Ilex paraguariensis (IP) is used for the preparation of stimulant drinks commonly consumed in South America. Extracts of this plant are known to contain a wide variety of polyphenols, exerting beneficial effects as antioxidant. The aim of this study was to evaluate for the first time the effect of yerba mate extracts in a model of type 1 diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in mice. We evaluated extract compounds, glucose levels, serum transaminases, and fructosamine in blood, and oxidative stress parameters in liver, kidney and brain. Finally, we analyzed the thermal sensitivity as an indicator of diabetic neuropathy. Ilex paraguariensis extracts reduced hyperglycemia, normalized oxidative stress parameters and prevented peripheral neuropathy. Altogether, these effects can be attributed to the potent antioxidant capacity of IP combined with its potential hypoglycemic effect. We suggest that IP compounds may help to design therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

巴拉圭冬青（IP）用于制备在南美普遍消费的刺激性饮料。已知该植物的提取物中含有多种多酚，可作为抗氧化剂发挥有益作用。这项研究的目的是第一次评估yerba mate提取物在链脲佐菌素（STZ）诱导的小鼠1型糖尿病模型中的作用。我们评估了血液中的提取物化合物，葡萄糖水平，血清转氨酶和果糖胺，以及肝，肾和脑中的氧化应激参数。最后，我们分析了热敏感性作为糖尿病性神经病变的指标。巴拉圭冬青提取物可降低高血糖症，使氧化应激参数正常化并预防周围神经病变。总而言之，这些作用可以归因于IP的强大抗氧化能力及其潜在的降血糖作用。我们建议IP化合物可能有助于设计治疗糖尿病的替代疗法。