A Beneficial Role of Rooibos in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

In a rapid increase in cases of diabetes mellitus worldwide, there has been interested in the use of plant-derived polyphenols as nutraceuticals to prevent the onset and progression of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Aspalathus linearis, commonly known as rooibos, is a rich source of uncommon glycosylated plant polyphenols with various critical health-promoting properties, including the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed to examine these effects by meta-analyzing the current evidence in diabetic rodent models. Peer-reviewed studies written in English from two databases, PubMed and Embase, were searched up to 28 February 2018. Studies reporting blood glucose levels in diabetic rodents with and without receiving rooibos extracts or their major phenolic compounds are included. Twelve studies enrolling 88 diabetic rodents treated with rooibos extracts or their polyphenols and 85 diabetic control males reported blood glucose levels. The pooled effect size was −0.89 (95% CI: −1.44 to −0.35) with a substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 67.0%). This effect was likely to be modified by type of rooibos extracts and their polyphenols and treatment period. Blood glucose levels were significantly lower in diabetic rodent models treated with the phenolic compound rich in rooibos extracts, PPAG.

Aspalathin Protects Insulin‐Producing β Cells against Glucotoxicity and Oxidative Stress‐Induced Cell Death

“…[ 12 ] Several studies have reported a beneficial role of rooibos extract or its components in diabetes. [ 13 ] Rooibos tea is a popular caffeine‐free beverage and a rich source of polyphenols, with as major component the dihydrochalcone C‐glucoside aspalathin, which is unique to the rooibos plant Aspalathus linearis . [ 14 ] Aspalathin has been attributed anti‐hyperglycemic and cardioprotective effects and is considered a potent anti‐oxidant.…”

A Study on Effect of Melatonin in Dyslipidemia Caused by Experimentally Diabetes

“…Diabetes affecting millions of people worldwide is characterized by high blood glucose levels, insulin resistance or insufficiency. Some of the complications responsible for the mortality are considered as triopaty (retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy), dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases (5,39). In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of various alternative products for the treatment and prevention of diabetes (3,4,20,39,42).…”

“…Some of the complications responsible for the mortality are considered as triopaty (retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy), dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases (5,39). In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of various alternative products for the treatment and prevention of diabetes (3,4,20,39,42). Melatonin depend on its many physiological effects has been used as an option in preventions of diabetes and its complications (28,43).…”

Rooibos, a supportive role to play during the COVID-19 pandemic?

“…Evidence emerging from recent scientific endeavours supports the ability of rooibos phytochemicals to modulate numerous cellular and molecular targets ( Lawal et al, 2019 , Dludla et al, 2017 , Mazibuko-Mbeje et al, 2019 ), hence its potential as an early intervention or possible therapeutic option to several diseases including certain cancers, diabetes and cardiovascular disease ( Sasaki et al, 2018 , Marnewick et al, 2009 , Joubert and de Beer, 2011 , Marnewick et al, 2011 ). Human studies looking at the health benefits of rooibos and the bioavailability of rooibos phytochemicals are scarce but reports have concluded that bioavailability is sufficient to elicit beneficial responses in humans ( Marnewick et al, 2011 ).…”