Pharmacological activity of Aspalathus linearis extracts: pre-clinical research in view of prospective neuroprotection.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Rooibos tea, a very popular everyday beverage made of Aspalathus linearis plant material and containing multiple polyphenolic compounds, reveals an expectation to positively affect various processes observed in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases as in the case of consumption of other polyphenol-abundant food products. METHODS: This review is based on available data from pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies and presents a broad report on the pharmacological activity of the A. linearis extracts relevant for neurodegenerative diseases. RESULTS: Flavonoids present in herbal infusions are absorbed from gastro-intestinal tract and may affect the central nervous system. The experimental investigations yield the results indicating to supporting role of A. linearis in the prevention of neurodegeneration, primarily owing to anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic effects as well as favourable impact on neurotransmission with following cognitive and behavioural after-math. DISCUSSION: The multiple pharmacological activities and safety of Aspalathus linearis extracts are commented in the manuscript. The continuous rooibos tea consumption seems to be safe (despite anecdotal liver irritation); however, there is a risk of herbal-drug interactions.