Effects of Infusion of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) isolated or associated with Physical Exercise in Vascular Function

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, and some nutritional factors can reduce their incidence. Yerba mate (YM), a plant widely consumed as a hot or cold infusion, may improve the cardiovascular system considering its composition and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects of YM on cardiovascular parameters, such as endothelial function, still need to be fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of the acute ingestion of YM infusion (hot or cold) on endothelial function, central hemodynamic (heart), and autonomic modulation of the heart. In this crossover randomized clinical trial, 13 participants (18-40 years old) of both sex were evaluated in three conditions: control (water), cold YM infusion, and hot YM infusion. The primary outcome was endothelial function through flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and secondary outcomes included blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and through heart rate variability (HRV). Parameters were evaluated before and after (40 and 80 minutes) intervention. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed an intervention effect in the FMD(%) (p<0.05), with cold and hot YM being related to higher FMD% than controls. However, no time or timeintervention effects were found. ANOVA showed a time effect on BP, HR, and HRV time and frequency domains variables (p<0.05), although no timeintervention or intervention effect was observed. These data indicate no relevant impact of YM infusion on endothelial function, central hemodynamic and autonomic parameters in healthy, young volunteers, whilst this effect was not altered by the temperature of YM. Further studies are needed to understand the potential effects of YM.