"The caffeine derivatives in mate tea not only induced death in human colon cancer cells, they also reduced important markers of inflammation," said Elvira de Mejia, a U of I associate professor of food chemistry and food toxicology. "That's important because inflammation can trigger the steps of cancer progression."
In the in vitro study, human colon cancer cells were isolated, purified, and then treated with caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) derivatives from mate tea. As the the CQA concentration increased, cancer cells died as a result of apoptosis.
The results of the study strongly suggest that the caffeine derivatives in mate tea have potential as anti-cancer agents and could also be helpful in other diseases associated with inflammation. Mate tea has long been consumed in South America for its medicinal properties
But, because the colon and its microflora play a major role in the absorption and metabolism of caffeine-related compounds, the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects of mate tea may be most useful in the colon.
The scientists believe there's ample evidence to support drinking mate tea for its bioactive benefits, especially for those concerned about colon cancer.
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Artwork: Yerba Mate Gourd
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