Bioactive potential of functional mate tea ( <i>Ilex paraguariensis</i> ) formulations with Brazilian fruits: cytotoxicity in human liver tumor cells

Yerba mate (<i>Ilex paraguariensis</i>) is a South American plant known to contain high amounts of phenolic content which are associated with health benefits. This study aimed to (1) formulate and characterize functional beverages based upon mate tea (MT) and its combinations with jabuticaba (<i>Plinia cauliflora</i>, MT60JAB40) and pitanga (<i>Eugenia uniflora</i>, MT90PIT10) and (2) to determine their cytotoxic potential against human liver tumor cells (HuH7.5) using the MTT assay. Assessment of these product combinations in drinks was not previously conducted. Physicochemical analysis demonstrated that addition of fruit juices to <i>I. paraguariensis</i> significantly altered pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and color. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) were highest in the pure MT formulation. Despite a reduction in antioxidant capacity with fruit addition, all beverages retained significant phenolic levels. MT displayed concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity using 12.5 µl/ml. MT60JAB40 and MT90PIT10 also exhibited cytotoxic effects, although primarily at higher concentrations. These findings suggest that yerba mate-based beverages, especially in combination with native fruits, hold promise as bioactive functional products with potential cytotoxic on tumor cells.