Benefícios do uso de suplementos na erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis)

Abstract

Yerba mate is a plant native to South America, widely consumed in the form of chimarrão. The presence of antioxidant properties already known in yerba mate, makes the study of this plant something very relevant, and may contribute to research that evaluates the effect of its compounds in the protection against oxidative stresses that can cause neurodegenerative diseases. Despite having health benefits, there are reports of the presence of heavy metals in extracts obtained from the infusion of its leaves, where iron (Fe) is found in large quantities in yerba mate. To reverse the cumulative effects of Fe in the body, the use of Deferoxamine (DFX) is indicated, being a potent chelator of this metal. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the microencapsulated extract of yerba mate, the effect of iron, and the benefits of supplementing yerba mate with Deferoxamine (DFX) using Danio rerio (Zebrafish) as a model organism. The methodology was carried out by obtaining the liquid extract of yerba mate, where it was prepared at 85ºC simulating an infusion of chimarrão. To obtain yerba mate microcapsules, the liquid extract together with the maltodextrin (encapsulating agent) was subjected to spray dryer drying. The effects of acute exposure to the microencapsulated extract of yerba mate, yerba mate associated with Fe, yerba mate associated with Fe plus DFX and yerba mate associated with DFX, on the status of the enzymatic antioxidant system and lipid peroxidation were evaluated. Zebrafish. However, it was observed that the supplementation of yerba mate extract can be considered beneficial for the organism used in the study, a consequence that lipid peroxidation was not observed, especially in the group treated with Fe + Yerba + DFX, contributing to the status of the system enzymatic antioxidant defense, proving to be good candidates for yerba mate supplementation.