Fact Sheet on Rooibos Tea

Full text

Researched and Authored by Prof Michael C Herbst
[D Litt et Phil (Health Studies); D N Ed; M Art et Scien; B A Cur; Dip Occupational Health]
Approved for Distribution by Ms Elize Joubert, Acting CEO
July 2014 Page 1
Cancer Association of
South Africa (CANSA)
Fact Sheet
on
Rooibos Tea
Introduction
Rooibos meaning ‘red bush’ with the scientific
name of Aspalathus linearis is a broom-like
member of the legume family of plants growing
in South Africa’s fynbos.
[Picture Credit: Rooibos Tea Plantation]
The generic name of
the Rooibos tea
plant comes from the
plant Calicotome
villosa, aspalathos in
Greek. This plant has very similar growth and flowers to the
Rooibos plant. The specific name linearis comes from the plant's
linear growing structure and needle-like leaves. The leaves are
used to make a tea called Rooibos, bush tea (esp. Southern
Africa), or simply rooibos. The product has been popular in
Southern Africa for generations and is now consumed in many
countries. It is sometimes spelled rooibosch in accordance with
the old Dutch etymology.
(Wikipedia).
[Picture Credit: Rooibos Tea Plant]
While it is steadily gaining popularity, delicious and nutritious
Rooibos tea is still relatively unknown to many tea drinkers worldwide. Because Rooibos tea
is healthy and contains very little tannin and no caffeine, it is making a real name for itself
and should have a long future in the global tea market.
(Life is Beautiful).
Varieties of Rooibos Tea
Rooibos is not technically a proper tea, because it is not derived from the Camellia sinensis
plant. Rooibos, however, is not usually referred to as a tisane (herbal infusion). The
Rooibos leaf comes from the plant, a member of the legume family of plants. The Rooibos
bush is a small and shrubby bush, with thin needle-like leaves. The bush only grows

Researched and Authored by Prof Michael C Herbst
[D Litt et Phil (Health Studies); D N Ed; M Art et Scien; B A Cur; Dip Occupational Health]
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between ½ to 1 meter tall. On the bush, the leaves are green, but once processed they turn
a deep red from the oxidization of the Rooibos leaves.
Rooibos is available in the market in several forms. Typically, one will get the red leaved
Rooibos either in it’s plain, unflavoured form, or in a flavoured or blended form. Rooibos is
now becoming more widely available in its ‘green’ form as well – as Green Rooibos. Even
more recently sees Green Rooibos being flavoured and blended like the typical Red
Rooibos. The difference between the two is that the Green Rooibos is the un-oxidized form
of the Rooibos bush (Teafrog.wordpress.com).
Which is Better: Red or Green Rooibos Tea?
It is known that Green Rooibos tea has higher levels of antioxidants than traditional Rooibos,
but recent studies are proving that both kinds of Rooibos protect against a range of diseases
including cancer and that drinking Green Rooibos is not necessarily better.
“People should drink the kind of Rooibos they enjoy most, since we now know that Rooibos
with a higher antioxidant content does not always provide the best benefits”, recommends
Professor Jeanine Marnewick, manager of the Oxidative Stress Research Centre in the
Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences at Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Professor Marnewick, who has been actively involved in Rooibos research over the last
fifteen years, explains that it is not only the level of antioxidants, but also the specific
combination of bio-active compounds in rooibos that are important.
“The health benefits from drinking Rooibos tea will also be different for every person –
depending on that person’s overall health status”, she adds.
(SA Rooibos Council).
Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea
Evidence of the health benefits of Rooibos Tea is growing by the day. Health benefits,
especially the ones associated with drinking of Rooibos tea, are most significant. Rooibos
tea contains extremely high levels of antioxidants, powerful substances that fight free
radicals in the bloodstream and keep bodies healthy and strong.
Reduction of insomnia, tension headaches and irritability are well known benefits associated
with Rooibos tea. As a tea with no caffeine, Rooibos drinkers have found that enjoying a
‘cuppa’ before bed helps to relax them and relieves tension, allowing for a great night of
sleep. By helping to normalise tea drinkers’ sleeping habits, Rooibos often reduces
headaches and irritability. Although only supported by anecdotal evidence, relief from colic
and stomach cramps in babies is a well-known benefit fully accepted by the South African
public at large.
Research (not sponsored by CANSA) showed that six cups of Rooibos tea per day
increased glutathione by 100%. Rooibos tea, unique to South Africa, is consumed by
millions every day and could be playing an important role in preventing cancer.
The most important connection found with cancer was the observation that rats given
Rooibos tea as the only source of liquid showed a 500% increase in the master antioxidant,
glutathione in the liver. Made within the body, glutathione cannot be taken as a supplement
as it is destroyed in the gut. There is ample evidence that glutathione fights cancer by

Researched and Authored by Prof Michael C Herbst
[D Litt et Phil (Health Studies); D N Ed; M Art et Scien; B A Cur; Dip Occupational Health]
Approved for Distribution by Ms Elize Joubert, Acting CEO
July 2014 Page 3
neutralising carcinogens. For instance, glutathione can bind to the carcinogen aflatoxin,
neutralise it so that it cannot bind to DNA and then facilitate the excretion of the glutathione-
aflatoxin complex.
(Life is Beautiful).
Rooibos Tea and Cancer
The ability of South African herbal teas (Rooibos and
Honeybush extracts) to act as ‘chemopreventors’ in
skin cancer was highlighted by a South African
research team (Marnewick, et al.) using an animal
model. They showed that topical (external) application
of tea fractions significantly suppressed tumour growth
in mice with skin cancer, when using processed and
unprocessed tea. [Picture Credit: Rooibos Tea]
South African researchers (Van der Merwe, et al.) collaborated to compare the potential of
different kinds of tea (Rooibos, Honeybush, black oolong and green tea) to suppress
mutations, and thereby prevent cancer. Their results confirmed that the phenolic compounds
in herbal tea extracts have a strong anti-mutagenic effect (in vitro study using cell lines). ‘In
vitro’ means taking place in a test tube.
Rooibos Tea and Stress
Scientists at Stellenbosch University are shedding new light on the long-held belief that a
cup of Rooibos helps us to relax and cope better with the stresses of daily life. A research
team at the University’s biochemistry department, led by Professor Amanda Swart, has
produced scientific evidence that Rooibos tea lowers the production of cortisol by the human
body’s adrenal glands. Cortisol is the so-called ‘stress hormone’. Lowering cortisol levels
also lowers the effect of the body’s stress response.
They were also able to pinpoint two rare components in Rooibos – the two flavonoids called
aspalathin and nothofagin – that contribute to this stress-lowering effect. Aspalathin has not
been found in any other plant material, while nothofagin has a very limited distribution in
nature.
(Stellenbosch University; Hong, Lee & Kim).
Rooibos Tea and Hypertension
Rooibos tea has been shown to alleviate hypertension in some cases. The identities of the
compounds in rooibos tea that are attributed to this reduction are unclear. However, a study
in the December 2006 edition of European Journal of Nutrition presents the blood pressure
lowering capabilities of rooibos tea extract. In addition to lowering blood pressure, rooibos
tea was shown to reduce the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme in the May 2010
issue of the journal Public Health Nutrition. These results suggest that rooibos tea is good for
overall cardiovascular health (Hypertension).
Researchers in Pakistan (Khan & Gilani) found that chrysoeriol (a bioactive components of
Rooibos, but usually only present at low levels) acted effectively as a bronchodilator, with an

Researched and Authored by Prof Michael C Herbst
[D Litt et Phil (Health Studies); D N Ed; M Art et Scien; B A Cur; Dip Occupational Health]
Approved for Distribution by Ms Elize Joubert, Acting CEO
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associated effect on lowering blood pressure and relieving spasms. Aorta, trachea and other
tissue from rabbits and guinea-pigs were used to illustrate this effect. Chrysoeriol is known
for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antimicrobial, antiviral and free radical
scavenging abilities.
Rooibos Tea and Cardiovascular Disease
A study by Dludla, et al. provided evidence that an aqueous extract of fermented rooibos tea
protects cardiomyocytes (the cells that constitute hear muscle), derived from diabetic rats,
against experimentally induced oxidative stress and ischaemia (shortage of oxygen).
In a study by Pantsi, et al. the cardio-protective properties of aqueous rooibos extracts was
clearly demonstrated via the inhibition of apoptosis (cell death) which can be related to the
flavonol content of this unique South African herbal tea.
Swedish researchers found that Rooibos tea could help to promote heart health in humans.
They found that 30 and 60 minutes after drinking 400 ml of Rooibos, the activity of a specific
enzyme (called angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE) is significantly inhibited. This
enzyme is believed to be involved in the development of cardiovascular disease, and
therefore ACE inhibitors are used to treat hypertension and heart disease. The research
team could not demonstrate the same effect with green tea and black tea in the group of 17
healthy volunteers who participated in the study. (Persson, et al.).
Rooibos Tea and Cancer, Allergy, Aids and Other Infections
The findings of a study by Kunishiro, Tai & Yamamoto, suggested that Rooibos tea extract
may facilitate the antigen-specific antibody production through selective augmentation of IL-2
generation both in vitro (taking place in a test tube) and in vivo (taking place in a living
organism). Collectively, Rooibos tea intake may be of value in prophylaxis of the diseases
involving a severe defect in Th1 immune response such as cancer, allergy, AIDS, and other
infections.
Rooibos Tea and Diabetes Mellitus Type II
A study by Kawano, et al. suggested that aspalathin in Rooibos tea had beneficial effects on
glucose homeostasis (stabilisation) in type 2 diabetes through stimulating glucose uptake in
muscle tissues and insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells.
A study by Uličná, et al. in the Slovak Republic
(2006) found that Rooibos provides effective
protection against oxidative stress in diabetic rats.
These scientists recommend the use of Rooibos for
the prevention and therapy of diabetic vascular
(blood vessel) complications, especially to protect
ocular (eye) membrane systems against
peroxidation (a well-defined mechanism of cellular
damage in both animals and plants that occurs in
vivo during aging and in certain disease states).
[Picture Credit: Rooibos Tea Bags]

Researched and Authored by Prof Michael C Herbst
[D Litt et Phil (Health Studies); D N Ed; M Art et Scien; B A Cur; Dip Occupational Health]
Approved for Distribution by Ms Elize Joubert, Acting CEO
July 2014 Page 5
Rooibos Tea and Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV)
In their study Nakano, Nakashima & Itoh (1997) showed that it is probable that acid
polysaccharides from rooibos tea were extremely safe, and that HIV infection may be
suppressed by daily intake of the alkaline extracts of rooibos tea.
Rooibos Tea and Abdominal Spasm and Diarrhoea
Rooibos tea has been widely used for abdominal spasm
and diarrhoea for many years. It possesses a
combination of dominant K(ATP) channel activation and
weak Ca(++) antagonist mechanisms and hence justifies
its use in hyperactive gastrointestinal disorders.
(Gilani, et al.).
[Picture Credit: Rooibos Tea 2]
Rooibos Tea and Obesity
Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) contains a rich complement of polyphenols, including
flavonoids, considered to be largely responsible for its health promoting effects, including
combatting obesity. The data from a study by Sanderson, et al. showed that hot water
soluble solids from fermented rooibos inhibited adipogenesis (formation of fat or fatty tissue)
and affect adipocyte metabolism, suggesting its potential in preventing obesity.
Rooibos Tea and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
A Japanese study by Baba, et al. (2009) showed that Rooibos could reduce inflammation in
rats with colitis (open sores in the colon) via increased antioxidant activity with a consequent
reduction in damage to DNA caused by oxidation. These researchers recommend Rooibos
as a safe and useful way to reduce oxidative stress.
Rooibos Tea and Immune Function
Research teams in Japan (Ichiyama, et al.) demonstrated that the active ingredients in a
water-soluble fraction of Rooibos restored immune function in immune-suppressed rats.
These results hold significant potential for future research into the immune-boosting
properties of Rooibos that could potentially benefit people living with HIV/AIDS.
Rooibos Tea and Ageing
Researchers (Juráni, et al.) from the Slovak Republic
were able to demonstrate the anti-ageing effect of
Rooibos in Japanese quails. The birds were given
Rooibos to drink and had ground Rooibos added to
their food. The hens on the Rooibos diet laid more
eggs and kept on laying eggs as they were getting
older, compared to quail hens on a standard diet.
[Picture Credit: Rooibos Tea 3]

Researched and Authored by Prof Michael C Herbst
[D Litt et Phil (Health Studies); D N Ed; M Art et Scien; B A Cur; Dip Occupational Health]
Approved for Distribution by Ms Elize Joubert, Acting CEO
July 2014 Page 6
Medical Disclaimer
This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information only and, as such, should not be
considered as a substitute for advice, medically or otherwise, covering any specific situation.
Users should seek appropriate advice before taking or refraining from taking any action in
reliance on any information contained in this Fact Sheet. So far as permissible by law, the
Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) does not accept any liability to any person (or
his/her dependants/estate/heirs) relating to the use of any information contained in this Fact
Sheet.
Whilst CANSA has taken every precaution in compiling this Fact Sheet, neither it, nor any
contributor(s) to this Fact Sheet can be held responsible for any action (or the lack thereof)
taken by any person or organisation wherever they shall be based, as a result, direct or
otherwise, of information contained in, or accessed through, this Fact Sheet.

Researched and Authored by Prof Michael C Herbst
[D Litt et Phil (Health Studies); D N Ed; M Art et Scien; B A Cur; Dip Occupational Health]
Approved for Distribution by Ms Elize Joubert, Acting CEO
July 2014 Page 7
Sources and References
Baba, H., Ohtsuka, Y., Haruna, H., Lee, T., Nagata, S., Maeda, M. Yamashiro, Y., Shimizu, T.
2009. Studies of anti-inflammatory effects of Rooibos tea in rats. Pediatrics International 51, 700–704.
Bramati, et al. 2002. Quantitative characterization of flavonoid compounds in Rooibos tea. Journal of
Agricultural and Food Chemistry, September 2002.
Burt, et al. 1995. Prevelance of hypertension in the US adult population. Hypertension, 1995.
Dludla, P.V., Muller, C.J., Louw, J. Joubert, E., Salie, R., Opoku, A.R. & Johnson, R. 2013. The
car4dioprotective effect of an aqueous extract of fermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on cultured
cardiomyocytes derived from diabetic rats. Phytochmedicine. Nov. pii: S0944-7113(13)00438-8. doi:
10.1016/j.phymed.2013.10.029.
Gilani, A.H., Khan, A.U., Ghayur, M.N., Ali, S.F. & Herzig, J.W. 2006. Antispasmodic effects of
Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) is mediated predominantly through K+-channel activation. Basic
Clin Pharmacol Toxicol, Nov, 99(5):365-73.
Hong, I.S., Lee, H.Y. & Kim, H.P. 2014. Anti-oxidative effects of rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) on
immobilization-induced oxidative stress in rat brain. PloS One, Jan. 9(1):e87061.
Ichiyama, K., Tai, A., Yamamoto, I. 2007. Augmentation of antigen-specific antibody production and
IL-120 generation with a fraction from rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) tea. Bioscience, Biotechnology
and Biochemistry 71, 589–602.
Juráni, M., Lamošová, D., Máčajová, M., Kostál, L., Joubert, E., Greksák, M. 2008. Effect of
rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) on Japanese quail growth, egg production and plasma metabolites.
British Poultry Science 49, 55–64.
Khan, A., Gilani, A.H., 2006. Selective broncholdilatory effect of rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) and
its flavonoid, chrysoeriol. European Journal of Nutrition 45, 463–469.
Kearmey, et al. 2005. Global burden of hypertension: analysis of worldwide data. Lancet, 2005.
Kawano, A., Nakamura, H., Hata, S., Minakawa, M., Miura, Y. & Yagasaki, K. 2009. Hypoglycemic
effect of aspalathin, a rooibos tea component from Aspalathus linearis, in type 2 diabetic model db/db
mice. Phytomedicine, 16(5):437-43.
Kunishiro, K., Tai, A & Yamamoto, I. 2001. Effects of rooibos tea extract on antigen-specific
antibody production and cytokine generation in vitro and in vivo. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, Oct,
65(10):2137-45.
Life is Beautiful. 2012. A lifestyle booklet published by the Cancer Association of South Africa.
Marnewick, J.L., Joubert, E., Joseph, S., Swanevelder, S., Swart, P., Gelderblom, W.C.A. 2005.
Inhibition of tumour promotion in mouse skin by extracts of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and
honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia), unique South African herbal teas. Cancer Letters 224, 193–202.
Nakano, M., Nakashima, H. & Itoh, Y. 2011. Anti-human immunodeficiency virus activity of
oligosaccharides from rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) extracts in vitro. Leukemia, April 11 suppl
3:128-30.
Pantsi, W.G., Marnewick, J.L., Esterhuyse, A.J., Rautenbach, F. & van Rooyen, J. 2011. Rooibos
(Aspalathus linearus) offers cardiac protection against ischaemia/reperfusion in the isolated perfused
rat heart. Phytomedicine, 18(14):1220-8.

Researched and Authored by Prof Michael C Herbst
[D Litt et Phil (Health Studies); D N Ed; M Art et Scien; B A Cur; Dip Occupational Health]
Approved for Distribution by Ms Elize Joubert, Acting CEO
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Persson, I.A., Persson, K., Hägg, S., Andersson, R.G.G. 2010. Effects of green tea, black tea and
Rooibos tea on angiotensin-converting enzyme and nitric oxide in healthy volunteers. Public Health
Nutrition 3(5), 730–737.
Rooibos Tea
Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Rooibos Tea 2
https://www.google.co.za/search?q=rooibos+tea&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=FWoUU4GpMYe
mhAfup4Fw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1120&bih=661&dpr=0.9#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=7Lv5FgE
A3hbLuM%253A%3BiNW_G4DYDBK6BM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fnancycurteman.files.wordpre
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%252Fsouth-african-foods-in-murder-casts-a-spell%252F%3B349%3B247
Rooibos Tea Bags
https://www.google.co.za/search?q=rooibos+tea&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=cVa2U6HlFqjj4Q
SQ_IGgAg&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1517&bih=714&dpr=0.9#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=hm
osBy9vb_fr9M%253A%3B49JHoweddBDW_M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.liffiton.com%252Fs
outhafrica%252Fimages%252Frooibos.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.liffiton.com%252Fsouth
africa%252Ffood.php3%3B250%3B179
Rooibos Tea Plant
https://www.google.co.za/search?q=green+rooibos+tea&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=VRYDU8
X9Fcry7Ab1zYCgBw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1517&bih=714&dpr=0.9#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=
8rkUghygqbFSKM%253A%3BebEn1Jr4i_FObM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.driefonteinrooibos
.co.za%252Fdriefontein-fairtrade-
rooibos%252Fimages%252Frooibosplant.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.driefonteinrooibos.co
.za%252Frooibos.php%3B250%3B444
Rooibos Tea Plantation
https://www.google.co.za/search?q=green+rooibos+tea&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=VRYDU8
X9Fcry7Ab1zYCgBw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1517&bih=714&dpr=0.9#facrc=_&imgdii=nvNz-
x8Ak91g1M%3A%3BQ5tH7ijbUw1-oM%3BnvNz-x8Ak91g1M%3A&imgrc=nvNz-
x8Ak91g1M%253A%3BG5gGJbyokd8xyM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.globalfusiontrading.co
m%252Flibrary%252Fcollage.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.globalfusiontrading.com%252Fro
oibostea.htm%3B540%3B259
Sanderson, M., Mazibuko, S.E., Joubert, E., de Beer, D., Johnson, R., Pheiffer, C., Louw, J. &
Muller, C.J. 2014. Effects of fermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on adipocyte differentiation.
Phytomedicine, Jan, 21(2):109-17.
SA Rooibos Council
http://www.health24.com/Diet-and-nutrition/Beverages/Is-green-rooibos-better-than-red-20130210
Stellenbosch University
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsbmb.2011.11.003).
Teafrog.wordpress.com
http://teafrog.wordpress.com/2008/03/21/rooibos-tea-different-types/
Uličná, O., Vančová, O., Božek, P., Čársky, J., Šebeková, K., Boor, P., Nakano, M., Greksák, M.
2006. Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) partially prevents oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced
diabetic rats. Physiology Research 55, 157–164.
Van der Merwe, J.D., Joubert, E., Richards, E.S., Manley, M., Snijman, P.W., Marnewick, J.L.,
Gelderblom, W.C.A. 2006. A comparative study on the antimutagenic properties of aqueous extracts

Researched and Authored by Prof Michael C Herbst
[D Litt et Phil (Health Studies); D N Ed; M Art et Scien; B A Cur; Dip Occupational Health]
Approved for Distribution by Ms Elize Joubert, Acting CEO
July 2014 Page 9
of Aspalathus linearis (rooibos), different Cyclopia spp. (honeybush) and Camellia sinensis teas.
Mutation Research 611, 42–53.
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooibos