Argentine scientists from CONICET decode the yerba mate genome

Argentine researchers have achieved a major scientific milestone by sequencing the genome of yerba mate, opening new opportunities to enhance this plant and expand its applications in fields such as food and pharmaceuticals.

A team of CONICET scientists led an international project that successfully sequenced the DNA of Ilex paraguariensis, an iconic plant for Argentina that is not only essential for mate production but also holds potential uses in other sectors. Published in the journal eLife, this study promises to reshape scientific understanding of yerba mate and its strategic applications.

The importance of the yerba mate genome for biotechnology

The sequencing of the yerba mate genome carries major implications for genetic improvement, critical for both agricultural yield and medicinal properties. By understanding how caffeine is produced in the plant, scientists can develop more efficient and resilient varieties adapted to different soils and climates. This opens the possibility of a yerba mate that is not only more productive but also tailored with specific properties for diverse industries.

For example, the project led by Adrián Turjanski, CONICET researcher and project director, could improve mate quality while also creating new varieties capable of producing compounds with significant health benefits, such as antioxidants, antidiabetic agents, and natural stimulants. Genetic sequencing now allows optimization of the plant not just for taste and caffeine content but also for specialized products such as decaffeinated options or functional varieties aimed at health-conscious consumers.

Caffeine in yerba mate and its commercial applications

One of the most significant aspects of the project was the in-depth analysis of caffeine’s biosynthetic pathway in yerba mate. Unlike tea or coffee, yerba mate follows a distinct evolutionary route to produce caffeine, suggesting an independent evolutionary process. Researcher Federico Vignale explained that this discovery opens possibilities to modify or regulate caffeine production in mate, a plant historically valued for its high caffeine content.

Understanding this process has both evolutionary and commercial implications. High caffeine levels can cause side effects such as acidity or discomfort in some consumers. By unraveling the caffeine synthesis pathway, future varieties of yerba mate could feature reduced caffeine levels, unlocking access to new consumer markets, especially those sensitive to caffeine.

Beyond beverages, deeper knowledge of yerba mate’s phytochemicals paves the way for pharmaceutical innovation. With its antioxidant potential and other beneficial properties, the plant could become a valuable source for natural products in health, medicine, and cosmetics.

A collaborative project with global impact

This breakthrough was possible thanks to international collaboration among researchers from Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and Europe, who combined expertise across disciplines to decode yerba mate’s genome. The project highlights the power of scientific cooperation, with impact not only in Argentina’s growing regions such as Misiones and Corrientes but also on a global scale, positioning the country at the forefront of agricultural biotechnology.

Contributions from researchers like Maximiliano Rossi of the National University of Misiones underscore how genomic research translates into applied biotechnology. By identifying how genes shape plant growth and the production of beneficial compounds, scientists are paving the way for crop improvements with both local and international benefits.

Decoding the yerba mate genome is just the beginning of a broader research agenda that could drive biotechnological innovation across multiple industries—from new food products to public health through functional nutrition. While yerba mate is deeply rooted in South American culture, science is now revealing untapped potential that could redefine how this plant is valued and utilized worldwide.