Yerba maté may regulate blood lipid and endothelial function in hyperlipidemia rats. The putative mechanism may include a reduction of endothelin and thromboxane A2 levels and an increase in nitric oxide and 6-keto-PGF1α levels in the blood, downregulating the expression of ICAM-1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1) protein and upregulating the expression of LDLR (LDL receptor) and SR-B1 (scavenger receptor class B member 1) genes, inhibiting the occurrence of atherosclerosis. The gene discussed is ICAM1; the disease is atherosclerosis.