Yerba Mate Attenuates Oxidative Stress Induced Renal Cell Damage

Introduction: In this study, the protective effects of yerba mate aqueous extract, which is widely used in traditional medicine, against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced toxicity were evaluated in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells.Methods: Hydrogen peroxide was used to induce oxidative stress in HEK 293T cells and create an in vitro model of acute kidney injury. The MTT assay was used to evaluate cell viability, and HPLC methods were used to determine the phenolic components of yerba mate extract. For mechanistic insight, the levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, which are the basic parameters of oxidative stress, were investigated in H2O2-treated HEK 293T cells. Results: The aqueous extract of yerba mate at a concentration of 62.5 mu g/ml prevented H2O2-induced oxidative damage to HEK 293T cells by 70%. Morphological studies have also shown that yerba mate can inhibit cellular damage caused by H2O2. The HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds in yerba mate extract revealed the presence of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, and quercetin. Further, it was observed that yerba mate can significantly increase catalase and superoxide dismutase levels and decrease malondialdehyde levels. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the ability of an aqueous extract of yerba mate to counteract H2O2-induced cell damage in HEK 293T cells. These data present yerba mate as a potent antioxidant with potential benefits for the management of acute kidney injury.