Rooibos Tea: A South African brew with global research impact

One of the world’s top researchers into Rooibos tea, from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, has given insight into the international academic collaborations and 50 years of research into the indigenous brew.

According to Professor Jeanine Marnewick’s impressive profile, for the past 20 years she has focused her research on scientifically substantiating the bio-activities of two proudly South African herbal teas, Rooibos and honeybush. This is in a bid to understand how these can positively impact the prevention of non-communicable diseases, with a focus on cancer and heart disease.

Marnewick, the Institute Director and Research Chair for Biotechnology at CPUT, was joined by fellow CPUT Rooibos researchers and industry experts this week, where they unpacked the health benefits for heart health, brain function, gut biome, and sports performance.

According to CPUT’s spokesperson, Lauren Kansley, Rooibos is now a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product and is the first African food to receive this recognition.

“Research into its vast variety of health benefits is being conducted by academics across the globe, but Marnewick says that while collaboration is important, it is critical that Rooibos knowledge be nurtured by South Africa for South Africans,” Kansley explained.

The Professor explained how experts around the globe were collaborating in the academic research and how vital it was for the outcome.

“In terms of heart health, we are very privileged to work with Professor Karl-Heinz Wagner from the University of Vienna. He is assisting us on certain aspects of heart health and with Rooibos and Alzheimer’s studies. There are certain aspects they can look at where we do not have the facilities. So that is why I think, to enhance our own research, collaboration is very important.”

“Rooibos has lagged behind black and green tea in terms of academic research. Today, countries like the USA, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Japan are researching the agricultural and health benefits. CPUT researchers are now pioneering studies into Rooibos links to the prevention of Alzheimer's, cardiovascular health, and anti-inflammatory effects on the gut.

“The aim was to look at the effect, because petrol attendants are exposed to these toxic fumes, and chemicals, as part of their job,  we were looking at whether rooibos could help or protect them against their exposure.”

In closing she said Rooibos follows the trend that coffee follows .It is a very versatile product because of the caffeine free aspect.

Cape Argus