Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 148-159 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 150 Compared to other teas, rooibos tea has several additional advantages. For example, rooibos tea is caffeine-free and oxalate-free, making it more suitable for specific groups such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals prone to kidney stones. Additionally, rooibos tea has a mild flavor with a unique sweetness, making it more palatable and widely accepted by the general public. In summary, rooibos tea's rich phytochemical composition and robust antioxidant properties make it a valuable beverage for promoting health. Its unique phenolic profile, particularly the presence of aspalathin and nothofagin, sets it apart from other teas and contributes to its potential health benefits. 3 Health Implications of Rooibos Tea 3.1 Cardiovascular health benefits Due to its rich polyphenol content, South African rooibos tea has been extensively studied for its potential benefits to cardiovascular health. The unique flavonoid aspalathin found in rooibos tea has been shown to enhance the expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), thereby protecting cardiomyocytes from damage induced by hyperglycemia (Dludla et al., 2017) (Figure 1). Additionally, rooibos tea has demonstrated cardioprotective effects in diabetic cardiomyopathy by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes (Dludla et al., 2014). The bioactivity of rooibos tea encompasses multiple therapeutic targets, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects, all of which contribute to its potential in preventing cardiovascular diseases (Smith and Swart, 2018). Figure 1 The role of Nrf2 in response to increased ROS within a diabetic heart (Adopted from Dludla et al., 2017) Image caption: Nox and mitochondrial-ETC cause augmented production of O2∙−, which damages the cell through ROS. The cell reacts by activating the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response system. Activated Nrf2 causes it to dissociate from Keap1 and migrate into the nucleus where it binds ARE and cause increased expression of cytoprotective genes and phase II detoxifying enzymes to eliminate ROS. Keys: ARE-antioxidant response element; CAT- catalase; Gpx- glutathione peroxidase; GSH- glutathione; Keap1Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1; Nox- NADPH oxidase; O2∙− superoxide ion; Nrf2- nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2; ROS-reactive oxygen species (Adopted from Dludla et al., 2017) Dludla et al. (2017) found that polyphenols in rooibos tea, such as aspalathin, can activate the Nrf2 pathway, increase the expression of antioxidant enzymes, and alleviate oxidative stress on the cardiovascular system. Figure 1 explains the role of Nrf2 in responding to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a diabetic heart. This illustrates the potential mechanism of rooibos tea in improving cardiovascular health. By reducing ROS production and promoting its clearance, rooibos tea can effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases associated with diabetes.
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