Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Registered Bioimaging of Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Monitoring
Published on: December 9, 2010
Concentration- and Sequence-Dependent MRI Signal Intensity Behavior of Ilex paraguariensis Aqueous Extract in
Mario J Noh-Burgos1,2, Juan B Chalé-Dzul3, Leticia Olivera-Castillo4,5
1Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de la Península de Yucatan, Servicios de Salud del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social para el Bienestar (IMSS-BIENESTAR), Merida 97130, Yucatan, Mexico.
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is widely used for biliopancreatic imaging; however, hyperintense gastrointestinal fluids in heavily T2-weighted sequences may interfere with visualization of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. Natural manganese-containing beverages have been investigated in MRCP-related imaging contexts, and yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil.) has been studied to this end. However, its concentration- and sequence-dependent signal behavior under MRCP-like phantom conditions remains insufficiently characterized. This preclinical phantom study evaluated the concentration- and sequence-dependent MRI signal intensity behavior of an aqueous extract of Ilex paraguariensis. The extract was characterized by means of elemental analysis, total manganese and iron quantification, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and LC-ESI-MS analysis. MRI phantom experiments were run at different extract concentrations using T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and single-shot turbo spin echo (SSHTSE) sequences. The dried extract contained 1.22 ± 0.04 mg/g total manganese and 0.40 ± 0.01 mg/g total iron. Calculated total Mn concentrations in phantom dilutions ranged from 0.06 to 0.97 mg/dL. The extract showed concentration- and sequence-dependent signal behavior, with T1-weighted signal enhancement and progressive signal suppression in T2-weighted and SSHTSE sequences. No T1/T2 mapping or r1/r2 relaxivity measurements were performed. LC-ESI-MS identified MS1-based putatively assigned phenolic features without MS/MS confirmation of extract peaks. Ilex paraguariensis aqueous extract showed preliminary concentration- and sequence-dependent MRI signal intensity changes under phantom conditions, including signal suppression in MRCP-like heavily T2-weighted sequences. These findings do not establish clinical applicability, safety, tolerability, comparative efficacy, or improved duct visualization. Further studies are needed, incorporating relaxometric measurements, comparator agents, formulation assessment, in vivo evaluation, and clinical validation.
Insights
Yerba mate extract shows promising MRI signal changes for MRCP imaging. Further research is needed to confirm its clinical potential in visualizing biliary and pancreatic ducts.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Medical Physics
- Pharmacognosy
Background:
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) faces challenges with gastrointestinal fluid interference.
- Natural manganese sources are explored as contrast agents for MRCP.
- Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) has potential but requires detailed characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the concentration- and sequence-dependent MRI signal behavior of an Ilex paraguariensis aqueous extract.
- To characterize the extract's composition relevant to MRI properties.
Main Methods:
- Elemental analysis and quantification of manganese and iron.
- Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity assays.
- MRI phantom experiments with varying extract concentrations using T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and SSHTSE sequences.
Main Results:
- The extract contained significant levels of manganese and iron.
- MRI signal intensity varied with extract concentration and imaging sequence.
- T1-weighted sequences showed signal enhancement, while T2-weighted and SSHTSE sequences exhibited signal suppression.
Conclusions:
- Ilex paraguariensis extract demonstrates concentration- and sequence-dependent MRI signal changes.
- Preliminary findings suggest potential for signal suppression in MRCP-like sequences.
- Further preclinical and clinical validation is required to establish safety and efficacy.
