Yerba Maté and its impact on glycemic control and metabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 41244043 · doi:10.3389/fendo.2025.1641592
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL up to January 2025 without language restrictions. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of Yerba Maté consumption on metabolic outcomes in populations including dyslipidemic, overweight/obese, and normal-weight individuals. Risk of bias was evaluated with Cochrane RoB 2, and evidence quality was graded via GRADE.
What was found
Across 13 included RCTs, meta-analysis of trials in pre-diabetic patients showed significant reductions in postprandial glucose (MD -12.76, 95% CI -16.78 to -8.74; N = 2), HbA1c (MD -0.37, 95% CI -0.56 to -0.18; N = 2), and HOMA index (MD -0.24, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.11; N = 2). No statistically significant effects were observed for fasting glucose, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, BMI, or waist circumference. Adverse events included mucosal irritation, insomnia, tachycardia, angina, headache, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Why it matters
This review suggests that Yerba Maté may exert limited glycemic benefits in pre-diabetic populations, but does not support traditional claims that it improves lipid profiles or aids in weight reduction.
Limits
The positive glycemic findings are based on only two RCTs. Total participant sample size is not stated in the abstract. Populations were heterogeneous across the included trials, and notable cardiovascular and neurological adverse effects (such as angina, tachycardia, and insomnia) were reported.
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