Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 148-159 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 154 nutraceutical development (López et al., 2021). The tea's ability to inhibit key enzymes of the central nervous system, such as monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), further supports its potential in promoting mental health (López et al., 2021). Additionally, unfermented rooibos has been found to offer chemoprotective properties against cancer promotion in rat liver models, suggesting its role in cancer prevention (Marnewick et al., 2009). Figure 3 Photos of a rooibos plantation (a) and the two forms of processed plant material (b) (Adopted from Dludla et al., 2017) 6.3 Economic impact on south african economy Rooibos tea, both fermented and unfermented, plays a significant role in the South African economy. The global demand for rooibos has been steadily increasing, driven by its recognized health benefits and unique flavor profile. Rooibos is indigenous to the Western Cape province of South Africa, and its cultivation and processing provide employment opportunities and contribute to the local economy (Moosa et al., 2018). The export of rooibos tea has positioned South Africa as a key player in the global herbal tea market, with economic benefits extending to various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The growing popularity of rooibos tea worldwide underscores its economic importance and potential for further market expansion (McKay and Blumberg, 2007; Fantoukh et al., 2019). The sustainable cultivation practices and the unique geographical indication status of rooibos also enhance its market value and contribute to the economic stability of the region (McKay and Blumberg, 2007). 7 Applications and Future Directions 7.1 Health applications of rooibos tea Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits, primarily attributed to its rich polyphenolic content. Studies have demonstrated that rooibos tea exhibits potent antioxidant properties, which can mitigate oxidative stress and related health issues. For instance, research has shown that rooibos tea can partially prevent oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant in managing diabetic complications (Uličná et al., 2006). Additionally, rooibos tea has been found to increase plasma total antioxidant capacity in healthy humans, indicating its role in enhancing the body's defense against oxidative damage (Villaño et al., 2010). The bioavailability of rooibos flavonoids in humans further supports its health benefits, as metabolites of key flavonoids like aspalathin and nothofagin have been detected in plasma and urine following consumption (Breiter et al., 2011). Moreover, rooibos tea has shown chemoprotective properties against cancer promotion in rat liver, highlighting its potential in cancer prevention (Marnewick et al., 2009).
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