Study shows Rooibos tea boosts gut health
Rooibos tea may revolutionise gut health by strengthening the gut lining and reducing inflammation, according to new research.
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A new study has found that rooibos tea, South Africa’s indigenous herbal infusion, could play an important role in supporting gut health.
According to "The Conversation", researchers from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology investigated its effects on intestinal cells, discovered that rooibos extracts can strengthen the gut lining and reduce inflammation - two factors vital for maintaining digestive health and preventing disease.
A closer look at gut health
Digestive disorders affect more than 40% of the global population, with women more commonly affected than men.
Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion and constipation can disrupt daily life, while poor gut health has also been linked to wider issues including chronic inflammation, anxiety, fatigue and autoimmune disorders.
With interest in natural alternatives growing, rooibos is emerging as a potential ally in improving digestive wellbeing.
Testing rooibos on gut cells
The research compared the effects of unfermented (green) rooibos and fermented (red) rooibos.
The aim was to understand whether rooibos could help protect and strengthen the intestinal barrier, the microscopic wall of cells that prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream while allowing nutrients through.
When this barrier is compromised, often described as a “leaky gut”, it can trigger inflammation and contribute to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IBS.
Key findings
The study revealed that rooibos had two distinct but complementary benefits:
1. Fermented (red) rooibos reduced inflammation.
When researchers simulated inflammatory conditions in gut cells, fermented rooibos was particularly effective at calming the response. In some cases, it performed as well as dexamethasone, a steroid drug commonly prescribed to treat gut inflammation.
2. Unfermented (green) rooibos strengthened the gut barrier.
Green rooibos boosted the production of protective proteins that help maintain the integrity of the intestinal wall, potentially preventing harmful substances from leaking into the bloodstream.
Researchers believe these differences are linked to the tea's polyphenol content.
Green rooibos is especially rich in aspalathin, a potent antioxidant unique to rooibos, while fermented rooibos contains other polyphenols that work together to soothe inflammation.
Looking ahead
While rooibos has long been celebrated for its antioxidant properties, this study is among the first to demonstrate its specific effects on gut cells.
The findings suggest that rooibos could one day play a role in dietary strategies or functional foods designed to support gut health.
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