Mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis): bioactive compounds and relationship with biological activity

Introduction: Yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hilaire) is a spontaneous species that grows in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay and several beverages (chimarrão, terere, maté tea) are produced from its leaves. Maté tea, one of I. paraguariensis beverages present antioxidant activity and other biological effects. Compounds such as aponins, polyphenols and methylxanthines, which are present in considerable amounts, are responsible for the biological effects. Objectives: The aims of this work were: a) to validate analytical methodologies to evaluate the main bioactive compounds from maté tea (phenolic compounds, xanthines, sapogenins and melanins); b) to evaluate if there are differences on these compounds contents among maté tea brands commercialized in São Paulo; c) to evaluate biological activity of each class of compounds by different in vitro methodologies. Methods: Three lots from three commercial brands of maté tea present in 100 per cent of the main supermarkets in São Paulo city were analysed. HPLC methodology validation was assessed by determining accuracy (recovery), repeatability and sensibility (linearity, limits of detection and quantitation) for caffeic acid, 5- caffeoylquinic acid, caffeine, theobromine, ursolic and oleanolic acids. Total phenolic content was assessed with the Folin-Ciolcalteu´s reagent. Maté tea phenolic and methylxanthines (FFX), sapogenins (FS) and melanins (EM) fractions were isolated and tested for theirs in vitro antioxidantactivity by the following methods: -carotene and linoleic acid system, ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), radical scavenging capacity (DPPH). The ability of binding bile acids (glycocholic, cholic, taurocholic and deoxycholic acids) was also assayed. Results: Calibration curves determination coefficient (r 2) were higher than 0,99 for all compounds. Recovery ranged from 84,2 to 115,88per cent and repeatability average was 5per cent. One maté tea cup (182 mL) contains in average 161,96 mg5CQA of total phenolic compounds, 14,71 mg of chlorogenic acid (5CQA), 3,13 mg of caffeic acid, 2,74 mg of theobromine and 15,16 mg of caffeine. The roasted leaves contains 82,60 and 54,08 g/g of ursolic and oleanolic acids in average, respectively. Compounds contents varied significantly (p<0,05) among brands. The antioxidant activity assays showed no significant difference (p>0,05) among brands to maté tea, except for DPPH (IC50), and the average results for the maté tea are the following: 69,2 per cent in -carotene and linoleic acid system, DPPH (IC50) = 0,014mgSS/mL; ORAC = 9997,7molTrolox/tea cup. Antioxidant activity of the isolated fractions showed significant difference only in -carotene and linoleic acid system to melanic extract. A positive or negative correlations between the antioxidant activity and the bioactive compounds contents was observed (p<0.05). Maté tea, FS and FFX bile acid binding capacity were similar to the positive control cholestyramine. EM showed very little or no bile acid binding capacity. Conclusions: Maté tea is a source of bioactive compounds. Although concentration can vary significantly from brand to brand, this fact did not affect maté tea antioxidant activity evaluated by the methods used in this study. (AU)