extrator com percolação de solvente (água). O extrato obtido apresentou uma concentração de sólidos de aproximadamente 3%. Ao extrato foi adicionada goma arábica nas concentrações de 0; 0,2; 0,4; 0,6; 0,8; 1,0; 1,5 e 2,0%, em relação aos sólidos contidos no mesmo. As misturas foram efetuadas com o objetivo de estudar a influência da goma arábica na secagem e no sabor das bebidas. Os extratos foram processados em secador por atomização nas condições operacionais médias: temperatura e vazão do ar: 190ºC e 32,1m³/h; alimentação de extrato 340mL/h. Os conteúdos de umidade do pó obtido variaram de 1,8 a 6,6%(bu). Efetuou-se análise sensorial de três formulações com concentrações: 0; 0,2 e 1,0%. Aos resultados experimentais aplicou-se tratamento estatístico e verificou-se maior preferência pela formulação contendo 0,2% de erva-mate, o que mostrou a influência do agente encapsulante na retenção de aromas. It was effected extraction of soluble of mate, lineage Cambona 4, using extracting, with percolating of solvent (water). The gotten extract presented a 3% solid concentration. The extract was used for formularization of mixtures with arabica gum in the concentrations of 0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0%, in relation to solids contained in the extract. The formularizations had been effected with the objective to study the volatile and aromatics substance clamping. The extracts had been processed in spray dryer in the average operational conditions: temperature and tax of air: 190ºC and 32.1m³/h; extract feed of 340mL/h. The contents of humidity of the gotten dust had varied of 1.8 to 6.6%(db). Sensorial analysis of three formularizations with concentrations was carried out: 0; 0.2 and 1.0%. A statistical analysis were carried out to experimental results and was verified bigger preference for the formularization contends 0,2% of gum arabic, what it showed the influence of the encapsulating agent in the clamping of flavor.

The evolution followed by the overall chemical composition, physico-chemical parameters and the main mineral and trace elements during the ripening of 18 batches of artisanal Prato cheese was studied. This cheese is characterised for its high total solids values (69.15±3.79 g/100 g), as well as low NaCl values (1.03±0.56 g/100 g) which were lower than those described for the majority of other cow's milk cheeses studied. Its lactose content disappeared after the first month of ripening, without observing any significant variations in pH values during ripening. The Ca, P, Zn and Mn contents showed a significant decrease ( p

In Brazil, yerba mate is consumed after processing; however, in Chile and Uruguay, the consumers prefer the cured product, which acquires a yellow color. For that yerba-mate is stored for a period of six months to one year, which increases the cost of the final product for the overseas market. This study evaluated the effect of humidity and temperature in maturation chamber on the time required for the product to get this characteristic. The changes in the color, pH, moisture and water activity were evaluated during the time of storage in different conditions of temperature and humidity. Yerba-mate subjected to higher temperature and humidity showed nearest color of the product submitted to natural storage. The loss of green color was related to the reduction in pH and increase in the moisture of the samples. The higher humidity allowed the mate to reach conditions near to market requirements abroad in approximately 60 days of maturation.

Este estudo avaliou o perfil hepático, renal e a glicemia de ratos submetidos à ingesta de queijo prato contendo extrato de erva-mate e culturas mesófilas. Os ratos receberam 5g de queijo prato por animal/dia contendo extrato de erva-mate (0,1% e 0,2%) e também probióticos por 30 dias. O grupo controle recebeu dieta basal e água ad libitum. O perfil hepático foi avaliado por medida da atividade das transaminases (AST e ALT), enquanto que o perfil renal foi avaliado pela dosagem de ácido úrico. A análise cardiovascular foi composta de análise morfométrica da estrutura das artérias coronárias, diâmetro e espessura do miocárdio e seus vasos sanguíneos. O nível glicemico foi avaliado pela dosagem de glicose sérica. Houve um aumento significativo dos níveis de glicose e ácido úrico nos animais que receberam queijo com extrato de erva-mate. Nos demais parâmetros analisados não houve alteração significativa.

The bitterness intensity of beverage prepared from the leaves produced on the males and females of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis), grown in the forest understory and monoculture, was evaluated. The leaves were grouped by their position (in the crown and on the branch tips) and by the leaf age. The leaf gas exchange, leaf temperature and photosynthetic photon flux density were observed. Inter and intra-specific competition for light and self-shading showed the same effect on yerba mate beverage taste. All the shading types resulted in bitterer taste of the processed yerba mate leaves compared to the leaves originated under the direct sun exposure. The leaves from the plants grown in the monoculture showed less bitterness than those grown in the forest understory. This conclusion was completely opposite to the conventionally accepted paradigm of the yerba mate industries. The leaves from the tips (younger leaves) of the plants grown in the monoculture resulted a beverage of softer taste; the males produced less bitter leaves in any light environment (forest understory or in the crown in monoculture). The taste was related to the photosynthetic and transpiration rate, and leaf temperature. Stronger bitterness of the leaves provided from the shade conditions was related to the decreased leaf temperature and transpiration in the diurnal scale.Mediu-se a intensidade de amargor da bebida preparada a partir de folhas da erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) de diversas idades, situadas em duas posições na copa (interior e ponteiras), produzidas por plantas masculinas e femininas cultivadas na floresta antropizada e em monocultura. As trocas gasosas foliares, a temperatura de folhas e a densidade de fluxo de fótons fotossinteticamente ativos também foram medidas. Com isso verificou-se que a idéia corrente de que o sombreamento está diretamente relacionado ao sabor suave do chimarrão é completamente equivocada, já que as competições inter- e intra-específicas por luz e auto-sombreamento provocaram o mesmo efeito no sabor do chimarrão, isto é, todos os tipos de sombreamento resultaram em sabor mais amargo de folhas processadas do de pleno sol. Assim, as folhas de plantas cultivadas em monocultura mostraram-se menos amargas do que aquelas de plantas manejadas sob a floresta. Além disso, as folhas de ponteiras (mais jovens) da monocultura originaram o chimarrão mais suave e os machos produziram folhas menos amargas que as fêmeas em ambos ambientes luminosos (floresta e monocultura). O sabor mostrou-se relacionado à fotossíntese, à transpiração e à temperatura de folha. Em sombreamento a modificação de sabor foi direcionada ao aumento de amargor e, aparentemente, relacionada ao decréscimo da temperatura de folhas e da transpiração na escala diurna.

Um dos maiores problemas do leite UHT é a sedimentação que ocorre durante o período de armazenamento, o que é muito reclamado pelos consumidores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a sedimentação em leite UHT integral, semidesnatado e desnatado, armazenados a 20°C e 30°C (±1°C) durante 120 dias. Nos leites pasteurizados que deram origem aos leites UHT, foram efetuadas análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas (bactérias mesófilas, psicrotróficas e láticas) e, nos leites UHT integral, semidesnatado e desnatado, avaliaram-se a acidez, pH, fervura, sensorial, integridade das embalagens e sedimentação, logo depois de embalados e no 30°, 60°, 90° e 120° dia de armazenamento. Os leites pasteurizados integral, semidesnatado e desnatado apresentaram resultados dentro dos padrões estipulados pela indústria para as bactérias mesófilas (log10 4,37 a log10 4,08UFC mL-1), psicrotróficas (log10 3,06 a log10 2,77UFC mL-1) e lácticas (log10 3,10 a log10 2,42UFC mL-1), que diferiram significativamente (P

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do iogurte contendo extrato de erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) e com/sem culturas probióticas sobre o perfil lipídico, glicêmico, hepático e renal de ratos alimentados com esses tipos de iogurtes. Ratos da linhagem Wistar (42) foram divididos em três grupos (n=14), e receberam iogurte sem extrato de erva-mate, iogurte com extrato de erva-mate 0,1% e iogurte com extrato de erva-mate 0,1% e culturas probióticas, durante 30 dias. Não foi observado no presente estudo efeito significativo do extrato de erva-mate sobre os níveis de colesterol total, colesterol HDL, triglicerídeos, uréia, ácido úrico, creatinina, glicose e na atividade das enzimas fosfatase alcalina, aspartato aminotransferase e alanina aminotransferase. O extrato de erva-mate, 0,1% no iogurte, não interfere no metabolismo de ratos alimentados por 30 dias. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of yoghurt containing yerba-mate extract (Ilex paraguariensis), with and without probiotic cultures, on the lipidic, glycemic, hepatic and kidney profiles of rats fed these types of yoghurt. Wistar rats (42) were divided into three groups (n=14) and for 30 days were fed yoghurt without yerba-mate extract, yoghurt with 0.1% yerba-mate extract and yoghurt with 0.1% yerba-mate extract and probiotic cultures. No significant effect of the yerba mate extract on the levels of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, uric acid, creatinine, glucose and the activity of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase was observed in the present study. The addition of 0.1% yerba mate extract to the yoghurt did not interfere with the metabolism of the rats during 30 days.

The adulteration of the product Ilex paraguariensis with other Ilex species is a mAjor problem for maté tea producers. In this work, three species of Ilex were evaluated for their volatile composition by headspace solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrum detector (HS-SPME/GC-MS). The adulterating species I. dumnosa and I. theizans Mart. ex Reissek presented a different profile of volatile organic compounds when compared to I. paraguariensis. Aldehydes methyl-butanal, pentanal, hexanal, heptanal and nonanal were detected only in the adulterating species. This result suggests that such compounds are potential chemical markers for identification of adulteration and quality analysis of products based on Ilex paraguariensis. A adulteração do produto Ilex paraguariensis com outras espécies de Ilex é um dos principais problemas dos produtores de erva-mate. Neste trabalho, três espécies de Ilex foram avaliadas quanto à sua composição volátil por microextração em fase sólida acoplada à cromatografia gasosa e detector de espectro de massas (HS-SPME/GC-MS). As espécies adulterantes I. dumnosa e I. theizans Mart. ex Reissek apresentaram um perfil diferente de compostos orgânicos voláteis, quando comparadas com a I. paraguariensis. Os aldeídos metil-butanal, pentanal, hexanal, heptanal e nonanal foram detectados apenas nas espécies adulterantes. Esse resultado sugere que esses compostos químicos são marcadores potenciais para a identificação de adulteração e análise da qualidade dos produtos à base de Ilex paraguariensis.