Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a tea that is traditionally consumed as a herbal beverage in South America because of its ethnopharmacological properties, such as its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat several diseases, including inflammation, and is also described as a topical agent against skin diseases.
The beneficial effects of Mate are based, amongst others, on the high content of naturally occurring caffeine and theobromine in the leaves. The usage of glycerin as a solvent system did not change the composition of the phytochemicals compared to a tincture, substantiating a comparable anti-inflammatory activity of both extracts.
INCI: Aqua, Glycerin, Ilex Paraguariensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate