Anti-obesity effects of Yerba Mate (Ilex Paraguariensis): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Sun-Young Kim, Mi-Ra Oh, Min-Gul Kim, Han-Jeoung Chae, Soo-Wan Chae, Sun-Young Kim, Mi-Ra Oh, Min-Gul Kim, Han-Jeoung Chae, Soo-Wan Chae

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a major health problem. A food field research that has recently aroused considerable interest is the potential of natural products to counteract obesity. Yerba Mate may be helpful in reducing body weight and fat. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Yerba Mate supplementation in Korean subjects with obesity.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Subjects with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 but < 35 kg/m(2) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) ≥ 0.90 for men and ≥ 0.85 for women) were given oral supplements of Yerba Mate capsules (n = 15) or placebos (n = 15) for 12 weeks. Subjects take three capsules per each meal, total three times in a day (3 g/day). Measured outcomes were efficacy (abdominal fat distribution, anthropometric parameters and blood lipid profiles) and safety (adverse events, laboratory test results and vital signs).

Results: During 12 weeks of Yerba Mate supplementation, decreases in body fat mass (P = 0.036) and percent body fat (P = 0.030) compared to the placebo group were statistically significant. WHR was significantly decreased (P = 0.004) in the Yerba Mate group compared to the placebo group. No clinically significant changes in any safety parameters were observed.

Conclusions: Yerba Mate supplementation decreased body fat mass, percent body fat and WHR. Yerba Mate was a potent anti-obesity reagent that did not produce significant adverse effects. These results suggested that Yerba Mate supplementation may be effective for treating obese individuals.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: (NCT01778257).

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
CONSORT diagram showing participant flow through the 12 weeks intervention. ITT, intention-to-treat population
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Effects on body fat composition. a Change in BMI during the study period. b Change in body fat mass during the study period. The Yerba Mate group was different when compared to placebo group (P = 0.036). c Change in percent body fat during the study period. The Yerba Mate group was different compared to placebo group (P = 0.030). Values are presented mean ± S.D for 15 subjects. Analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and the P value represents the comparison to the placebo group (P < 0.05)

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