Argentine Ilex species: A Review on its Chemistry and Biological Activities

FILIP ROSANA

Multidicilinary Approaches on Food Science and Nutrition for the XXI Century

Research Signpost

Lugar: Kerala, India; Año: 2010;

Abstract Ilex paraguariensis St. Hilaire (Aquifoliaceae) is commercialized in South America as "yerba mate" growing naturally in Northeastern Argentina, Uruguay, Southeastern Brazil and Eastern Paraguay. This species has gained popularity in the United States, Europe and Asia where it is sold for medicinal preparations and as “functional food”. Related species growing in Argentina are: I. argentina, I. brasiliensis, I. brevicuspis, I. dumosa var. guaranina and I. theezans. These species are used as substitutes or adulterants of I. paraguariensis.  This chapter reviews the available scientific literature related to the phytochemistry, bioactivity, uses and the known and potential health benefits of “yerba mate” and the five Argentine Ilex spp. used as its substitutes or adulterants. The main bioactive compounds reviewed herein include caffeoyl derivative compounds (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isochlorogenic acid), flavonoids, methylxanthines and saponins. A growing number of studies have attributed the functional properties of “yerba mate” to the bioactive compounds present in this species. Nowadays, more attention is being paid to positive and preventive nutrition due to the increased availability of food products having the desired functional components. The yield obtained in caffeoylquinic acids, flavonoids and saponins from the adulterants species, together with the biological activities reported suggest their functional properties, the possibility of developing new “yerba” products without Central Nervous System stimulant activity and their potential use as a source of biologically active compounds.