Quantitation of methylxanthinic alkaloids and phenolic compounds in mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and their effects on blood vessel formation in chick embryos.

Methylxanthinic alkaloids and phenolic compounds are related to the therapeutic properties of Ilex paraguariensis infusions. Considering the known vascular tropism of xanthines, an aqueous extract (mate) and caffeine were evaluated on blood vessel formation, in connection with the analysis of those secondary metabolites, which was performed in young and mature leaf samples collected in three cultivation systems located in the southern region in Brazil (Santa Catarina State). Samples of young and mature leaves from a monoculture cultivation system (MC) showed the highest content of phenolic compounds (149.68 microg/mL, young leaves; 135.50 microg/mL, mature leaves) and caffeine (young leaves, 148.07 microg/mL; mature leaves, 244.63 microg/mL) as compared to samples from agroforesty (AF) and shaded-native (NT) cultures. Theophylline was not detected in samples by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography, and mature leaves showed lower theobromine amounts (11.46 microg/mL). Treatments performed with mate aqueous extract and caffeine (1.03-4.12 microM/disk) in the yolk sac vascular membranes of 2-day-old chick embryos revealed pro-vasculo- and angiogenic properties as well as embryonic growth enhancement. These findings, uncoupled from any detectable embryotoxic effect, suggest a potential therapeutic and/or prophylactic use in cardiovascular disorders for caffeine and related constituents of mate plant extracts, an issue that waits further studies.