Yerba Mate Extract
Also known as: Ilex paraguariensis, maté, mate extract, yerba maté
Yerba mate is the leaf of Ilex paraguariensis, brewed as a tea across South America. It contains caffeine, theobromine, chlorogenic acids, and saponins, which give it a profile between coffee and green tea. Extracts are used in energy, focus, and weight-management formulas. A systematic review of physiological effects and several randomized trials have examined it in humans, mostly as a brewed infusion rather than a dry extract, so dose translation to capsules is approximate.
Research summary
Methylxanthines block adenosine receptors; chlorogenic acids and saponins are studied for metabolic effects.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mg | 500–1,500 mg | — | — |
Assumes a typical dry leaf extract with about 8% caffeine; caffeine in commercial extracts ranges widely (roughly 1% to 20%), so use the supplier's assay. 1,500 mg of an 8% extract supplies about 120 mg caffeine. Take earlier in the day.
Standardization: Leaf extract; caffeine typically 4–10% (assume 8%)
Source material: leaf extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Grassy, bitter flavor; suits tea-style drink powders.
Formulation notes
Stimulant; total caffeine with other sources. Very hot traditional consumption is not relevant to capsule products.
- Stimulant
- Contains caffeine
Sources
Related ingredients
Caffeine Anhydrous
Sports performancePurified, dehydrated caffeine — the standard stimulant in pre-workouts, energy, and focus products.
Typical: 100–200 mg
Green Tea Extract (50% EGCG)
BotanicalA leaf extract of Camellia sinensis concentrated for catechins, especially EGCG, with a small amount of naturally occurring caffeine.
Typical: 300–500 mg
MCT Oil
Fatty acidMCT oil is a clear, flavorless oil made by fractionating coconut or palm kernel oil to isolate the medium-chain fatty acids caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid as triglycerides.
Typical: 5–15 g
Guarana Extract
BotanicalGuarana is the seed of Paullinia cupana, an Amazonian vine whose seeds contain more caffeine by weight than coffee beans, along with theobromine and tannins.
Typical: 100–400 mg
MCT Oil Powder
Fatty acidMCT oil powder is MCT oil spray-dried onto a carbohydrate carrier, most often acacia gum or maltodextrin, to produce a free-flowing powder that disperses in water.
Typical: 5–10 g