Yerba mate increases mitochondrial uncoupling in adipose tissue

Yerba mate is commonly consumed in cultures throughout Central and South America with decades of research revealing numerous effects, including improvements in cardiometabolic outcomes. Among these benefits is an increased resistance to weight gain, as well as altered energy expenditure. However, additional research is needed to elucidate the effects of yerba mate on mitochondrial parameters. Through cell culture and rodent models, we tested mitochondrial respiration and ATP production in adipose to determine the direct effects of yerba mate on mitochondrial coupling status. We found that adipocytes experienced a substantial increase in oxygen flux, without a comparable increase in ATP generation, indicating increased mitochondrial uncoupling. Similar findings were observed in subcutaneous adipose tissue in rodents fed yerba mate chronically. These observations in subcutaneous adipose, which is unique in its capacity to “beige” or undergo mitochondrial biogenesis and uncoupling. Altogether, these results suggest that a portion of the metabolic benefit of regular consumption of yerba mate may be a result of increased adipose mitochondrial uncoupling. Support or Funding Information None.