Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 148-159 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 148 Feature Review Open Access Rooibos Tea: A Systematic Review of Its Antioxidant Properties, Health Implications, and Economic Impact in the Global Market AnnieNyu The HITAR Institute Canada, British Columbia, Canada Corresponding email: annienyu@hitar.org Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0014 Received: 02 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 10 May, 2024 Published: 25 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Nyu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Nyu A., 2024, Rooibos tea: a systematic review of its antioxidant properties, health implications, and economic impact in the global market, Journal of Tea Science Research, 14(3): 148-159 (doi: 10.5376/jtsr.2024.14.0014) Abstract South African rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis), commonly known as rooibos tea, is a unique tea beverage native to South Africa. Its remarkable antioxidant properties and various health benefits have garnered widespread attention and consumption globally. This study explores the antioxidant properties, health impacts, and economic influence of rooibos tea in the global market. It primarily summarizes the major phytochemicals of rooibos tea and their antioxidant mechanisms, compares it with other antioxidant-rich teas, and analyzes the potential benefits of rooibos tea on cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, as well as metabolic health and diabetes management. The study also explores the production and export situation, market demand, and consumption trends of rooibos tea in the global market, along with its economic benefits for producing regions. Furthermore, the study delves into the genetic and environmental factors affecting rooibos tea quality, through case studies on the antioxidant properties of fermented rooibos tea, the health benefits of unfermented rooibos tea, and the economic impact on South Africa. It also proposes potential health applications, industrial uses, and future research directions for rooibos tea. This study provides a systematic review of the various characteristics of rooibos tea, offering scientific evidence and references to support the sustainable development of the rooibos tea industry. Keywords Rooibos tea; Antioxidant properties; Health impact; Global market; Economic benefits 1 Introduction Rooibos tea, derived from the South African plant Aspalathus linearis, is a popular herbal beverage known for its distinctive red color and rich flavor. With a history dating back hundreds of years, it has deep cultural roots in South Africa. As trade and global cultural exchange progressed, rooibos tea spread worldwide, becoming a beloved beverage among consumers. In South Africa, rooibos tea is not only a daily drink but also carries significant social and cultural meanings, making it an integral part of South African life. Rooibos tea is widely popular globally and is highly praised for its various health benefits.The primary bioactive compound in rooibos tea is aspalathin, a rare dietary dihydrochalcone, which has been extensively studied for its potent antioxidant properties (Johnson et al., 2018; Chaudhary et al., 2021). In addition to aspalathin, rooibos tea contains a variety of other phenolic compounds that contribute to its health-promoting effects, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective activities (McKay and Blumberg, 2007; Smith and Swart, 2018; Fantoukh et al., 2019). Rooibos tea has a deep-rooted history in South African culture, particularly among the indigenous Khoisan people who have used it for its medicinal properties for centuries. The plant is endemic to the Cederberg region of the Western Cape, where it thrives in the unique climate and soil conditions. Traditionally, rooibos was harvested, fermented, and dried to produce the tea, which was then used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and skin problems (McKay and Blumberg, 2007; Marnewick et al., 2009). Over time, the popularity of rooibos tea has grown beyond South Africa, and it is now enjoyed worldwide as a caffeine-free alternative to traditional teas (Marnewick et al., 2005).
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