Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)

1) Studied Conditions

Rooibos has been studied for a variety of conditions, including:

• Cardiovascular health
• Diabetes management
• Stress and anxiety reduction
• Allergic reactions
• Age-related diseases

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

While rooibos has been traditionally used for its potential health benefits, scientific evidence is not conclusive for all its purported uses. Some studies suggest benefits for cardiovascular health and diabetes, but more research is required to firmly establish its efficacy.

3) Health Benefits

• Antioxidant properties that may protect cells from damage by free radicals.
• No caffeine, which makes it a good beverage option for those looking to reduce caffeine intake.
• May have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Potentially beneficial for bone health due to its mineral content.

4) Downsides

Generally, rooibos is considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts. However:

• Excessive consumption may lead to liver issues, though this is rare.
• Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction.
• As with any herbal product, it could interact with certain medications.

5) Genetic Variations

There is limited research on the interaction between rooibos and specific genetic variations. As such, it is not well understood if there are certain genetic populations that may benefit more or be at more risk from consuming rooibos. Personalized nutrition and genetics is an emerging field, and future research may provide more insights.

Research Summary on Rooibos Tea

Antispasmodic and Gastrointestinal Benefits

Rooibos tea, derived from Aspalathus linearis, exhibits antispasmodic effects which support its traditional use for treating abdominal spasms and diarrhea. Studies have shown that Rooibos extract relaxes muscle contractions, particularly those induced by low potassium levels, and these effects are mediated by the activation of K(ATP) channels. The tea also demonstrates antidiarrheal and antisecretory properties in mice. Organic compounds like chrysoeriol, orientin, and vitexin are identified as key contributors to these beneficial effects.

Flavonoid Content and Analysis

Rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants, attributed to its flavonoid content. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods have been developed to identify and assay these flavonoids, with aspalathin, rutin, and orientin being primary compounds. These flavonoids are crucial for the tea's health benefits, including reducing nervous tension, alleviating allergies, and aiding in digestive issues.

Impact on Hormonal Balance

Research on Aspalathus linearis indicates its influence on steroid hormone production, with findings suggesting that Rooibos and its compounds can significantly reduce enzyme activity involved in steroid synthesis, which may help in managing conditions associated with hormonal imbalances like hypertension and diabetes.

Fermentation and Color Formation

The fermentation process of Rooibos tea involves the breakdown of aspalathin, a compound unique to the tea. Studies using advanced chromatographic techniques have isolated compounds critical to the tea's color development during fermentation, enhancing our understanding of the complex chemistry behind this process.

Immune Response and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

A specific fraction of Rooibos tea has been found to enhance the immune response, increasing the production of certain antibodies and interleukin-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Additionally, Rooibos tea has shown potential in preventing DNA damage and inflammation through its antioxidative activity, which could be particularly beneficial for children due to its caffeine-free nature.

Cardiovascular and Diabetic Research

Rooibos tea has been associated with cardiovascular health benefits, including ACE inhibition and potential NO level effects, while also demonstrating glucose-lowering effects in diabetic models. An aspalathin-enriched extract from Rooibos has shown to be effective in increasing glucose uptake in muscle cells and improving blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. Furthermore, Rooibos extracts have shown potential in protecting against oxidative stress in the context of diabetes.

Authenticity and Quality Analysis

Isotope ratio mass spectrometry has been used to analyze the authenticity of Rooibos tea flavoring agents, distinguishing between synthetic, enzymatically produced, and natural forms. Additionally, the phenolic quality of commercial Rooibos iced teas was compared to traditional hot tea, revealing the impact of manufacturing processes on phenolic compounds and color quality.

References:

1. Antispasmodic effects of Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) is mediated predominantly through K+ -channel activation
2. Quantitative characterization of flavonoid compounds in Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) by LC-UV/DAD
3. Vascular origin determines angiotensin I-converting enzyme expression in endothelial cells
4. Chemistry of color formation during rooibos fermentation
5. The influence of Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) and dihydrochalcones on adrenal steroidogenesis: quantification of steroid intermediates and end products in H295R cells
6. Augmentation of antigen-specific antibody production and IL-10 generation with a fraction from Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) tea
7. The preparation and function of the hypertensin-converting enzyme
8. Acute assessment of an aspalathin-enriched green rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) extract with hypoglycemic potential
9. Aspalathin, a flavonoid in Aspalathus linearis (rooibos), is absorbed by pig intestine as a C-glycoside
10. Effects of rooibos tea, bottled water, and a carbohydrate beverage on blood and urinary measures of hydration after acute dehydration
11. Online gas chromatography combustion/pyrolysis-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (HRGC-C/P-IRMS) of (+/-)-Dihydroactinidiolide from tea ( Camellia sinensis ) and rooibos tea ( Aspalathus linearis )
12. South African herbal teas: Aspalathus linearis, Cyclopia spp. and Athrixia phylicoides--a review
13. Effects of green tea, black tea and Rooibos tea on angiotensin-converting enzyme and nitric oxide in healthy volunteers
14. Possible hepatotoxic effect of rooibos tea: a case report
15. In vivo effects of Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) on male rat reproductive functions
16. Effect of heat on aspalathin, iso-orientin, and orientin contents and color of fermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) iced tea
17. C-glycosylflavonoids. The chemistry of aspalathin
18. Hypoglycemic effect of aspalathin, a rooibos tea component from Aspalathus linearis, in type 2 diabetic model db/db mice
19. Aspalathin improves hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance in obese diabetic ob/ob mice
20. Identification of phenolic compounds in aqueous and ethanolic rooibos extracts (Aspalathus linearis) by HPLC-ESI-MS (TOF/IT)
21. Continuous administration of polyphenols from aqueous rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) extract ameliorates dietary-induced metabolic disturbances in hyperlipidemic mice
22. Polysaccharide from Aspalathus linearis with strong anti-HIV activity
23. Occurrence and sensory perception of Z-2-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-3-phenylpropenoic acid in rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)
24. Mechanisms of fatty acid-induced inhibition of glucose uptake
25. Selective bronchodilatory effect of Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) and its flavonoid, chrysoeriol
26. Herbal tea infusions--their acidity, fluoride and calcium concentration
27. The effects of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), green tea (Camellia sinensis) and commercial rooibos and green tea supplements on epididymal sperm in oxidative stress-induced rats
28. Transport of aspalathin, a Rooibos tea flavonoid, across the skin and intestinal epithelium
29. Amelioration of palmitate-induced insulin resistance in C₂C₁₂ muscle cells by rooibos (Aspalathus linearis)
30. Studies of anti-inflammatory effects of Rooibos tea in rats
31. Insights on the formulation of herbal beverages with medicinal claims according with their antioxidant properties
32. Z-2-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-3-phenylpropenoic acid, an α-hydroxy acid from rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) with hypoglycemic activity
33. Effects of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on oxidative stress and biochemical parameters in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease
34. Improvement of andropause symptoms by dandelion and rooibos extract complex CRS-10 in aging male
35. The pharmacological mechanism of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition by green tea, Rooibos and enalaprilat - a study on enzyme kinetics
36. Unfermented rooibos tea: quantitative characterization of flavonoids by HPLC-UV and determination of the total antioxidant activity
37. Molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance
38. The C-glycosyl flavonoid, aspalathin, is absorbed, methylated and glucuronidated intact in humans
39. Effects of continuous ingestion of herbal teas on intestinal CYP3A in the rat
40. Characterization of phenolic compounds in rooibos tea
41. Ameliorative effect of aspalathin from rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on acute oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans
42. Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) partially prevents oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
43. The in vitro effects of Rooibos and Black tea on immune pathways
44. Effects of rooibos tea extract on antigen-specific antibody production and cytokine generation in vitro and in vivo
45. Bioavailability of C-linked dihydrochalcone and flavanone glucosides in humans following ingestion of unfermented and fermented rooibos teas
46. Differential response of two models of genetically modified mice fed with high fat and cholesterol diets: relationship to the study of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
47. Oxidation of the dihydrochalcone aspalathin leads to dimerization
48. Self-reported use of traditional, complementary and over-the-counter medicines by HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy in Pretoria, South Africa
49. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) offers cardiac protection against ischaemia/reperfusion in the isolated perfused rat heart
50. Membrane fatty acid transporters as regulators of lipid metabolism: implications for metabolic disease
51. Protective Effects of Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and/or Red Palm Oil (Elaeis guineensis) Supplementation on tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide-Induced Oxidative Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats
52. Phytoestrogens from Aspalathus linearis

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