Daily yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.) intake does not affect gastric mucosa of rats

Abstract

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.) is a plant which is widely consumed in South America as an infusion. In recent years, scientific reports have demonstrated the beneficial pharmacological properties of yerba mate on health, particularly its antioxidant effects due to polyphenols content mainly chlorogenic acid and rutin. Nevertheless, several effects on the gastrointestinal system, like gastric discomfort, heartburn, or esophageal reflux, have been suggested by consumers. However, an association between usual intake of yerba mate and the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disorders has never been demonstrated. We conducted a study to assess the effects of daily intake of yerba mate infusions on gastric mucosa and plasmatic antioxidant properties in rats. Experiments were carried out in 30-day-old female Sprague-Dawley rats. Two different infusions with different concentrations of commercial yerba mate (YM and YM+) were used as ad libitum drinks for 90 days. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of gastric mucosa was assessed. In plasma, the total content of polyphenols, the antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation were determined. The groups who drank YM and YM+ infusion showed a mucosa with normal characteristics, both macro and microscopically, similar to control animals. Levels of total polyphenols content in plasma were higher in YM+ group compared to controls and both YM groups had lower lipid peroxidation levels. The present study demonstrated that daily intake for 90 days of an infusion of YM would not produce deleterious effects on the gastric mucosa in the absence of concomitant potential harmful factors for the gastric mucosa.