Peroxidase-like activity of Ilex paraguariensis

Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. (Aquifoliaceae) is widely exploited in northeastern Argentina, southern Brasil and eastern Paraguay. The commercial product named "Mate" or "Yerba Mate" is used to prepare a tea like beverage (infusions or decoctions). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well known to have an active role in different disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, vascular, neurodegenerative and periodontal disease. Normally, enzymes such as peroxidases, superoxide dismutase and catalase eliminate ROS. In this study, the peroxidase-like activity of aqueous extracts from I. paraguariensis and I. paraguariensis commercial sample "Yerba Mate" was determined. Caffeoyl derivatives (chlorogenic and caffeic acid) and total polyphenols content were determined in order to establish a relationship between their content and their peroxidase activity. Both aqueous extracts showed peroxidase-like activity, but I. paraguariensis was significantly more active than "Yerba Mate". The antioxidant activity expressed as peroxidase-like activity was evidently related to total polyphenol content. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.