Perfil Fitoquímico e Capacidade Antioxidante de Extratos de Erva-mate (Ilex Paraguariensis A.st. Hill.)

Abstract

The yerba-mate, scientifically named, Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. Var. paraguariensis (Aquifoliaceae), it is a tree that grows naturally in forests of South America (in Argentina, southern Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay). Yerba mate based drinks are part of the customs and habits of the population and are called "mate", "chimarrão" or "tererê". In recent years, through the expansion of scientific knowledge about their effects in health, the plant uses has been expanded to other parts of the world and are described various possibilities of the application. Their actions include antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, anti-glycation and others, which are directly related to the bioactive compounds presents, especially in the leaves of the tree (the main part used for the production of yerba mate). Among the substances known are polyphenols, saponins, xanthines, vitamins and minerals. Many factors influence the content of these compounds in the end product that is marketed, and consequently in what is ingested by the consumer. The present study evaluated the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant potential of yerba-mate extracts sold in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Aiming to get extracts with composition similar to the population consumes, the beverage was prepared in the traditional way and to extraction was used a method that mimics its consumption. From these extracts (mates) were quantified the total polyphenol content, the concentrations of the substances: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, caffeine and theobromine, and analyzed the antioxidant potential of the extracts. To this end were developed chromatographic, spectrophotometric analysis and, in vitro, carried out trials that tested the ability of the extracts to scavenger oxide nitric and to chelate iron. Was observed that the sequence of extraction is a factor that influences the extracted content, since there were significant differences between the first few and the last ones extracts. It was found that the antioxidant activity of the extracts is quite significant and remains in extracts where the concentration of compounds presents significant decline. However variations were noted, it’s related primarily to the nationalities of herbs. This study summarizes an important contribution to other research, because it clarifies what is ingested when it is drunk the way that people do it, putting the extraction as an important factor related to the outcome of their consumption on health.