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Botanical

Yerba mate

Yerba mate is an infusion of the dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, a South American holly, drunk warm, hot or cold. It contains caffeine.

Also listed as Yerba Mate Powder, Yerba Mate Extract, Yerba Mate Leaf, Yerba Mate Leaf Extract

Weight ManagementCognitionImmune SupportLongevityCardiovascular

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Weight lossWeight ManagementModerateBNo linked study
Mental EnergyCognitionModerateBNo linked study
Immune SupportModerateBNo linked study
Oxidative stressLongevityModerateBNo linked study
Cholesterol balanceCardiovascularModerateBNo linked study
Physical EnergyEnergyModerateBNo linked study
All 8 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What is yerba mate?

Mate is an infusion of dried Ilex paraguariensis leaves, consumed warm, hot, or cold. It contains caffeine. 1 2

Why people take it

Energy22.2%
Cognition13.9%
Stress & Mood13.9%
Fitness9.7%
Weight Management9.7%
Essential Health6.9%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Can caffeine affect sleep?

EFSA notes that even 100 mg close to bedtime can affect sleep in some adults. 3

Do these caffeine levels cover medicine interactions?

No. EFSA’s assessment excludes interactions with medicines and people with medical conditions. 3

Was the extract trial long enough to establish lasting weight control?

No. It lasted 12 weeks and enrolled 30 participants. 2

Sources

  1. Q&A on Monographs Volume 116: Coffee, maté, and very hot beverages International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2016
  3. Caffeine European Food Safety Authority