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Impact of Chronic Consumption of Herbal Rooibos on Cardiovascular Function in Adults with Cardiovascular Risk
Maria Diana Hartnick1,2, Jeanine L Marnewick2, Penelope Engel-Hills2,3
1Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.
Insights
Rooibos consumption, particularly fermented Rooibos, showed potential in improving cardiovascular function by reducing left atrium size and left ventricle mass. Echocardiography confirmed its effectiveness in assessing cardiac function for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence is rising in South Africa.
- Effective prevention strategies are crucial for public health.
- Rooibos is a South African herbal tea with potential health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Rooibos extracts on cardiovascular function in individuals at risk of CVD.
- To assess the efficacy of green and fermented Rooibos in modifying cardiovascular risk factors.
- To evaluate echocardiography as a tool for assessing cardiac function in this context.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Participants received capsules of green Rooibos, fermented Rooibos, or placebo.
- Echocardiography was used to measure cardiac dimensions and function.
Main Results:
- Left atrium size significantly reduced with Rooibos intervention.
- Interventricular septum diameter decreased in green Rooibos and placebo groups.
- Fermented Rooibos significantly reduced left ventricle mass.
- Echocardiography proved effective in assessing cardiac function.
Conclusions:
- Rooibos, rich in polyphenolic antioxidants, may improve cardiovascular function.
- Regular Rooibos consumption could offer therapeutic benefits for CVD prevention and management.
- Echocardiography is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating cardiac changes in response to dietary interventions.
Abstract:
The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has increased in South Africa, emphasizing the importance of prevention strategies. This study used echocardiography to investigate the impact of Rooibos on cardiovascular function in those at risk of CVD. This research aims to contribute to understanding its effects on reducing cardiovascular risk factors. The study design involved a 12-week randomized, parallel, double-blinded, placebo-controlled dietary intervention trial using capsules containing standardized water-soluble extracts of green and traditional fermented Rooibos alongside a placebo control. Echocardiography was incorporated as a diagnostic imaging tool to assess cardiac function in the participant cohort. Aorta (AO) dimensions showed no significant change in any intervention group. Left atrium (LA) reduced in size from 3.832 ± 0.071 cm to 3.675 ± 0.067 cm (P = 0.01). There was no significant change in LA/AO ratio in any intervention group. Interventricular septum diameter in the placebo group decreased from 1.334 ± 0.030 cm to 1.250 ± 0.025 cm (P = 0.002), with no significance in fermented Rooibos, while green Rooibos resulted in a decrease from 1.282 ± 0.036 cm to 1.186 ± 0.029 cm (P = 0.002). Left ventricle posterior wall (LVPW) showed no significant changes in any of the intervention group. The left ventricle mass in the placebo and green Rooibos groups demonstrated no significance changes, while fermented Rooibos caused a decrease from 204.102 ± 7.102 g to 191.394 ± 6.707 g (P = 0.015). The phytochemical bioactive components, such as the polyphenolic antioxidants present in green and fermented Rooibos, improved cardiovascular function. This study confirms the effectiveness of echocardiography as imaging tool for assessing cardiac function in this particular population. Regular Rooibos consumption may offer promising therapeutic benefits for preventing and managing CVD risk.
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