Choleretic effect and intestinal propulsion of 'mate' (Ilex paraguariensis) and its substitutes or adulterants.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Preclinical laboratory pharmacology study with no human data
PubMed 11297866 · doi:10.1016/s0378-8741(01)00179-9
What was done
Decoctions of the leaves of Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and three related species known as substitutes or adulterants (Ilex brevicuspis, Ilex argentina, and Ilex theezans) were tested for their effects on bile flow and intestinal propulsion in an experimental laboratory model.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values or statistical metrics. Qualitatively, decoctions of I. paraguariensis and I. brevicuspis stimulated an increase in bile flow, and I. brevicuspis additionally enhanced intestinal propulsion. In contrast, neither I. argentina nor I. theezans exerted any effect on bile flow or intestinal propulsion.
Why it matters
The study provides experimental support for the traditional use of Yerba mate as a choleretic agent and demonstrates that adulteration with other Ilex species could diminish or alter the gastrointestinal properties of commercial mate products.
Limits
The abstract reports no quantitative measurements, effect sizes, sample size, or specific details regarding the experimental protocol or animal model. Findings from preclinical assays cannot be directly extrapolated to human clinical outcomes.
Cited by
- partial Yerba mate consumption improves digestion.