Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.): From local cottage industry to global markets — The catalytic and supporting role of research

Inhibitory effect of vicenin-2 and scolymoside on secretory group IIA phospholipase A2

“…Vicenin-2 (VCN, apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside) and scolymoside (SCL, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside) are compounds found in C. subternata plants which are traditionally used for the production of the South African herbal tea, honeybush, and recently as aqueous extracts for the food industry (Joubert et al 2011). In this study, two structurally similar active compounds found in C. subternata, namely vicenin-2 (Figure 1) and scolymoside (Figure 1), were examined for their effects on the expression and activity of sPLA 2 -IIA in vitro and in vivo.…”

“…One such source is Cyclopia subternata Vogel (Family: Fabaceae; Tribe: Podalrieae), an endemic South African fynbos plant that traditionally has been used as a herbal tea called honeybush after 'fermentation', a high temperature oxidative process required to produce its characteristic sweet aroma and flavor (Joubert et al 2011). Mostly ignored in terms of its commercial potential in the previous century, commercial production of C. subternata commenced in the 1990s to meet the demand for honeybush by the local South African and international markets (Joubert et al 2011). The health-promoting properties of active compounds in C. subternata have been documented such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and enhancement of recognition memory (Sanchez et al 2000;Leiro et al 2003;Pardo Andreu et al 2010).…”

Natural Fecundity and Germination Characteristics of Selected Cyclopia (Honeybush) Species: Preliminary Findings

“…Although Cyclopia is commercially cultivated, wild harvesting still contributes about 70 percent of the total annual production, which diminishes natural populations due to an upsurge in unsustainable harvesting practices. Hence, commercial production becomes increasingly important to save the natural habitat and genepool of the species (E. Joubert, M. E. Joubert, Bester, De Beer, & De Lange, 2011). Agronomic and horticultural measures have since been undertaken to commercialise honeybush, owing to its enormous international demand that outstrips local supply.…”

Xanthone, benzophenone and bioflavonoid accumulation in Cyclopia genistoides (L.) Vent. (honeybush) shoot cultures grown on membrane rafts and in a temporary immersion system

“…Together with other representatives of the genus, C. genistoides is used to manufacture the 'honeybush' herbal tea, recognized for distinctive, honeylike flavour (Joubert et al 2011). C. genistoides is characterized by exceptionally high content of the xanthone mangiferin (M), present in the amounts exceeding 5 and 10 % dry weight (DW) in the whole herb and leaves, respectively (Kokotkiewicz et al 2012(Kokotkiewicz et al , 2013bJoubert et al 2014).…”

“…Unfortunately, Cyclopia currently faces the risk of over exploitation due to high demand from overseas markets. Occasional droughts and fynbos fires additionally limit the availability of plant material (Joubert et al 2011). These problems can be overcome by establishing in vitro cultures of C. genistoides, which could serve as a renewable source of xanthone and benzophenone derivatives for biological activity studies.…”