CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil., Aquifoliaceae) is a native tree growing in the subtropics of South America. This plant contains several active phytochemicals, which are responsible for its health benefits. Cancer is a global health problem with high mortality and disability rates. Breast cancer is considered to be one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers in women. This type of cancer has many differences between patients which are associated with clinical characteristics such as, patient age, tumor size and molecular subtype. In this context, novel approaches for effective cancer treatment are necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Yerba Mate extract on specific steps of tumor progression using preclinical in vitro and in vivo models. The tumor cells panel evaluated with the Yerba Mate extract was extending to MDA-MB 231 (triple-negative human breast cancer cells), MCF7 (ER/PR+ human breast cancer cells), F3II (sarcomatoid murine mammary carcinoma cell line) and 4T1 (murine mammary carcinoma cell line). We found that Yerba Mate extract reduces tumor cell viability, shows negative modulatory effect on cell adhesion and migration of tumor cells and reduces invasiveness capacity. In addition, using in vivo protocols (orthotopic and heterothopic models), we tested the ability of the extract to interfere in processes such as tumor growth and latency. Model of subcutaneously transplanted tumor was established by inoculating 5.104 F3II cells into the right flank (heterotopic model) and mammary fat pad (MFP) transplantation was established by inoculating 1.105 F3II cells into the abdominal mammary gland. The extract was administrated to female Balb/C mice via the drinking water before and after the inoculation of F3II tumor cells. In conclusion, we described a potential beneficial effect of Yerba Mate on breast cancer models.

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