Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Rooibos is a pleasant-tasting beverage that has been used traditionally to sooth digestion
and relieve stomach cramps, colic, and diarrhea. Rooibos tea has also been used to relieve
allergies and eczema, and to slow aging.
Active constituents
Rooibos is completely caffeine free and, unlike black tea (Camellia sinensis), does not
contain tannins that may interfere with iron absorption. Rooibos is rich in flavonoids,
polyphenols, and phenolic acids (including aspalathin, (+)-catechin, isoquercitrin, luteolin,
quercetin, rutin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and vanillic acid). The polyphenol aspalathin is
unique to rooibos. The plant also contains oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and a variety of
minerals, though at levels that are of questionable clinical relevance.1
Preliminary studies show that rooibos has antimutagenic and antioxidant
properties.2345 It has also shown some ability
to prevent radiation damage in animals.678 This research
somewhat supports rooibos’s traditional use to slow the aging process, and its modern
use as a cancer preventative. Laboratory and animal studies indicate that it affects antibody
production and has anti-HIV activity.91011 These studies
raise the possibility that the herb could be useful in aiding deficient immune responses in
allergies, AIDS, and infections. No clinical trials have yet been published on this herb,
however, so its efficacy is still unknown.
How much is usually taken?
A tea can be made by steeping 1 to 4 teaspoons (5 to 20 grams) of rooibos in 1 cup (240 ml)
of water for up to ten minutes. Three cups of this tea per day may be drunk, with or without
food.12
Are there any side effects or interactions?
As rooibos has not been studied scientifically in humans, there is no information available
about its safety in pregnancy or lactation or in people with kidney or liver failure. However,
it is generally considered a very safe herb, and there are no known side effects,
contraindications, or drug interactions.13
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with Rooibos.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Duke JA, Bogenschutz-Godwin MJ, duCellier J, et al. Handbook of
Medicinal Herbs, 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2002.
2. Standley L, Winterton P, Marnewick JL, et al. Influence of processing
stages on antimutagenic and antioxidant potentials of rooibos tea. J Agric Food Chem
2001;49:114–7.
3. Van Gadow A, Joubert E, Hansmann CF. Comparison of the antioxidant
activity of rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) with green, oolong and black tea. Food
Chem 1997;60:73–7.
4. Inanami O, Asanuma T, Inukai N, et al. The suppression of age-related
accumulation of lipid peroxides in rat brain by the administration of Rooibos tea (Aspalathus
linearis). Neurosci Lett 1995;196:85–8
5. Sasaki YF, Yamada H, Shimoi K, et al. The clastogen-suppressing
effects of green tea, Po-Lei tea and Rooibos tea in CHO cells and mice. Mutat Res
1993;286:221–32.
6. Shimoi K, Hokabe Y, Sasaki YF, et al. Inhibitory effect of rooibos tea
(Aspalathus linearis) on the induction of chromosome aberrations in vivo and in vivo. ACS
Symp Ser 1994;547:105–13.
7. Shimoi K, Masuda S, Shen B, et al. Radioprotective effects of
antioxidative plant flavonoids in mice. Mutat Res 1996;350:153–61.
8. Komatsu K, Kator K, Mitsuda Y, et al. Inhibitory effects of Rooibos
tea, Aspalathus linealis, on X-ray-induced C3H10T1/2 cell transformation. Cancer Lett
1994;77:33–8.
9. Kunishiro K, Tai A, Yamamoto I. Effects of rooibos tea extract on
antigen-specific antibody production and cytokine generation in vitro and in vivo. Biosci
Biotechnol Biochem 2001;65:2137–45.
10. Nakano M, Itoh Y, Mizuno T, Nakashima H. Polysaccharide from
Aspalathus linearis with strong anti-HIV activity. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem
1997;61:267–71.
11. Nakano M, Nakashima H, Itoh Y. Anti-human immunodeficiency virus
activity of oligosaccharides from rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) extracts in vitro.
Leukemia 1997;11(Suppl. 3):128–30.
12. Pierce A. The APhA Practical Guide to Natural Medicines, NY:
Stonesong Press Book, William Morrow & Co., Inc., 1999.
13. Duke JA, Bogenschutz-Godwin MJ, duCellier J. Handbook of
Medicinal Herbs, 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2002.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes
only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2009.
Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
