The relationship between the consumption of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and the presence of micronuclei in the oral mucosa

Abstract

Aims: The risk factors for cancer can be internal or external to the body, and the consumption of chimarrao has been recently cited as a potential influencing factor. This herbal infusion, ingested at high temperatures, and chemical carcinogenesis may contribute to cell mutation. Among the existing methods used to identify cellular alterations, the evaluation of the presence of micronuclei stands out. The purpose of this study was to identify the association between the consumption of chimarrao and the presence of micronuclei in the oral mucosa that evaluates the extent of damage that an aggressor agent may cause in the oral cavity. Material and Methods: Data collection included the collection of cells of the buccal mucosa and the application of a questionnaire on the consumption habits of 120 individuals, among them students, faculty, and employees of an academic institution. The collected cells were fixed, stained with Giemsa and analyzed by scanning optical microscopy. Results: The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, Spearman's correlation test, and Pearson's correlation test (Statistical Program BioEstat, 2007). The results showed that there are no statistically significant differences regarding the presence of micronuclei between the periodic consumption of chimarrao and no consumption at all, as well as between daily consumption and periodic consumption. Conclusions: Consuming chimarrao does not represent a risk factor for the significant increase in the number of micronuclei in the oral mucosa.