Argentinian scientists are testing a treatment with yerba mate to heal wounds

A preclinical study conducted in Argentina  identified new healing properties in yerba mate. The finding opens the door to possible therapeutic uses for patients with nutritional problems.

The experiment was carried out with malnourished rats. Researchers observed a better response in wound healing after applying a formula based on yerba mate extract.

What did Argentine scientists discover?

A group of local researchers developed a natural formulation (YMF) that combines yerba mate extract, amino acids, and vitamins. The treatment was tested on malnourished and well-nourished rats with excision wounds.

The analysis showed that wounds treated with YMF exhibited faster and more effective contraction compared to the animals in the control group.

An advance with nutraceutical potential

In addition to observing more efficient healing, the researchers highlighted that there were histological improvements and greater angiogenesis in the tissues treated with this formula. Positive changes were also recorded in hematological and biochemical parameters.

This suggests that yerba mate could be useful as a nutraceutical for people with nutritional deficiencies who face complex wounds.

Publication and study authors

The work was published on July 18, 2025, in the Journal of Food Science. Its title was: "Wound healing potential of a formulation containing yerba mate extract".

The authors of the study were Andrea Lorena Berengeno, Juan Garona, Hernán Farina, and Hugo Héctor Ortega. The team is part of the Centro de Medicina Comparada (CMC).

What is still needed to apply this treatment in humans?

Although the results are promising, the team indicated that clinical studies are still needed to validate its effectiveness in people.

• Determine the ideal dose
• Confirm its safety
• Establish its therapeutic window

The scientists also clarified that there were no conflicts of interest affecting the integrity of the data.