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
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
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
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
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
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)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lusani Norah Vhangani, Jessy Van Wyk
Summary: The bioactive compounds in green rooibos contribute significantly to its antioxidant activity. The anti-browning activity of aqueous and beta-cyclodextrin-assisted extracts of green rooibos was examined in canned apples, with positive results. The extracts showed a higher inhibition against non-enzymatic browning (NEB) development, particularly at lower storage temperatures, indicating their potential as natural inhibitors.
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
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
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
Yamkela Mgwatyu, Stephanie Cornelissen, Peter van Heusden, Allison Stander, Mary Ranketse, Uljana Hesse
Summary: While plant genome analysis is progressing globally, there is still limited research on plant genomes in Africa. However, the study of African plant genomes holds great potential for medical and industrial applications. Establishing local methods for plant genome analysis in South Africa is crucial due to the region's rich biodiversity. Long-read sequencing has become a standard procedure for plant genome research, but DNA purification protocols need to be adjusted for each plant species to obtain high-quality DNA.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ishaku Leo Elisha, Alvaro Viljoen
Summary: This bibliometric assessment of the publication landscape on rooibos tea over a 25-year period revealed that South African authors dominate the research field, with research themes focusing on antioxidant activity, inflammation mitigation, quality control, and treatment aspects of rooibos tea. The global publication contribution shows a significant annual growth rate and citation impact, with recent research focusing on bioavailability evaluation and nanoparticle formulations to improve the efficacy in treating Type 2 Diabetes.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Gerald J. Maarman, Sandrine Lecour
Summary: This article discusses the potential of rooibos tea as a novel therapeutic agent for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Rooibos tea possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumour, and anti-apoptotic properties, which may reduce lung inflammation and oxidative stress, and inhibit the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and apoptosis of endothelial cells in the pulmonary arteries, thereby protecting against PAH progression.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lusani Norah Vhangani, Leonardo Cristian Favre, Guido Rolandelli, Jessy van Wyk, Maria del Pilar Buera
Summary: This study optimized the beta-cyclodextrin-assisted extraction of crude green rooibos, finding that the optimal conditions were 15 mM beta-CD: 40 degrees C: 60 min, resulting in high polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity. Aspalathin, hyperoside, and orientin were identified as the major active compounds.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Naeem Sheik Abdul, Jeanine L. Marnewick
Summary: Rooibos, a herbal tea consumed for centuries, has potent health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This article explores how Rooibos could potentially support general health during the COVID-19 pandemic by modulating the risk of associated comorbidities.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ninon G. E. R. Etsassala, Jelili A. Badmus, Jeanine L. Marnewick, Samuel Egieyeh, Emmanuel. I. Iwuoha, Felix Nchu, Ahmed A. Hussein
Summary: This study found that compounds in the methanolic extract of Plectranthus ecklonii have moderate inhibitory activity against alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase, as well as strong antioxidant capacities. This provides potential candidate compounds for the development of antidiabetic drugs.
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
Plant Sciences
Eslam A. Hussein, Christopher Thron, Mehrdad Ghaziasgar, Mattia Vaccari, Jeanine L. Marnewick, Ahmed A. Hussein
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AOC) in rooibos herbal tea samples. It found that the choice of solvent for extraction, water or methanol, had an impact on the correlation between TPC and AOC. Methanolic extracts showed better agreement between TPC and AOC compared to water extracts. The study also highlighted the importance of machine learning analysis and solvent selection in evaluating the AOC of rooibos herbal tea.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Shahram Golzar Adabi, Mohammad Amir Karimi Torshizi, Hamid Raei, Jeanine L. Marnewick
Summary: This study found that dietary supplementation of fish oil and rooibos can improve semen quality and reproductive performance in aged broiler breeder roosters, including sperm motility, viability, and fertility rate.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND ANIMAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Baraa M. I. S. Jadalla, Justin J. Moser, Rajan Sharma, Ninon G. E. R. Etsassala, Samuel Ayodele Egieyeh, Jelili A. Badmus, Jeanine L. Marnewick, Denzil Beukes, Christopher N. Cupido, Ahmed A. Hussein
Summary: This study isolated several compounds with anti-diabetic activity from two species of Helichrysum plants and confirmed their anti-diabetic and antioxidant capacities through in vitro evaluation. These compounds have the potential to be candidate compounds for the development of anti-diabetic drugs.
Article
Plant Sciences
Selena O. Adewinogo, Rajan Sharma, Charlene W. J. Africa, Jeanine L. Marnewick, Ahmed A. Hussein
Summary: Helichrysum species are important medicinal plants in South Africa, and their essential oils are found to possess low antibacterial activities and moderate antioxidant capacities.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mkhuseli Koki, Masande Yalo, Masixole Makhaba, Ndikho Nako, Fanie Rautenbach, Jelili A. Badmus, Jeanine Marnewick, Ahmed A. Hussein, Wilfred T. Mabusela
Summary: In this study, the extraction, isolation, and identification of secondary metabolites from three Searsia species were conducted, and their antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities were evaluated. The results indicated the potential medicinal value of these species.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Naeem Sheik Abdul, Jeanine L. Marnewick
Summary: This study investigates the effects of FB1 on mitochondrial toxicity and its implications in cultured human liver cells. The results reveal that FB1 disrupts the stability of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, leading to dysregulated energy metabolism. It also activates p53, a transcription factor that induces the expression of lincRNA-p21, which further stabilizes HIF-1 alpha. These findings provide important insights into the mechanisms of FB1's tumor promoting effects.
Article
Physiology
Hannah Geddie, Megan Cairns, Logan Smith, Minette van Wyk, Leandrie Beselaar, Nina Truter, Fanie Rautenbach, Jeanine L. Marnewick, Danzil E. Joseph, M. Faadiel Essop
Summary: Chronic psychosocial stress is associated with noncommunicable diseases and affects the intracellular redox state. In this study, male Wistar rats were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress and redox status assays were performed on cardiac, hepatic, and brain tissues. The stressed rats showed increased anxiety, decreased corticosterone levels, and elevated epinephrine concentrations. Organ-specific redox profiles were observed, with the stressed rats showing increased myocardial lipid peroxidation and nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity in the heart, decreased nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity and increased superoxide dismutase activity in the liver, and increased superoxide dismutase activity in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. These findings highlight the organ-specific vulnerability to redox perturbations caused by chronic stress and provide potential therapeutic targets.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Donne Minne, Juliet Stromin, Taskeen Docrat, Penelope Engel-Hills, Jeanine L. Marnewick
Summary: Decades of research have shown that certain phytochemicals in tea and other herbal beverages can protect against sporadic dementia in later life. Tea drinking is a widely adopted practice that can be targeted to design low-cost dietary interventions for Alzheimer's Disease. This review focuses on the protective roles of tea-derived polyphenols and other phytochemicals on mood, stress, attention, and sleep, and emphasizes the need for early lifestyle interventions for dementia prevention.
CLINICAL NUTRITION ESPEN
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Donne Minne, Jeanine L. Marnewick, Penelope Engel-Hills
Summary: Chronic stress exposure may be related to the development of Alzheimer's disease, and abnormal accumulation of tau proteins in locus coeruleus neurons may be an early pathological event triggering a cascade of brain changes.
CURRENT ALZHEIMER RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Phiwayinkosi V. Dludla, Ilenia Cirilli, Fabio Marcheggiani, Sonia Silvestri, Patrick Orlando, Ndivhuwo Muvhulawa, Marakiya T. Moetlediwa, Bongani B. Nkambule, Sithandiwe E. Mazibuko-Mbeje, Nokulunga Hlengwa, Sidney Hanser, Duduzile Ndwandwe, Jeanine L. Marnewick, Albertus K. Basson, Luca Tiano
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide. Coffee consumption, due to its antioxidant properties, has been found to reduce biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, thus reducing cardiovascular disease risk. Prolonged and regular use of coffee appears to be more beneficial than short-term intake.
Article
Plant Sciences
Shanika Reddy, Khaled Rashed, Jeanine L. Marnewick, Fanie G. Rautenbach, Trevor Koekemoer, Maryna van de Venter
Summary: This study found that flavonoid-rich Cyclopia intermedia E. Mey (honeybush) has strong antioxidant potential and can function as a hepatoprotectant, suggesting its potential use in the treatment of drug-induced liver injury (DILI).
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Olugbenga K. K. Popoola, Jeanine L. L. Marnewick, Emmanuel I. I. Iwuoha, Ahmed A. A. Hussein
Summary: Fractionation of methanol extract of H. rutilans resulted in the isolation of seven known compounds. These compounds exhibited antioxidant capacities and moderate inhibitory activities against lipid peroxidation and tyrosinase. The results indicate that the methanol extract of H. rutilans could be a valuable source of natural antioxidants and inhibitors against skin depigmentation.
