stimulantEVIDENCEBUSOTC

Yerba Mate

aka Ilex paraguariensis

South American tea (Ilex paraguariensis) with caffeine, theobromine, and polyphenols. Smoother stimulant profile than coffee.

Dose range500–2000mg

Half-life—h

Onset—min

Safety4/5medium evidence base

Mechanism of action

Contains caffeine (~80 mg per cup) plus theobromine and theophylline. The combined methylxanthine effect plus high polyphenol content produces clean alertness without the anxiety that some coffee drinkers experience. Strong antioxidant activity through chlorogenic acids and saponins.

History

Yerba mate has been consumed by indigenous Guaraní peoples for centuries. It's the national drink of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. The supplement form is widely available. The thermos-and-bombilla cultural drinking style is part of South American identity. Modern interest accelerated with the 'cleaner caffeine' positioning in coffee alternatives. Unscheduled globally.

Benefits

Alertness without coffee anxiety
EVIDENCEB
Multiple trials.
Antioxidant support
EVIDENCEB
Polyphenol content evidence.
Modest metabolic effects
EVIDENCEC
Pang 2008.

Side effects

Caffeine-related effectscommonmild
Esophageal cancer (very hot drinking)raresevere

Cited research

Yerba mate for weight management (Pang)2008
PMID 18403018 ↗
Yerba mate cardiovascular effects (Boaventura)2012
PMID 22487341 ↗
Yerba mate polyphenol antioxidant activity (Bracesco)2011
PMID 21605641 ↗

Where to buy

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Vendor	Product	Size	Price	Per unit
Nootropics DepotFeatured 4.8	Yerba Mate — Nootropics Depot	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Double Wood Supplements 4.4	Yerba Mate — Double Wood	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Amazon Marketplace 3.5	Yerba Mate — Amazon	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad

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