The 2019 Rooibos Science Café was hosted by SARC and WESGRO at the InvestSA One-Stop-Shop in Cape Town on 2 April 2019. The purpose of the Science Café was to showcase the research studies being conducted on Rooibos’ potential to reduce allergies, heart disease, diabetes and skin cancer. Rooibos is a good source of unique and beneficial bio-actives such as antioxidants, different to those found in other teas, fruits and vegetables and is particularly rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which contribute to its health benefits. The following researchers presented their findings: Jeanine Marnewick (Heart health); Jonny Peter (Allergies); Christo Muller & Sylvia Riedel (Metabolic diseases); Jeanine Marnewick, Tandeka Magcwebeba, Stefan Abel, Mariska Lily, Leana Keet, Sedicka Samodien (Skin cancer); Simeon Davies (Sport/exercise performance); Hanel Sadie (Obesity study); and Emiliana Imperial (ARVs and heart health).

“Due to the large and growing use of natural derived substances for healthy living all over the world, it is imperative that SARC obtains reliable data as to Rooibos’ healing potential, since many other herbal-based treatments lack definitive evidence.” Joe Swart, SARC Director: Research