Science and Tech

Yerba mate against prostate cancer?

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A recent study has investigated whether some of the properties of yerba mate could help prevent prostate cancer.

The authors of the study have verified that the consumption of yerba mate infusion generates a protective effect against the development of prostate cancer, the carcinoma with the highest incidence and mortality in the male population of Argentina and many other countries.

The study has been carried out by scientists from the National University of Cuyo (UNCUYO) and the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), both institutions in Argentina.

Flavia Santiano’s team, from the Institute of Medicine and Experimental Biology of Cuyo, dependent on CONICET (IMBECU), has shown that components of yerba mate such as chlorogenic acid, caffeine, rutin and quercetin contribute to reducing the development of prostate tumors.

Prostate tumor is a type of cancer with a latency period that can extend for 25 years, so it is beneficial to generate prevention tools and actions. Taking into account this relatively slow period of evolution, the researchers began to analyze risk factors and habits of the population, including the consumption of mate.

“First, we carried out an in vivo model experiment and found that the tumors decreased in size and incidence when yerba mate was ingested. Then we tested it in in vitro studies (cell lines of human prostate cancer) and there we observed that the cell grew less and even died”, explained Flavia Santiano, in dialogue with the program In Common Agreement by Radio Universidad de la UNCUYO.

These effects were more evident in hormone-sensitive tumor cells (earlier stages) while higher doses were required to achieve the same effects in more aggressive cells or in more advanced stages: “Thus we could see, roughly, that the consumption of yerba mate is more effective in the initial stage”.

In order to find out which are the components of yerba mate that most generate these effects, the researchers are evaluating these components separately.

From left to right: Constanza López Fontana, Rubén Carón, Paula Ginevro and Flavia Santiano, members of the research team. (Photo: UNCUYO)

In any case, based on the results obtained so far, the research team has already begun to develop a natural extract of yerba mate that enhances its antitumor properties, using harmless, non-toxic and environmentally friendly solvents.

“We are testing it on the same cell lines to be able to show the results. So far everything has been very promising, but more research is needed. The product is being developed so we need a couple of years to verify that it is suitable for consumption and generates all these benefits”, he specified. (Source: CTyS Agency – UNLaM / By Common Agreement – UNCUYO University Radio)

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