Mate

The evergreen mate tea bush(Ilex paraguayensis) is a species from the holly family. There are around 280 species of this family in South America, 60 of which are found in Brazil alone. Mate grows wild in the undergrowth of the araucaria forests of Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay, in the highlands between the Paraná, Paraguay and Uruguay rivers and their tributaries. Since the late second half of the 19th century, it has also been cultivated in Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil in particular. Even today, however, around half of the mate on the market is harvested from trees growing in the wild. The mate tree has an oval-shaped crown and a light grey trunk with a diameter of 30 centimetres. In the wild it reaches a height of 12 to 14 meters, in cultivation a maximum of 5 to 6 meters. Its leaves are oval with crenate edges and grow up to 20 centimetres long and 8 centimetres wide. During the flowering period, it grows thick clusters of 30 to 40 white flowers, each with four petals. Its 6 to 8 millimeter thick reddish-purple fruit has four to six seeds. In order for the seedling to break through the very hard shell, the fruit must first pass through the digestive system of a bird ("ornitócora"). Optimal growing conditions for Ilex paraguayensis are a relatively constant average temperature of 20 to 23 °C, medium-high humidity and an altitude of 400 to 800 meters above sea level. To cultivate the mate bush, the fruits are mechanically pre-damaged and soaked in water. Germination takes up to three months; in the first two years, the small plants are sensitive to light and need to be shaded. The two-year-old young plants are cut off just above the ground; the newly sprouting shoots are then stronger and fuller. The first harvest takes place after four years, with subsequent harvests at one- or two-year intervals depending on the growing region.

Production

In the South American winter (May-September), whole branches, optimally covered with about two-year-old leaves, are cut off. Green mate (taragin) and roasted mate (mate real) are traded. For the latter, traditionally the whole branches, nowadays mostly just the leaves, leaf stalks, flower stalks and young shoot tips, are twisted in wire drums over a fire. This destroys the enzymes and thus stops the fermentation, preserves the color and produces characteristic aromas. For green mate, the chopped crop is fermented at 50 to 60 °C for around a month, then heated to 400 °C for one minute, whereby the water content drops from around 60% to 25%. Both varieties are then dried to around 8 to 9% residual moisture and crushed into pieces or ground into powder and packaged. Depending on the region, different granularities are processed and consumed. In Brazil it is mainly fine with a strong aromatic taste and in Argentina coarse with a lighter aroma. The annual production in South America is between 200,000 and 300,000 tons.

For instant mate and soft drinks containing mate, the aroma components are distilled using steam and extracted with ether. The aroma of mate is smoky and earthy and somewhat sweet and sour after withered leaves, the fruity-bitter taste is often "refined" in some regions such as Argentina with different flavors (including orange flavor, cherry, cinnamon, peppermint).

Ingredients and properties

The fresh leaves contain 0.35 to 1.7% caffeine, around 0.1 to 0.2% theobromine, theophylline and 4 to 16% tannins. The infusion is yellow-green and, depending on the strength, contains caffeine, theobromine, chlorophyll, tannic acid, essential oil and vanillin. Vitamins A, B1, B2 and C are found in the infusion. The aroma of green and roasted mate was separated by gas chromatography and analyzed by mass spectroscopy, identifying around 200 of more than 250 components. In descending order, ketones, aldehydes and aliphatic alcohols, heterocyclic compounds, carboxylic acids and lactones, terpene alcohols, furanones, phenols, aromatic compounds, pyrazines and pyrroles were detected. Pyrroles, pyrazines and furanones are mainly formed in the Maillard reaction during the roasting process.

A number of therapeutic properties are attributed to it: stimulating for nerves, muscles and metabolism, diuretic, promoting the formation of saliva and gastric juices and thus helpful for digestion, diaphoretic, activating due to the caffeine content and strengthening the circulation. Due to its tanning effect, it can also be used for the external treatment of skin irritations (eczema). In Germany it is approved as a "drug" (=medicinal product) (Federal Health Office). It is traditionally regarded as a performance enhancer and hunger suppressant and is back in fashion as a "slimming agent" (1 hour before meals).

Need in sport

Mate is suitable as a stimulant for training and competition. Mate has a stronger effect than caffeine, but without causing hand tremors and restlessness like caffeine at higher doses. Like coffee or tea, mate is likely to promote concentration and coordination as well as endurance performance. Mate is not toxic and is considered safe in moderate doses.

Safety and side effects

Mate is potentially safe and harmless for most people when taken for short periods of time. Mate contains caffeine, which can cause side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, stomach upset, nausea and vomiting, accelerated heart and respiratory rate, high blood pressure, headaches, tinnitus, irregular heartbeat and other side effects. If taken in large quantities or over a long period of time, mate may not be safe and harmless. Mate increases the risk of oral cancer, esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer and lung cancer. This risk is particularly high for people who smoke or drink alcohol. If taken in very large quantities, mate is probably not safe and harmless due to the caffeine content.

Precautions and warnings

Children: Mate may not be safe for children. Mate has been associated with an increased risk of oral cancer, esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer and lung cancer.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Mate may not be safe or safe to use during pregnancy. There are concerns as mate appears to increase the risk of developing cancer. Another concern is the caffeine content of mate. Caffeine enters the fetus' bloodstream through the placenta and generates caffeine levels in the fetus that are similar to the mother's caffeine levels. Mothers should keep their caffeine intake below 200 mg per day, which is about the same amount of caffeine as 2 cups of coffee or tea. Babies whose mothers consumed a lot of caffeine during pregnancy sometimes show symptoms of caffeine withdrawal after birth. High doses of caffeine have also been linked to miscarriages, premature births and low birth weight. However, when scientists studied mothers who drank mate tea during pregnancy, they were unable to establish a link between mate tea consumption and premature birth or low birth weight. However, this study was criticized because it did not take into account the amount of mate or caffeine, but only looked at how often these mothers drank mate tea.

Mate may also not be safe and harmless during breastfeeding. It is not known whether the carcinogenic chemicals in mate can pass into breast milk, but this is a concern. The caffeine in mate also poses a problem. It can cause irritability and increased frequency of bowel movements in breastfed infants.

Alcoholism: Frequent alcohol consumption in combination with long-term use of mate increases the risk of cancer by a factor of 3 to 7.

Anxiety disorders: The caffeine contained in mate could exacerbate anxiety disorders.

Blood clotting disorders: Caffeine could slow down blood clotting. For this reason, there are concerns that the caffeine contained in mate could aggravate blood clotting disorders. However, this effect has not yet been observed in humans.

Heart disease: The caffeine in mate can cause irregular heartbeat in sensitive people. If you suffer from heart disease, you should discuss the use of mate with your doctor.

Diabetes: Some research suggests that the caffeine in mate may affect the way diabetics process sugar and make it more difficult to control blood sugar. There is also interesting research suggesting that caffeine may increase the warning signs of low blood sugar in people suffering from type 1 diabetes. Some studies show that the symptoms of low blood sugar are more intense when they begin in the absence of caffeine, but if the low blood sugar persists, the symptoms are more severe with caffeine. This could help diabetics recognize and treat low blood sugar levels. One drawback, however, is that caffeine could increase the incidence of hypoglycemia. For these reasons, diabetics should talk to their doctor before using mate.

Diarrhea: The caffeine in mate can aggravate diarrhea, especially in large amounts.

Irritable bowel syndrome: In addition to diarrhea, the caffeine contained in mate can also aggravate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, especially in large quantities.

Glaucoma: The consumption of mate can increase intraocular pressure. This increase begins within 30 minutes and lasts for at least 90 minutes. If you suffer from glaucoma, you should discuss the use of mate with your doctor.

High blood pressure: The caffeine contained in mate could increase blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. However, this effect may be weaker in people who regularly consume mate or other caffeinated products.

Osteoporosis: Some scientists have found that postmenopausal women who drink a liter or more of traditional South American mate tea daily have higher bone density. However, the caffeine contained in mate tends to excrete calcium from the body through the urine, which can lead to weak bones. For this reason, many experts recommend limiting caffeine consumption to less than 300 mg per day (about 2 to 3 cups of mate tea). Taking calcium supplements could help to compensate for calcium loss. Postmenopausal women who suffer from a genetic problem that interferes with the body's use of vitamin D should be especially careful to limit the amount of caffeine they consume in the form of mate and from other sources.

Smoking: The risk of cancer is increased by a factor of 3 to 5 in people who smoke and use mate over an extended period of time.

Interactions

Mate should not be taken in combination with the following drugs:

Amphetamines

Stimulants such as amphetamines accelerate the function of the nervous system. By accelerating the function of the nervous system, stimulants can cause a feeling of inner restlessness and speed up the heartbeat. The caffeine contained in mate could also accelerate the function of the nervous system. Consuming mate in combination with stimulants could cause serious problems including accelerated heart rate and high blood pressure. For this reason, mate should not be consumed in combination with stimulants.

Cocaine

Stimulants such as cocaine accelerate the function of the nervous system. By accelerating the function of the nervous system, stimulants can cause a feeling of inner restlessness and speed up the heartbeat. The caffeine contained in mate could also accelerate the function of the nervous system. Consuming mate in combination with stimulants could cause serious problems including accelerated heart rate and high blood pressure. For this reason, mate should not be consumed in combination with stimulants.

Ephedrine

Stimulants accelerate the function of the nervous system. The caffeine and ephedrine contained in mate are both stimulants. Taking mate in combination with ephedrine can cause excessive stimulation and sometimes serious side effects and heart problems. For this reason, mate and ephedrine should not be taken at the same time. Care should be taken when combining mate with the following medications:

Adenosine

The caffeine contained in mate could block the effects of adenosine. Adenosine is often used by doctors to perform a test of the heart called a cardiac stress test. Due to the possible interactions, you should stop consuming mate and other caffeinated products at least 24 hours before such a test.

Antibiotics (quinolone antibiotics)

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in mate in order to be able to excrete it. Some antibiotics can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking these antibiotics in combination with mate can increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

Cimetidine

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in mate in order to excrete it. Cimetidine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking cimetidine in conjunction with mate may increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

Clozapine

The body breaks down clozapine in order to excrete it. The caffeine contained in mate appears to reduce the rate at which the body breaks down clozapine. Taking mate in combination with clozapine could increase the effects and side effects of clozapine.

Dipyridamole

The caffeine contained in mate could block the effects of dipyridamole. Dipyridamole is often used by doctors to perform a test of the heart called a cardiac stress test. Due to the possible interactions, you should stop drinking mate and other caffeinated products at least 24 hours before such a test.

Oestrogens

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in mate in order to excrete it. Estrogen can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking estrogen in combination with mate could cause shakiness, headaches, rapid heartbeat and other side effects. For this reason, you should limit your caffeine intake if you are taking estrogens.

Fluvoxamine

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in mate in order to be able to excrete it. Fluvoxamine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking fluvoxamine in combination with mate can increase the effects and side effects of caffeine.

Lithium

The caffeine contained in Mate can increase the rate at which the body excretes lithium. If you consume products that contain caffeine and are taking lithium, you should slowly reduce your intake of caffeine-containing products. Stopping caffeine intake too quickly can increase the side effects of lithium.

Medication for depression ( Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / MAOI)

Mate contains caffeine. Caffeine can stimulate the body. Some medications used for depression can also stimulate the body. The consumption of mate in combination with these medications could result in excessive stimulation. This could cause serious side effects including rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, nervousness and more.

Medications that slow down blood clotting

Mate could slow down blood clotting. Consuming mate in conjunction with medications that also slow down blood clotting could increase the risk of bleeding and the tendency to bruise.

Some medications that can slow blood clotting include aspirin, diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen, naproxen and others.

Nicotine

Stimulants such as nicotine accelerate the function of the nervous system. By accelerating the function of the nervous system, stimulants can cause a feeling of inner restlessness and speed up the heartbeat. The caffeine contained in mate could also accelerate the functioning of the nervous system. Consuming mate in combination with stimulants could cause serious problems including accelerated heart rate and high blood pressure. For this reason, mate should not be consumed in combination with stimulants.

Phenylpropanolamine

The caffeine contained in mate can stimulate the body. Phenylpropanolamine can also stimulate the body. Consuming mate in combination with phenylpropanolamine could result in excessive stimulation and increase the heart rate, raise blood pressure and cause nervousness.

Riluzole

The body breaks down riluzole in order to be able to excrete it. The consumption of mate can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down riluzole and thus increase the effects and side effects of riluzole.

Theophylline

Mate contains caffeine. Caffeine works in a similar way to theophylline. In addition, caffeine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down theophylline. Consuming mate in combination with theophylline could increase the effects and side effects of theophylline.

Care should be taken when combining guarana with the following medications:

Alcohol

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in mate in order to be able to excrete it. Alcohol can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Consuming alcohol in conjunction with mate can increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and more.

Birth control pills

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in mate in order to excrete it. The contraceptive pill can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Consuming mate in combination with the contraceptive pill can cause shakiness, headaches, rapid heartbeat and other side effects.

Fluconazole

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in mate in order to be able to excrete it. Fluconazole can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking fluconazole in combination with mate can increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

Diabetes medications

Mate may increase blood sugar levels. Diabetes medications are used to lower blood sugar levels. By increasing blood sugar levels, mate could reduce the effectiveness of diabetes medication. For this reason, blood sugar levels should be carefully monitored. It is possible that the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.

Mexiletine

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in mate in order to be able to excrete it. Mexiletine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking mexiletine in combination with mate can increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

Terbinafine

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in mate in order to excrete it. Terbinafine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking terbinafine in combination with mate may increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

References

1. Hatfield, FC (1991) Yerba Mate. Muscle & Fitness 11/91
2. Griffith, HW (1998) The Complete Guide To Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements. Fisher Books, Tuscon
3. Arndt K. (ed.) (2001) Handbuch Nahrungsergänzungen-Bedeutung und Anwendung leistungssteigernder Substanzen für Bodybuilding und Kraftsport. Pages: 76-82