Choleretic effect and intestinal propulsion of 'mate' (Ilex paraguariensis) and its substitutes or adulterants

'Mate' or 'Yerba mate' (Ilex paraguariensis, Aquifoliaceae) is a tonic and stimulant beverage widely used in South America. It is also traditionally u sed in gastrointestinal disorders as eupeptic and choleretic agent. Accordi ngly, the effect of decoctions of the leaves of I. paraguariensis and three of its substitutes or adulterants (Ilex brevicuspis, Ilex argentina and Il ex theezans) on bile flow (BF) and intestinal propulsion were investigated. I. paraguariensis and I. brevicuspis induced an increase in BF, while the latter also enhanced intestinal transit. In contrast, neither I. argentina nor I. theezans exerted any effect on BF or intestinal propulsion. These re sults suggest that the therapeutic properties of I. paraguariensis will be affected when at least an adulterant is present in the final commercial pro duct of Yerba mate. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reser ved.