Article
Plant Sciences
Sushil K. Chaudhary, Maxleene Sandasi, Felix Makolo, Fanie R. van Heerden, Alvaro M. Viljoen
Summary: Aspalathin, a natural compound found in South African rooibos, possesses various pharmacological properties and is widely used in nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Research has shown its potential in antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities.
PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
L. Pretorius, A. D. Van Staden, T. A. Kellermann, N. Henning, C. Smith
Summary: Rooibos tea may have potential as a prebiotic to regulate gut microbial composition and functionality, with its effects being dependent on the processing method. Additionally, rooibos may be able to prevent estradiol-associated alterations in trace amine profiles, which could be significant for female-predominant gastrointestinal disorders.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
L. Pretorius, A. D. Van Staden, T. A. Kellermann, N. Henning, C. Smith
Summary: Rooibos tea may have a prebiotic effect in the gut to improve gut health by modulating gut microbiota. Different rooibos processing methods can alter its potential health-modulating effects.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Akeem O. Akinfenwa, Naeem S. Abdul, Fathima T. Docrat, Jeanine L. Marnewick, Robbie C. Luckay, Ahmed A. Hussein
Summary: This study reported the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using Aspalathin and green rooibos extract for the first time. The results showed that both Aspalathin and green rooibos could act as reducing and stabilising agents in the formation of nanoparticles, with Aspalathin being less stable in biogenic media.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
L. M. Kotze-Horstmann, D. T. Bedada, R. Johnson, L. Mabasa, H. Sadie-Van Gijsen
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of a green Rooibos extract on improving metabolic dysregulation caused by obesity. The extract had an impact on the associations at the systemic, adipose tissue, and cellular levels.
Article
Plant Sciences
Sybrand Engelbrecht Smit, Claudine Manirafasha, Erna Marais, Rabia Johnson, Barbara Huisamen
Summary: The study found that Afriplex green rooibos extract has a protective effect against ischemia/reperfusion injury in cardiovascular disease-compromised rats, reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and heart rate.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Rawan Nehme, Arthur Chervet, Caroline Decombat, Lucie Longechamp, Adrien Rossary, Rebecca Boutin, Amandine Rousset, Francois Senejoux, Caroline Vachias, Celine Auxenfans, Didier Fraisse, Jean-Baptiste Guyon, Edith Filaire, Jean-Yves Berthon, Mona Diab-Assaf, Laetitia Delort, Florence Caldefie-Chezet
Summary: Polyphenols and flavonoids in Rooibos tea can reduce obesity and inflammation by reducing ROS production and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, inhibiting macrophage polarization, and decreasing lipid accumulation and adipogenesis.
Article
Plant Sciences
Sylvester I. Omoruyi, Akeem O. Akinfenwa, Okobi E. Ekpo, Ahmed A. Hussein
Summary: This study investigates the potential neuroprotective effects of the total extract of Aspalathus linearis (rooibos RB), and its bioactive compounds, aspalathin (ASP) and linearthin (LIN), in an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease. The results show that pre-treatment with rooibos or its bioactive compounds can attenuate the deleterious effects of Parkinson's disease by increasing cell viability, reducing ROS accumulation, increasing ATP levels, and inhibiting apoptosis. These findings suggest that rooibos and its bioactive compounds may serve as potential nutraceuticals to enhance neuron function and slow the progression of neurodegeneration.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lesha Pretorius, Carine Smith
Summary: This study investigates the effects of rooibos on gastrointestinal health, and the results suggest that rooibos extracts can improve intestinal integrity and functionality, potentially promoting gastrointestinal health.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Akeem O. Akinfenwa, Naeem S. Abdul, Jeanine L. Marnewick, Ahmed A. Hussein
Summary: Skin cells suffer damage from chronic exposure to ultraviolet light, leading to the formulation of cosmeceutical products rich in natural antioxidants. The South African plant Aspalathus linearis has potent bioactives that can protect cells from UV-induced stress, showing potential as antioxidant cosmeceutical ingredients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Victor Lopez, Guillermo Casedas, Kelly Petersen-Ross, Yigael Powrie, Carine Smith
Summary: Green rooibos extract demonstrates significant cytoprotective and antioxidant properties in neuronal cells, with inhibitory effects on key enzymes of the CNS. It also exhibits anxiolytic potential in zebrafish larvae, suggesting its potential as a functional brain food and starting ingredient for new nutraceuticals.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alexander V. Sirotkin
Summary: Despite limited in vitro studies indicating potential effects of rooibos on basic ovarian cell functions and its applicability in preventing environmental contaminants on ovarian functions, further research is needed to better understand its mechanisms of action and application in reproductive biology and medicine.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANIMAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Roeline van Schalkwyk, J. Eduard Hoffman, Ailsa G. Hardie, Johan L. van Zyl
Summary: This study investigates the soil water dynamics in a young rooibos plantation in South Africa and finds that the rooibos plants can survive and grow in low-rainfall regions through an adapted root system and a condensation-evaporation cycle that enables them to harvest small amounts of water. The study also suggests that unfertilised plants on deeper soils result in higher rooibos production under drought conditions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Omer Fantoukh, Yan-Hong Wang, Abidah Parveen, Mohammed E. Hawwal, Zulfigar Ali, Gadah A. Al-Hamoud, Amar G. Chittiboyina, Elizabeth Joubert, Alvaro Viljoen, Ikhlas A. Khan
Summary: Rooibos tea, traditionally consumed by indigenous South Africans, has antioxidant properties and various health benefits. A new method using liquid chromatography was developed to analyze the phenolic constituents in rooibos tea, providing a cost-effective way for quality control.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oluwaseun Mary Areo, Patrick Berka Njobeh
Summary: A study analyzed 80 rooibos tea samples from a variety of brands in South Africa for heavy metals, finding that chromium levels exceeded the WHO limit but posed no threat to human health. There were no significant differences in heavy metal concentrations between winter and summer seasons, but continuous intake may lead to accumulation in body tissues over time.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christo J. F. Muller, Elizabeth Joubert, Nireshni Chellan, Yutaka Miura, Kazumi Yagasaki
Summary: In the pursuit of bioactive phytochemicals for managing metabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D), aspalathin, a C-glucosyl dihydrochalcone found in rooibos, has gained great attention. This review provides an overview of dietary sources, compound stability, bioavailability, and microbial biotransformation of aspalathin and its derivatives. It also discusses the role of these compounds in improving insulin resistance, gut dysbiosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hyperuricemia associated with T2D. Additionally, emerging targets for T2D management, such as enhancing insulin receptor signaling and reducing renal glucose reabsorption, are highlighted.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Keabetswe Masike, Andre de Villiers, Dalene de Beer, Elizabeth Joubert, Maria A. Stander
Summary: In this study, a rapid methodology for the differentiation of rooibos and honeybush blends was proposed using direct injection-ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (DI-IMS-MS). The results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed differences between samples and revealed the diagnostic value of marker compounds. The study also characterized phenolic compounds in the herbal teas based on an array of complementary descriptors to strengthen compound identification.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Nonhlakanipho F. Sangweni, Derick van Vuuren, Lawrence Mabasa, Kwazi Gabuza, Barbara Huisamen, Sharnay Naidoo, Reenen Barry, Rabia Johnson
Summary: Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity is a serious health burden, especially in developing countries. The high cost and questionable efficacy of current preventative strategies have led to the need for alternative medicines, such as flavonoids. Our studies suggest that flavonoids from Galenia africana could be suitable candidates for preventing cardiotoxicity, but further research is required.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Virology
Nomfundo Mahlangeni, Renee Street, Suranie Horn, Angela Mathee, Noluxabiso Mangwana, Stephanie Dias, Jyoti Rajan Sharma, Pritika Ramharack, Johan Louw, Tarylee Reddy, Swastika Surujlal-Naicker, Sizwe Nkambule, Candice Webster, Mongezi Mdhluli, Glenda Gray, Christo Muller, Rabia Johnson
Summary: Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 has shown to be a valuable method for early detection of outbreaks. In this study, changes in SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in wastewater during Easter holidays in Cape Town were monitored. The results revealed significant differences in viral load between the study weeks, with higher viral loads in 2022 compared to 2021. The study highlights the potential of wastewater-based epidemiology in tracking outbreaks during holiday periods.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Babalwa Unice Jack, Pritika Ramharack, Christiaan Malherbe, Kwazi Gabuza, Elizabeth Joubert, Carmen Pheiffer
Summary: Previous studies have shown that crude polyphenol-enriched fraction of Cyclopia intermedia (CPEF), commonly known as honeybush, can reduce lipid content in adipocytes and inhibit body weight gain in obese mice. This study further explored the mechanisms behind these effects and found that CPEF induces the expression of UCP1 and PPAR alpha in brown adipose tissue, promoting thermogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. The compounds hesperidin and neoponcirin in CPEF were found to have specific interactions with UCP1 and PPAR alpha, respectively, suggesting their potential role in the anti-obesity effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Chantelle Human, Dalene de Beer, Andreas Tredoux, Andre de Villiers, Elizabeth Joubert
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role of citric and ascorbic acids on the shelf-life stability of an herbal tea-based beverage. The results showed that these acids can affect the shelf-life stability, but they can also accelerate compositional changes and shorten the shelf-life of polyphenol-rich herbal tea beverages.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Dalene de Beer, Chantelle Human, Marieta Van der Rijst, Elizabeth Joubert
Summary: The poor stability of aspalathin in aqueous solutions poses a challenge to the development of a shelf-stable ready-to-drink green rooibos iced tea. By modeling the degradation kinetics of aspalathin and the formation of eriodictyol glucoside isomers in aqueous buffers, the study aims to predict and understand aspalathin losses during heat processing.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nonhlakanipho F. Sangweni, Kwazi Gabuza, Ruzayda van Aarde, Lawrence Mabasa, Derick van Vuuren, Barbara Huisamen, Reenen Barry, Rabia Johnson
Summary: In this study, the protective effects of 7-hydroxyflavanone (7H), a flavonoid with antioxidative properties, against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) were investigated in an in vitro model. The results showed that 7H co-treatment alleviated oxidative stress, improved mitochondrial function, and attenuated apoptosis and necrosis. These findings suggest that 7H could be a potential cardioprotective agent against DIC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
G. S. Mabizela, M. van der Rijst, M. M. Slabbert, P. Mathabe, M. Muller, D. de Beer, M. Stander, J. Colling, B. Walczak, E. Joubert, C. Bester
Summary: This study investigated the effect of short-term drought stress on the leaf and quality of Honeybush tea. The results showed that drought stress significantly altered the chemical composition of the leaves, but had no effect on the sensory quality of the herbal tea.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Chantelle Human, Marique Aucamp, Dalene de Beer, Marieta van Der Rijst, Elizabeth Joubert
Summary: This study aimed to develop nano-phytosome vesicles prepared from inexpensive food-grade ingredients to improve the stability of polyphenolic compounds. The size and loading capacity of the phytosomes could be tailored by adjusting the processing conditions. The study confirmed that the phytosomal formulation effectively protected the compounds against degradation.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clare Njoki Kimani, Helmuth Reuter, Sanet Henriet Kotze, Christo John Fredrick Muller
Summary: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by dysfunction, death, and loss of pancreatic beta cells despite treatment, thus there is a need for beta cell-centered therapies. This review investigates the regenerative potential of plant extracts and phytochemicals on beta cells. Several preclinical studies are highlighted, discussing the regenerative mechanisms and the potential translation into therapies for T2D patients.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Vinayak Nayak, Sushmita Patra, Shrushti Rout, Atala Bihari Jena, Rohit Sharma, Kali Prasad Pattanaik, Jay Singh, Shyam S. Pandey, Ravindra Pratap Singh, Sanatan Majhi, Kshitij R. B. Singh, Rout George Kerry
Summary: This study introduces a customized engineering and designing approach for novel nanotherapeutics, which involves the use of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with specific phytocompounds and coated with an antibody targeting the transferrin receptor. This approach aims to effectively tackle AD-related neuroinflammation by crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier and interacting with target molecules within the brain.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhi Shang, Yating Gao, Yan Xue, Congcong Zhang, Jiahao Qiu, Yihan Qian, Miao Fang, Xin Zhang, Xuehua Sun, Xiaoni Kong, Yueqiu Gao
Summary: This study investigated the mechanism of Shenge Formula (SGF) in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using proteomics strategy. The results revealed that SGF could regulate the lipid metabolism and energy consumption process of hepatocytes to treat NAFLD.
Article
Plant Sciences
Long You, Ting Shen, Weicheng Hu, Jae Youl Cho
Summary: By activating growth factor receptors such as EGFR and HER2, protopanaxatriol (PPT) can regulate skin moisturizing factors and multiple signaling pathways, thereby protecting and moisturizing the skin.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lingmei Li, Lei Li, Ce Cao, Fan Guo, Aoao Wang, Li Lin, Zixin Liu, Hongxu Meng, Peng Zhang, Gaojie Xin, Jianxun Liu, Junguo Ren, Jianhua Fu
Summary: The study found that Shuangshen Ningxin Capsule (SSNX) has a protective effect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. It works by correcting abnormal myocardial energy metabolism, changing the levels and distribution patterns of phospholipids, and stabilizing the structure of the myocardial cell membrane. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) can be used to detect the spatial distribution of small molecule metabolites in the myocardium.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nidhi Sharma, Ramakrishna Sistla, Sai Balaji Andugulapati
Summary: The study investigates the anti-fibrotic activity of Yohimbine hydrochloride (YHC) in chronic liver injury. The results show that YHC can reduce inflammation and fibrosis, potentially making it a potential lead compound for liver fibrosis treatment.
Article
Plant Sciences
Tao-tao Wang, Cheng-yong Yang, Li Peng, Li Li, Nan-ting Chen, Xue Feng, Jing Xie, Ting-chun Wu, Tao Xu, Yun-zhi Chen
Summary: QSYQ has been found to have an anti-atherosclerotic effect by targeting TTC39B-LXR mediated reverse cholesterol transport in the liver. QSYQ not only promotes reverse cholesterol transport, but also improves fatty liver and protects liver function.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhuo Liu, Yuli Geng, Yanjing Huang, Runan Hu, Fan Li, Jiahui Ding, Wenwen Ma, Haoxu Dong, Kunkun Song, Xiaohu Xu, Xiao Wu, Yufan Song, Mingmin Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of the Bushen Antai recipe (BAR) in abortion-prone mice and explored its potential mechanisms related to myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). The results showed that BAR improved embryo absorption rate and increased the number of MDSCs, promoting normal pregnancy processes.
Article
Plant Sciences
Xue-Ping Yang, Jia-Hua Huang, Fan-Long Ye, Qing-Yun Yv, Sheng Chen, Wen-Wei Li, Min Zhu
Summary: This study found that ECH exerts neuroprotective effects on Parkinson's disease (PD) by regulating the expression of the TLR2/NF-kappa B/NLRP3 axis and reducing the expression of alpha-syn.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lihui Qian, Sirui Huang, Xiaoli Liu, Yongxia Jiang, Yongqu Jiang, Yue Hu, Zhou Yang
Summary: This study highlights the potential use of morroniside in treating post-stroke depression (PSD) by activating the MiR-409-3p-mediated BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jiahui Wu, Hoi Lam Zhang, Suisui Guo, Xin Li, Tingxia Dong, Yue Zhu, Karl Wah Keung Tsim
Summary: This study revealed the significant MDR-preventing effects of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (ATR) in fluoxetine-induced Escherichia coli (E. coli). ATR reduced the accumulation of fluoxetine in bacteria and reversed the fluoxetine-induced membrane damage and superoxide response. The polysaccharide fraction of ATR exhibited the most significant anti-MDR activity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Chao-Sheng Lu, Chen-Yu Wu, Yi-Hong Wang, Qing-Qing Hu, Rong-Yue Sun, Min-Jie Pan, Xin-Yu Lu, Ting Zhu, Shuang Luo, Hong-Jing Yang, Dan Wang, Hong-Wei Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of icariin in alleviating testicular dysfunction induced by T1D, with the involvement of AMPK-mediated Nrf2 activation and NF-kappa B p65 inhibition.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hongkang Zhu, Fanglin Shen, Xiaochen Wang, He Qian, Yu Liu
Summary: This study explores the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of chlorogenic acid (CGA) in alleviating sleep deprivation-induced cognitive deficits and neuroinflammation. By interacting with the gut microbiota, CGA improves intestinal barrier, regulates immune function, and enhances hippocampal-dependent spatial memory via Nrf2/PPAR signaling pathways. This research provides important insights into the clinical application of CGA in sleep-related disorders.
Article
Plant Sciences
Meng Liu, Pengli Guo, Mengnan Zeng, Yuhan Zhang, Jufang Jia, Yanling Liu, Xu Chen, Haixue Kuang, Weisheng Feng, Xiaoke Zheng
Summary: This study found that Fre D and Reh C improved S-AKI through the ER-TLR4-IL-1β pathway, and ERα and ERβ may have direct or indirect interactions with TLR4.
Review
Plant Sciences
Puja Ghosh, Niloy Patari, Chennu Manisha, Duraiswamy Basavan, Velammal Petchiappan, Antony Justin
Summary: This article reviews the possible mechanisms of alternative treatment using lectins for cancer, particularly MDRC cancer. Lectins have the ability to reverse drug resistance mechanisms and show synergistic effects when combined with complementary medicine. They can also serve as nano drug carriers for targeted delivery.
Article
Plant Sciences
Tian Lan, Xiao-juan Geng, Si-jia Zhang, Xi-xi Zeng, Jun-jie Ying, Yi Xu, Shi-yu Liu, Ping Li, Yu-hua Tong, Wen Wang, Zhu-jun Mao, Si-wei Wang
Summary: This study investigates the impact of SNS on MAFLD in mice and explores its underlying molecular mechanisms. The results show that SNS effectively reduces lipid accumulation and improves MAFLD through the activation of AMPK and the modulation of lipid metabolism-related proteins.