Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) : from bush teas to potential therapy for cardiovascular disease

Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IntechOpen
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of worldwide deaths. A number of risk factors for cardiovascular disease as well as type 2 diabetes and stroke present as the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic risk factors include hypertension, abdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia and increased blood glucose levels and may also include risk factors such as vascular dysfunction, insulin resistance, low high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and inflammation. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) are indigenous South African plants whose reported health benefits include anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antioxidant, cardioprotective and anti-diabetic properties. The last two decades have seen worldwide interest and success for these plants, not only as health beverages but also as preservatives, flavourants and skincare products. This review will focus on the current literature supporting the function of these plants as nutraceuticals capable of potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Description
CITATION: Windvogel, S. 2019. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) : from bush teas to potential therapy for cardiovascular disease. In: Hueda, C. H. (eds.) Nutraceuticals - past, present and future. IntechOpen, doi:10.5772/intechopen.86410.
The original publication is available at https://www.intechopen.com
Publication of this chapter was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
Keywords
Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) -- Therapeutic use, Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) -- Therapeutic use, Cardiovascular disease -- Treatment, Rooibos -- Health aspects, Honeybush -- Health aspects
Citation
Windvogel, S. 2019. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) : from bush teas to potential therapy for cardiovascular disease. In: Hueda, C. H. (eds.) Nutraceuticals - past, present and future. IntechOpen, doi:10.5772/intechopen.86410