Safety Profile
Known Safety Concerns
- Epidemiological association with esophageal and oral cancers from traditional use
- Contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline -- stimulant stack
- PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) contamination possible in poor-quality products
- All caffeine adverse effects apply including cardiovascular risk
Contraindications
- Epidemiological association with esophageal and oral cancers from traditional use
- Contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline -- stimulant stack
Interactions
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Yerba mate contains caffeine (mateine), theobromine, and theophylline. Epidemiological studies from South America show a strong association between heavy traditional hot yerba mate consumption and esophageal, oropharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers — primarily attributed to the very hot temperature of consumption and potentially to PAH content. As a supplement extract the carcinogenic risk is less clear but the caffeine risks fully apply.
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Scientific Name
- Ilex paraguariensis
Mechanism of Action
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Recommended Dosage
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Stimulant
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- Epidemiological association with esophageal and oral cancers from traditional use
- Contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline -- stimulant stack
- PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) contamination possible in poor-quality products
- All caffeine adverse effects apply including cardiovascular risk
The available scientific evidence for Yerba Mate Extract indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 24 მარ 2026, 08:44
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWBiological Response of Silver Nanoparticles Covered With Ilex paraguariensis Extract or Polyvinylpyrrolidone: A Nanotoxicological Study. ↗Sosa AM et al.. Biological Response of Silver Nanoparticles Covered With Ilex paraguariensis Extract or Polyvinylpyrrolidone: A Nanotoxicological Study.. J Appl Toxicol. 2026. PMID:41840990.PMID 41840990 ↗Journal J Appl ToxicolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41840990/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWToxicity of aqueous extracts of Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil. about Euphorbia heterophylla L. ↗da Silva TA et al.. Toxicity of aqueous extracts of Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil. about Euphorbia heterophylla L.. Pest Manag Sci. 2026. PMID:41784070.PMID 41784070 ↗Journal Pest Manag SciYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41784070/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWIntensified Multistep Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Leaves: A Techno-Economic and Environmental Approach. ↗Samponi Tucunduva Arantes M et al.. Intensified Multistep Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Leaves: A Techno-Economic and Environmental Approach.. ACS Omega. 2026. PMID:41726637.PMID 41726637 ↗Journal ACS OmegaYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41726637/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWAcute Effects of Commercial Yerba Mate Products on Cardiometabolic Responses during Submaximal Cycling: Brewed to Perform? ↗Zaki S et al.. Acute Effects of Commercial Yerba Mate Products on Cardiometabolic Responses during Submaximal Cycling: Brewed to Perform?. Curr Dev Nutr. 2026. PMID:41695084.PMID 41695084 ↗Journal Curr Dev NutrYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41695084/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWUncommon C18 Conjugated Dienes Define the Sex Pheromone System of Thelosia camina (Lepidoptera: Apatelodidae), a Pest of Yerba Mate. ↗Vidal DM et al.. Uncommon C18 Conjugated Dienes Define the Sex Pheromone System of Thelosia camina (Lepidoptera: Apatelodidae), a Pest of Yerba Mate.. J Agric Food Chem. 2026. PMID:41485145.PMID 41485145 ↗Journal J Agric Food ChemYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41485145/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWMetabolomic insights into anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antinociceptive properties of Ilex paraguariensis: A UPLC-MS/MS analysis of phytochemicals and metabolic pathways. ↗Ammar NM et al.. Metabolomic insights into anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antinociceptive properties of Ilex paraguariensis: A UPLC-MS/MS analysis of phytochemicals and metabolic pathways.. J Ethnopharmacol. 2026. PMID:41397544.PMID 41397544 ↗Journal J EthnopharmacolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41397544/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWYerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Mechanistic and Clinical Evidence. ↗Cassotta M et al.. Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Mechanistic and Clinical Evidence.. Nutrients. 2025. PMID:41470797.PMID 41470797 ↗Journal NutrientsYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41470797/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWBioactive potential of functional mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) formulations with Brazilian fruits: cytotoxicity in human liver tumor cells. ↗Do Vale Silva E et al.. Bioactive potential of functional mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) formulations with Brazilian fruits: cytotoxicity in human liver tumor cells.. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2025. PMID:41347743.PMID 41347743 ↗Journal J Toxicol Environ Health AYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41347743/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWSoil hydromorphy and aluminum saturation shape tree community composition in a riparian ecotone, Paranu00e1, Brazil. ↗Munhoz HM et al.. Soil hydromorphy and aluminum saturation shape tree community composition in a riparian ecotone, Paranu00e1, Brazil.. Braz J Biol. 2025. PMID:41337537.PMID 41337537 ↗Journal Braz J BiolYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41337537/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWYerba Matu00e9 and its impact on glycemic control and metabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ↗Li D et al.. Yerba Matu00e9 and its impact on glycemic control and metabolic health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2025. PMID:41244043.PMID 41244043 ↗Journal Front Endocrinol (Lausanne)Year 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41244043/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Yerba Mate Extract. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a moderate safety concern. Caution is advised, particularly at high doses or in sensitive populations.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Moderate classification for Yerba Mate Extract
A score of 5.0 places this ingredient in the Moderate band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
No major regulatory restrictions or advisories recorded across monitored jurisdictions (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others).
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.