Yerba mate is used for the preparation of the most popular tea-like beverage of South America. The indigenous people of South America have used this herb for centuries as a social and medicinal beverage. Yerba Mate has gained public attention outside of South America, namely the United States and Europe, and research on this tea has been expanding.

Benefit
Hypocholesteremic (lowering cholesterol), antioxidant, hepatoprotective (protecting the liver) and bitter taste properties of mate are attributed to the phenolic constituents of the leaves. This herb has nervous system and cardiovascular system stimulant properties.
    This herb is promoted for obesity management.

Antioxidant benefits
Yerba mate protects DNA from oxidation and in vitro low-density lipoprotein oxidation and has a high antioxidant capacity. Yerba mate, just like many herbs, is a good source of antioxidants and certainly deserves a spot in one's kitchen next to other herbal teas.

Cancer
Yerba Mate tea is associated to both the prevention and the cause of some types of cancers.

Composition
Yerba mate has caffeoyl derivatives (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid) and flavonoids (Quercetin, rutin and kaempferol).

Yerba Maté, Source Naturals

Yerba Maté used since ancient times as a tea, is recommended throughout South America for its rejuvenating, nutritional, and energizing effects, particularly for mental and physical fatigue. Source Naturals Yerba Maté can be taken as a weight-loss aid. Scientific research shows Maté to be a powerful antioxidant and that it can protect DNA from double-strand breaks. It also has the ability to inhibit LDL oxidation. Maté naturally contains a wide range of polyphenols, methylxanthines, and chlorogenic acid, which together are responsible for its many health benefits.

Yerba Mate Supplement

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Supplements found in diet products
Green tea extract may be effective in some people as a weight loss pill, this supplement has also strong antioxidant activity and has several health benefits.
Caffeine is often found in weight loss pills but I personally don't like my patients taking extra caffeine since it can cause increased heart rate and anxiety. Most people already consume enough caffeine through coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolate.
Ginger may be helpful in some people but higher doses are required.
Hoodia has become quite popular over the past few years. Hoodia-Extract is sold here.
Alpha lipoic acid may also reduce appetite but it is primarily used as an antioxidant.
5-HTP is a nutrient that helps curb appetite in some individuals.
Guarana may work in combination with yerba mate and Damiana plant
Acetyl-l-carnitine is a weight loss pill that may reduce appetite in some individuals.

Green Maté, 500 mg, Jarrow Formulas  Unfermented Yerba Maté 20 % Caffeoylquinic Acid (5% Chlorogenic Acid) 5:1 Standardized Extract Dietary Supplement
Jarrow Formulas Green Maté is an unfer
ented Yerba Maté 5:1 extract standardized to contain at least 20 % caffeoylquinic acid, including 5% chlorogenic acids. Typical Yerba Maté undergoes a fermentation process that destroys the beneficial caffeoylquinic acid. Traditionally, Yerba Maté has been used to promote energy and recently demostrated to improve fatty acid oxidation.
Do not use if allergic to artichoke, pregnant, lactating, under the age of 18, or if using any medication. Individuals with gall bladder or bile duct blockage should not use Green Maté extract.
Green Maté 5:1 (llex paraguariensis) (minimum 20 % Caffeoylquinic Acid)   
Jarrow Formulas Green Maté (5:1 extract) contains the following approximate profile of antioxidants:
Total Caffeoylquinic acid Chlorogenic acid Theobromine Triterpene saponins
Ephedra is no longer legal to be sold over the counter.

Yerba Mate Research review
Antioxidant activity of a botanical extract preparation of Ilex paraguariensis: prevention of DNA double-strand breaks in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human low-density lipoprotein oxidation.
J Altern Complement Med. 2003 Jun;9(3):379-87. Bracesco N. Facultad Medicina, University of the Republica, Montevideo, Uruguay.
We analyzed the antioxidant properties of Ilex paraguariensis infusion popularly known as mate (ma'ta). We found that yerba mate is thus a rich source of polyphenols and has antioxidant properties comparable to those of green tea.

Yerba Mate extract emails
Q. I drink yerba mate off and on, for two years and enjoy its flavor. But it can make me feel strung out and edgy from time to time.
   A. Some people feel restless or edgy or anxious if they drink too much of yerba mate tea.

Q. I buy a brand of yerba mate herb that says "unsmoked" on the label, and on their website they state that most yerba mate herb is dried over wood fires. Since incomplete combustion of organic matter is a major source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, could it be that the PAHs in yerba mate originate in the smoky wood fires used to dry it and not the herb itself?
   A. We don't know enough about the process used to smoke and process yerba mate in this fashion to know how this influences the final yerba mate product.

Q. Are there health issues to be concerned about combining tribulus terrestris extract and other natural aphrodisiacs with yerba mate tea or supplements?
   A. Yerba mate tea or supplements causes an elevation of body temperature and when combined with aphrodisiac herbs could cause unpleasant side effects but the combination should be fine if the dosages used are low.

Q. I'm aware that teas generally contain high levels of fluoride. I've heard that the fluoride content (ppm) is lower in yerba mate. Is this fact or fiction?
   A. We are not aware of yerba mate research regarding fluoride content.

I am curious if you have heard of using Yerba Mate leaves in a topical ointment? I know several South Americans who use it for Restless Leg Syndrome, Arthritis relief and nerve related illnesses. Can you confirm the topical use and if so, where can I get it? I also use Green Maté, 500 mg by Jarrow Formulas. Is this a good brand?
    We don't test other brands so we don't know about the Jarrow Formulas Green Mate product. We are not familiar with yerba mate topical ointment.

I drink yerba mate now, off and on, for two years and enjoy its flavor. But it can make me feel strung out and edgy from time to time.