Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2025
Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice
Published on: November 11, 2021
Yerba mate consumption by ovariectomized rats alters white adipose tissue
Victor Machado de Mello Andrade1, Amanda Fernandes de Moura1, Katlen da Costa Chaves1
1Departamento de Biociência do Exercício - Escola de Educação Física e Desporto - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil.
Introduction:
Menopause and post-menopause are characterized by low levels of estrogen that can be associated with the emergence of metabolic diseases. While hormone replacement therapy can alleviate many symptoms, it can also exacerbate other diseases such as breast cancer. In the search for natural alternatives, Ilex paraguariensis (Yerba Mate) has been identified as a potential therapy for the onset of obesity. Here, the effect of MATE consumption on white adipose tissue (WAT) was studied in ovariectomized rats, an animal model for post-menopause hormone loss.
Methods:
Four groups of animals were used: ovariectomy with MATE (OVX MATE) and without MATE (OVX), as well as sham surgery with MATE (Sham MATE) and without MATE (Sham). MATE was provided by gavage at 1 g/kg of body weight for eight weeks before measuring biochemical parameters in plasma and characterizing WAT morphology.
Results:
The consumption of Yerba MATE significantly decreased weight gain in ovariectomized rats and presented near control levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL. A morphometric analysis of WAT showed a significant decrease in the area occupied by adipocytes in the group that consumed MATE. Finally, MATE consumption increased the UCP1 content in the WAT of the ovariectomized group. Yerba MATE treatment was also associated with higher levels of SIRT1 protein.
Conclusion:
MATE consumption has a preventive effect on the weight gain observed in ovariectomized rats and potential benefits in naturally avoiding the onset of obesity post menopause.
