Saponins in Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil) and Quercetin Synergistically Inhibit iNOS and COX-2 in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Macrophages through NFκB Pathways

Abstract

Yerba mate tea ( Ilex paraguariensis ) is growing in popularity around the world. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of yerba mate tea (MT) extracts as well as some of its phytochemicals and their interactions. MT and decaffeinated MT extracts [1-300 microM chlorogenic acid (CHA) equiv]; CHA, caffeine from MT (matein), and mate saponins (1-300 microM); quercetin (1-200 microM); and ursolic and oleanolic acids (1-100 microM) were tested by measuring their ability to inhibit COX-2/PGE(2) and iNOS/NO pathways in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Mate saponins (IC(50) = 20 microM) and oleanolic acid (IC(50) = 80 microM) significantly inhibited iNOS/NO pathways, whereas ursolic acid showed low or no inhibition at 100 microM. Quercetin was the most potent inhibitor of pro-inflammatory responses at a concentration 10 times lower than the concentrations used of other compounds (IC(50) = 11.6 microM for NO, 7.9 microM for iNOS, and 6.5 microM for PGE(2)). Combination of quercetin/mate saponins (0.001:0.004, molar ratio) resulted in synergistic interaction inhibiting both NO and PGE(2) production. It also suppressed IL-6 and IL-1beta production and resulted in reduction of LPS-induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB subunits. MT extract did not have a potent anti-inflammatory effect perhaps due to the antagonistic effect of some of its compounds. However, whole MT consumption still has a promising anti-inflammatory outcome mainly through the PGE(2)/COX-2 pathway. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the efficacy, interactions, and mechanisms of some MT phytochemicals in inhibiting pro-inflammatory responses.

Quercetin reduces obesity-associated ATM infiltration and inflammation in mice: a mechanism including AMPKα1/SIRT1

“…I). Previous studies reported that quercetin reduced macrophage (10)(11)(12)(13) and adipocyte ( 10 ) infl ammation through suppressing phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and c-Jun and inhibiting activation of NF-B. Therefore, AMPK/SIRT1 activation by quercetin might increase FA oxidation, depress infl ammatory signals such as c-Jun and NF-B, and enhance glucose uptake in adipose tissues, thereby improving adipose tissue infl ammation and insulin resistance.…”

Analgesic Effect of <i>Ilex paraguariensis</i> Extract on Postoperative and Neuropathic Pain in Rats

“…8) Recently published evidence has shown some beneficial effects of Mate, including antioxidant, 9) antiinflammatory, 10) antiobesity, 11) antihyperlipidemic, 12) and antidiabetic properties. 13) To our knowledge, based on pain-related experimental evidence, little is known about the potential analgesic effects of Mate.…”

Composition and Bioactive Properties of Yerba Mate (llex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.): A Review

“…Lanzetti et al (2008) determined that yerba mate reduced acute lung inflammation in mice exposed to cigarette smoke. Recently, Puangpraphant and de Mejia (2009) investigated the potential anti-inflammatory effect of yerba mate extracts as well as some of its compound and their interactions. Quercetin was determined the most potent inhibitor of pro-inflammatory responses at a concentration 10 times lower than that of other tested compounds (Puangpraphant and de Mejia, 2009).…”