South African herbal teas : Aspalathus linearis, Cyclopia spp. and Athrixia phylicoides - a review
Date
2008-10
Authors
Joubert, E.
Gelderblom, W. C. A.
Louw, Ann
De Beer, D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis (Brum.f) Dahlg.) and honeybush (Cyclopia Vent. species) are popular indigenous
South African herbal teas enjoyed for their taste and aroma. Traditional medicinal uses of rooibos in
South Africa include alleviation of infantile colic, allergies, asthma and dermatological problems, while a
decoction of honeybushwas used as a restorative and as an expectorant in chronic catarrh and pulmonary
tuberculosis. Traditional medicinal uses of Athrixia phylicoides DC., or bush tea, another indigenous South
African plant with very limited localised use as herbal tea, include treatment of boils, acne, infected
wounds and infected throats. Currently rooibos and honeybush are produced for the herbal tea market,
while bush tea has potential for commercialisation. A summary of the historical and modern uses,
botany, distribution, industry and chemical composition of these herbal teas is presented. A comprehensive
discussion of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo biological properties, required to expand their applications as
nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products, is included, with the mainemphasis on rooibos. Future research
needs include more comprehensive chemical characterisation of extracts, identification of marker compounds
for extract standardisation and quality control, bioavailability and identification of bio-markers of
dietary exposure, investigation of possible herb–drug interactions and plant improvement with regards
to composition and bioactivity.
Description
The original publication is available at www.sciencedirect.com
Keywords
Herbs -- Therapeutic use, Rooibos tea -- Therapeutic use, Honeybush tea -- Therapeutic use, Medicinal plants, Traditional medicine
Citation
Joubert, E., Gelderblom, W. C. A., Louw, A. & De Beer, D. 2008. South African herbal teas : Aspalathus linearis, Cyclopia spp. and Athrixia phylicoides-a review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 119(3), 376-412, doi:10.1016/j.jep.2008.06.014.