We propose to characterize the extract of YM and to evaluate if the consumption of YM provides a beneficial effect on the survival of dopaminergic neurons in parkinsonian mice.

The extract of YM was obtained by ‘cebada simulada’ and the main bioactive compounds caffeine, theobromine, chlorogenic acid and rutin were quantified by HPLC. Wild type mice were lesioned unilaterally with 6-OHDA in the striatum and treated and received water or ‘mate’ as their only source of fluid. During the treatment, locomotor activity was evaluated in open field (OF) session and the striatal tissue was processed by immunohistochemistry for TH to evaluate the degree of dopaminergic denervation.

The infusion of YM was well accepted by the animals. Mice that drink mate have a hyperlocomotor behavior in relation to control during OF session. The protocol of denervation obtained induces a lesion between 31 and 57%. Mice treated with YM have a density of striatal TH+ remaining fibers higher than the control mice.

These results could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic interventions, using YM in association with the frequently used antiparkinsonian drugs and to have thus a direct impact on the quality of life of patients.