The correlation between Yerba Mate and cancer - a review

Abstract

Introduction and objective
 Yerba Mate (YM) is a popular drink obtained from the dried and ground leaves of the Ilex paraguariens. The beneficial effects of Yerba Mate on the cardiovascular system, lipid-lowering, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective and stimulating properties are known, however, there are also reports supporting its toxicity, that the consumption of Yerba Mate may predispose to the development of cancer. The purpose of this article is to present and organize information on the correlation between drinking Yerba Mate and cancer.
 Review methods
 A review of the available literature was performed by searching the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the following keywords: Yerba Mate and cancer, Yerba Mate.
 Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge
 Substances contained in Yerba Mate have a positive impact on the human body. They exert health-promoting effects, e.g. increasing HDL levels and enhancing the antioxidant effect. A particularly desirable effect of Yerba Mate is its modulating effect on the course of the carcinogenesis process. Current knowledge on this subject is not complete. There are no evidences that substances in Yerba Mate without other risk factors increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. It is worth emphasizing that the properties of the Yerba Mate components are related to the reduction of the development of metastases of other cancers.
 Summary
 Despite the carcinogenic PAHs contained in the YM extract, there is no clear evidence that drinking it alone, without taking into account the temperature of the drink, could predispose to the development of esophageal cancer. Many substances found in YM have a beneficial effect on the human body.

Changes in the Physicochemical and Bioactive Properties of Yerba Mate Depending on the Brewing Conditions

“…Many studies confirm also the important role of Yerba Mate in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases [ 6 , 10 ]. Yerba Mate may also have anti-mutagenic, anti-proliferative, cytotoxic, and anti-cancer effects in relation to various cancers [ 9 , 11 , 12 ]. The beneficial effect of Yerba Mate in the course of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases is also known [ 13 ].…”