Matcha Benefits and Health

Matcha is actually a powdered form of green tea. While other green teas are grown throughout the world, matcha tea is unique to Japan. Leaves are then shaded four weeks prior to harvesting, which causes a surge in chlorophyll production and the resulting bright green color. Matcha is an pricey form of tea, although price and quality vary with where it was grown, method and timing of harvest, and the precautions taken to keep the leaves from oxidizing. There are two types of usucha and koicha. Koicha comes from the first harvest of plants that are a minimum of 30 years old. Usucha comes from the leaves of tea plants that are less than 30 years old.

Matcha Benefits

Experts at Tufts University found that the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) level of antioxidants in matchaMatcha tea is highly than in pomegranates or blueberries. Matcha tea ORAC rating is a mighty 1300 units per gram, compared to blueberries 91 units per gram or pomegranates 105 units. Using a mg catechin/g of dry leaf comparison, findings demonstrate that the concentration of  EGCG available from drinking matcha tea is 137 times higher than the level of EGCG available from China Green Tips green tea, and at least 3 times more than the largest literature value for other green teas. Determination of catechins in matcha green tea.

The 4 main polyphenols found in tealeaves are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC). Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most powerful of these catechins. Catechins antioxidant effect protects against cancer, preventing free radicals from attacking the body cells.  According to laboratory studies, catechins scavenged oxidants before cell damage occurred, reduced the number and size of tumors, and inhibited the growth of cancer cells.

According to scientists at the University of Kansas, the antioxidant capacity of EGCG is approximately 100 times greater than that of vitamin C and 25 times greater than that of vitamin E in protecting DNA from the kind of free radical damage that is thought to increase the risk of cancer. In a study published in January 2007 in ‘Cancer Letters’ found that green tea polyphenols protected against the spread of breast cancer in both human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In a study published in the December 2004 issue of the “International Journal of Cancer” found that EGCG significantly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the production of PSA (prostate-specific antigen), a marker for prostate cancer risk. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 men took 200 mg of catechin or a placebo three times daily for 1 year. At the end of the study, fewer prostate cancers were detected in the catechin group (1 cancer in 30 men) compared with the placebo group (9 cancers in 30 men).

EGCG activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase in cells lining blood vessels, or endothelial cells. Increased release of nitric oxide causes smooth muscle within the blood vessel wall to relax, therefore, increasing the diameter of the blood vessel and improving blood flow. EGCG prevents heart muscle damage by blocking the activation of inflammation-related compounds that play a critical role in promoting the oxidative damage that kills heart cells in reperfusion injury.

Animal-based studies, mice bred to develop Alzheimer’s disease developed up to 54 % less beta-amyloid buildup in their brains when they were given daily injections EGCg. Beta-amyloid plaques are considered to be a major factor of the brain cell death and tissue loss seen in Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists in Taiwan, found that EGCG helps to lower monoamine oxidase type B, (MAO-B), in certain brain tissues. MAO is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin. In a the study, reported in the September 2010 Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, lab mice with Parkinson’s disease were given the epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and nerve cell death was reduced by 50 %.

Matcha tea is a good source of the amino acid L-theanine. While this amino acid is common in all tea, matcha tea may contain up to 5 times more of L-theanine than common other tea. This amino acid, is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and is considered to be psychoactive. Possesses neuroprotective, mood-enhancing, and relaxation properties. Theanine appears to have a role in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter Gamma Amino Butyric Acid. Research on human volunteers has demonstrated that theanine creates a sense of relaxation approximately 30 minutes after ingestion by two different mechanisms. 1-Theanine directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to what is achieved through meditation.2- Theanine is involved in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). According to a 2006 info in the “Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy“, L-theanine not only increases GABA levels in the brain, it also increases serotonin and dopamine levels.  L-Theanine Dosage For Anxiety

Moringa Benefits and Diseases

The Moringa tree (Moringa Oleifera), is the only genus in the family Moringaceae. This plant also known as “Drumstick Tree“, is a tree which essentially grew in the Himalayan region of northern India, however is now cultivated in the Pacific and Caribbean Islands, Africa, Malaysia, Pakistan, Central and South America. Different parts of this plant such as the leaves, seed, bark, roots, flowers, fruit, and immature pods act as heart and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, antifungal and antibacterial effects, and are being employed for the therapy of various diseases. Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine (India’s ancient tradition) has reported on 300 ailments that can be treated with moringa leaf. Because of the positive effects of Moringa, the World health Organization and European Union now plant and support its cultivation in different locations, including Africa, in order to combat malnutrition. Moringa oleifera is considered a super-food because it contains many nutrients.

Substances Contained in The Plant; Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Alpha-Carotene, Beta-Carotene, Calcium, Potassium, Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium,  Copper, Chlorophyll, Alanine, Arginine, Histidine, Methionine, Tryptophan, Cystine, Tyrosine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Sulfur, Beta-sitosterol, Glutathione, Caffeoylquinic Acid, Campesterol, Kaempferal, Chromium, Delta-5-Avenasterol, Delta-7-Avenasterol, Indole Acetic Acid, Indoleacetonitrile, Kaempferal, Leucine, Stigmasterol, Phenylalanine, Quercetin, Rutin, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Myristic-Acid, Palmitic-Acid, Prolamine, Proline, Threonine, Xanthins, Xanthophyll, Zeatin, Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 9, Oleic-Acid and Fiber.

Moringa  Benefits

MoringaMoringa is an angiosperm plant, native of the Indian subcontinent, where its various parts have been utilized for centuries as food and medicine. The leaves, seeds, bark, root, fruit, and flowers are used to make drug. Lab experiments and animal-based studies indicate that the leaf, root, and seed extracts of Moringa oleifera have hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal activity. Various researches show to the elevation of a variety of detoxication and antioxidant enzymes and biomarkers as a sequel of therapy with phytochemicals isolated from Moringa.

High oleic acid content, moringa oleifera oil penetrates deeply into the skin, delivering valuable nutrients and helping the skin and hair retain moisture. Also moringa oil, is a preferred oil for the products of cosmetics as it has numerous antioxidants and documented skin-rejuvenating effects.

There is potential for water- and alcohol-based leaf tinctures to fight a diverse of bacterial infections, according to a 2011 study reported in the “Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine“. In another study, found that moringa extracts killed, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes bacteria.  COX-2 enzyme is responsible for inflammation processes and pain. Moringa Oleifera suppresses the COX-2 enzyme (cyclooxygenase-2), which causes inflammation and the pain related to it.

The antiatherosclerotic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects are thought to help avoid cardiovascular ailments. In a study reported in the March 2008 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has found that the leaf extracts of moringa avoid the formation of plaques in the blood vessels. Compounds found in moringa oleifera leaves such carbamate, thiocarbamate, or nitrile, are acetylated glycosides. It’s these compounds that contribute to a lowering activity in blood pressure. A study reported in “Phytotherapy Research” in 2006 showed that moringa leaf extract had a noteworthy activity in reducing blood pressure levels. The leaves are considered to have a stabilizing activity on control glucose levels. According to a study reported in the May 2007 edition of the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, moringa leaf may help administer glucose intolerance in diabetes people.

New researches examined specific compounds for cancer prophylactic probability. The related compound were shown to be strong inhibitors of phorbol ester-induced Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation in lymphoblastoid cells. Moringa indicates anti-cancer activities via apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells and by inhibiting NF-kappaB. A study was investigated to identify the antiproliferative and apoptotic events of Moringa leaf extract using human tumor cell line. Human tumor cells were cultured in the presence of Moringa oleifera leaf extract at different concentrations for 48 hours and the percentage of cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay. Moringa oleifera leaf extract demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation of human tumor cells.

Moringa Dosage

Typical recommended dose dose is 400 mg a day.

Side Effects

Moringa oleifera may interact with prescription medicines. (Inhibits CYP450 enzymes). Moringa extracts have antifertility effects. This plant should not be taken by women during their childbearing years. Also, moringa oleifera root bark can cause violent uterine contractions.

Mulberry Benefits and Medical Effects

Mulberry (Moraceae family) is a deciduous, fruit-bearing tree. There are ten  type of mulberry tree. The usually well-known being black mulberry and white mulberry. Mulberry is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and anthocyanins, which have been suggested to be responsible for medical effects. In addition, one of the original property of the mulberry leaf is that it includes compounds that inhibit intestinal enzymes from passing sugars into the bloodstream. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia lists the fruit, leaves, and root bark as ingredients in pharmacological preparations.

Mulberry Benefits

Mulberry, are very rich in iron, for maintaining a healthful count of red blood cells and preventing anaemia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine this fruit are considered a blood tonic. Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when there isn’t sufficient iron in the body. The important symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia are tiredness, lethargy and shortness of breath.

Japanese scientists discovered that mulberry leaves include substance that inhibit intestinal enzymes from passing sugars into the bloodstream. A compound in mulberry leaves 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), avoids diabetes according to scientists at the “Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences“. This inhibitor compound can just be extracted from the mulberry leaf. In a study, taking 1 gram of the powdered leaf (white mulberry) 3 times a day for four weeks reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 27 percent, compared with an 8 percent reduce with the diabetes drug glyburide, 5 mg daily.

MulberryMulberries include anthocyanins, a strong type of antioxidant. As an antioxidant, anthocyanins help rid the body of the free radicals that cause oxidative damage in the body. In the lab, have been found to inhibit some human tumor cells. In a study showed that anthocyanins effectively halted colon cancer cell growth, killing 20 percent of the malignant cells without damaging non-cancerous cells. Mulberry anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside, exhibited an inhibitory activity on the migration and invasion of a human lung cancer cell line. Anthocyanins have demonstrated anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory  properties, and a high intake of anthocyanin have indicated positive effects on blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. Mulberry includes cyanidin 3-glucoside (an anthocyanin), which epidemiological studies verify decreases the risk of degenerative ailments such as chronic arthritis and atherosclerosis. According to a study reported in the 2006 of the Journal of Medicinal Food, mulberry fruit extract provided anti-inflammatory activity for arthritic rats.

Mulberries include resveratrol. Resveratrol also, an important antioxidant found in black grapes and red wine. Free radicals are unstable molecules that attack normal cells and damage membranes. As an antioxidant, resveratrol fights these free radicals to keep the cells and tissues normal and free from damage. The antioxidant effect of resveratrol helps to avoid damage to DNA, influences the transcriptions of genes responsible for redox metabolism and inhibits proliferartion of cancer cells. Resveratrol has  been found to increase expression and activation of one substantial “suicide” pathway known as p53. Resveratrol dilates blood vessels to develop blood flow and increases nitric oxide production, which is a important Resveratrol part of healthful blood flow and heart health. A study, reported in the journal “Biofactors” in September 2010, found that resveratrol triggers the release of nitric oxide, which plays an significant role in relaxation of blood vessels. Resveratrol helps reduce inflammation and makes it more difficult for platelets to stick together and form the clots that can lead to a heart attack. In a January 2012 placebo-controlled study of forty patients who had suffered a heart attack, scientists at the “University of Pecs“, found that taking 10 mg of resveratrol daily for 3 months boosted endothelial function.

According to a study published in 2007 in the “Neuroreport“, mulberry leaf extract may play a role in preventing neurodegenerative ailments. Antioxidant effectiveness present in white mulberry leaves is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) enriched, which may provide a neuroprotective feature against cerebral ischemia as well as neurotoxins. Neurological diseases known as Parkinson disease are associated with GABA reason to depletion in brain.

Raspberry Benefits and Ellagic Acid

Raspberry, (Rubus idaeus) is the fruit of a wide variety of species of the genus Rubus. They may be black, purple, red, or yellow-fruited types. Raspberries have high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals such as ellagic acid, anthocyanins, cyanidins, quercetin, gallic acid, pelargonidins, kaempferol and salicylic acid. According to researches, phytonutrients such as ellagic acid, anthocyanins, quercetin, cyanidins, gallic acid, salicylic acid and kaempferol provide prevention against inflammation, cancer, and neurological illness. New researches has shown that the ellagic acid in raspberries is highly bio-available.

Raspberry Benefits

In lab experiments, ellagic acid seems to decrease the activity of estrogen in promoting growth of breast cancer cells in tissue cultures. A research in cell cultures found that ellagic acid may act against substances that help tumors to form new blood vessels. Ellagic acid causes apoptosis of human cervical cancer cells, induces G1 inhibition of cancer cell division, and avoids destruction of the P53 gene by cancer cells. According to research by Gary Stoner (Ohio State University), ellagic acid stimulates activities of enzymes that detoxify carcinogens.

RaspberryApoptosis is defined as “programmed cell death”. Preliminary researches are quite positive with even small concentrations inhibiting growth within 48 hours and causing apoptosis within 72 hours. Dr. Daniel Nixon  (Medical University of South Carolina) found that ingesting 40 mg of ellagic acid daily, (which is the amount of ellagic acid contained in 1 cup of red raspberries), can cause cancer cells to undergo apoptosis.

According to some research, ellagic acid reduces the effect of estrogen on cancer cell growth in breast tissue and promotes the breakdown and removal of cancer-causing substances in the blood via the liver. Ellagic acid may slow the growth of breast and cervical cancer, according to “Ohio State University” scientists. A new study in cell cultures found that ellagic acid may act against substances that help tumors to form new blood vessels. Ellagic acid prevents the destruction of P53 gene by cancer cells. Can bind with cancer causing molecules, therefore making them inactive. P53 gene, has the capability to rebuild damaged DNA under normal conditions. However, as part of cancer development it becomes switched off.

The ellagic acid found in raspberries, has been shown to help avoid overactivity of specific pro-inflammatory enzymes as well as their overproduction. “The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,” December 2011 has published the anti-inflammatory activities of polyphenolic-enriched raspberry extract in an antigen-induced arthritis in rate model. Anti inflammatory products like aspirin and ibuprofen, inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) resulting in the decrease of pain associated with arthritis, gout and other inflammatory conditions.  (The COX inhibitory activities of anthocyanins from raspberries were comparable to those of naproxen and  ibuprofen at 10 µM concentrations).

Raspberries, a rich source of anthocyanins and help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Scientists proved that the antioxidant effect of anthocyanins from raspberries was superior to vitamin E at a test concentration of 125 µg/ml. Epidemiological studies suggest that increased consumption of anthocyanins lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of mortality among human. Anthocyanins have demonstrated anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory  properties, and a high intake of anthocyanin have indicated positive effects on blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, raspberry is a source of salicylic acid, a compound similar to aspirin. Salicylic acid is found in raspberries and is suggest of having the same preventive activity against cardiovascular disease as aspirin. A 100-g serving of red raspberries includes around 5 mg of salicylic acid.

Raspberries include a especially winning combination of vitamins which act as against age-related eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. According to an article published in “Archives of Ophthalmology”, a people who eats at least three servings of fruit per day has a reduce risk of macular degeneration than one who consumes half as much or less. Macular degeneration is an age related health problem which affects vision.

Rooibos Benefits and Cancer

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is a broom-like member of the legume family of plants growing in SouthAfrican fynbos. “Rooibos” means literally red bush in Afrikaans. Tea, is made from the fermented needle-shaped leaves of the rooibos shrub. Rooibos tea goes through a fermentation process. During the fermentation of the leaves, some chemicals are oxidized by enzymes resulting in the typical red colour of rooibos. Two polyphenol antioxidants known as nothofagin and aspalathin are found in high levels in rooibos tea. Aspalathin constitutes approximately 1.5 %of dry Rooibos leaves. The tea is completely free from caffeine content and is low in tannin. Tannin has been said to decrease the iron in tea drinkers by about one third.

Rooibos Benefits

The main flavonoids in rooibos are dihydrochalcone aspalathin, chrysoeriol, nothofagin, luteolin, orientin, vitexin, isovitexin, quercetin and rutin. Rooibos is the only known source of antioxidant called aspalathin. Nothofagin and aspalathin, have more strongly anti-oxidative effect than other flavonoids. Different researches have shown that rooibos tea contain potent free radical scavengers and help to protect cells and important cellular components such as lipids, proteins and genetic material against oxidative damage. Rooibos tea promote the production of antibodies that may be important in the therapy of cancer, AIDS and other different ailments, according to a  research reported in the October 2001 Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry.

Animal-based studies demonstrate it has strong antioxidant,immune-modulating and chemopreventive properties. Rooibos tea enhances the body’s ability to avoid the ailment by increasing detoxifying liver enzymes and arresting and slowing down, DNA mutation. The antioxidants in rooibos tea are strong enough to measurably elevate the antioxidant levels in blood. The effect peaks approximately 1 hour after drinking 500 ml tea. The study findings, reported in “Food Chemistry” in May 2010, demonstrated that 15 healthful adults given 500 ml of rooibos tea increased antioxidant capacity 6.6 %.  Professor Gelderblom of the “PROMEC Unit of the Medical Research Counci” in Cape Town is conducting research on this herb. Rooibos has great promise as a source of anti-oxidants which in rats can induce a 400 percent enhance in the GSH/GSSG ratio which is certainly necessary for optimum health. Research has found that rooibos tea raised the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidised glutathione by 100 percent in humans who consumed 6 cups a day over a period of 3 months. In wholesome cells, over 90 percent of glutathione is found in the reduced form, and less than 10 percent is oxidised. An increased level of oxidised glutathione is an indicator that toxic substances are harming the cells. In addition, Japanese researchers have found that rooibos includes a mimic of the enzyme SOD (Super Oxide Dismutase), an antioxidant which attacks the free radicals and limits their damaging effects.

Aspalathus linearisIn a study, Heidelberg University researchers showed that rooibos has the ability to promote longevity in living organisms. Using roundworms as a model, they produced evidence that rooibos tea reduced oxidative damage in their cells. Researchers were able to show that aspalathin played a important role in their survival rate by targeting stress and ageing related genes.

In 2011, researchers performed a study to test the activities of rooibos tea on different biological markers considered to be indicative of risk for cardiovascular and other degenerative ailments. A high use of rooibos resulted in pronounced reductions in lipid peroxidation, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels compared with the control group. A study performed in healthy people demonstrated that rooibos tea inhibits the ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme), which may have cardiovascular properties.  ACE is believed to be related in the development of cardiovascular disease, and thus angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are used to treat hypertension and heart illness. According to a article in the “Journal of Pharmacological Science“; chrysoeriol, can avoid and treat vascular disease by inhibiting the migration of smooth muscle cells inside the aorta, a important cause the narrowing or hardening of the arteries that may lead to a heart attack. A 2008 study performed by Dr. Jeanine Marnewick at the “Cape Peninsula University of Technology” (CPUT), demonstrated that 6 cups of Rooibos tea per day holds positive effects, and particularly helps to minimize oxidative stress in the body and lower the risk of heart disease.

An important study has been done with mice models proving the capability of Aspalathus linearis to delay the development of skin cancer lesions, decrease pre-cancerous lesions in the liver and inhibit the development of papillomas in the oesophagus. Topically applied this plant elicits a protective activity against microsomal lipid peroxidation and may help decrease chemical-induced tumor formation. In a 2009 study showed that topical application of polyphenol-rich extract of rooibos prior to UVB exposed skin inhibited the formation of tumours. Animal-based study reported in “Mutation Research” found that rooibos inhibited premalignant changes in the tissue-cultured mouse cells that were exposed to X-rays. The inhibiting action took place when cells were treated with as 2 % rooibos solution and peaked when cells were treated with 10 % solution. South African researchers from the Medical Research Council’s PROMEC Unit and the Oxidative Stress Research Centre at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology have found that rooibos could help avoid skin cancer. Dr Marnewick, who is a scientist in the MRC’s PROMEC research unit, obtained impressive findings with a skin cancer study. Dr Jeanine Marnewick and her team, investigated the effect of rooibos and honeybush extracts on UV-induced skin tumours in mice. The study found that green rooibos shrunk the dimension of the tumours by 91 percent and fermented rooibos by 97 percent. The finding for the green honeybush was 91 percent, and 95 percent for fermented honeybush. It found that unfermented rooibos decreased the number of tumours per mouse by 75 percent and fermented rooibos by 91 percent. The results for honeybush were 86 percent and 64 percent. Researchers concluded that polyphenol-rich extracts from rooibos have antitumour and photoprotective effects.

Dr Jeanine Marnewick says that rooibos tea protects against cancer in diverse ways. 1) Rooibos tea decreases cancer-associated changes in cells by protecting them against DNA damage or mutagenesis. 2) Rooibos may avoid a cell with damaged DNA from becoming a cancerous cell. 3) Rooibos tea may prevent cancerous cells from multiplying into masses and creating cancerous tumors. 4) Rooibos enhances the level of natural anti-oxidants in the liver, which means that the liver’s anti-oxidant status is developed. 5) Rooibos tea helps the liver to get rid of compounds that can cause cancer.

In a study, we analyzed the activity of Aspalathus linearis tea extract on antigen-specific antibody production and cytokine generation in vitro and in vivo. The results of suggested that rooibos extract may facilitate the antigen-specific antibody production through selective augmentation of IL-2 generation in vitro and in vivo.

The alkaline extract of rooibos leaves appear to suppress HIV-induced cytopathicity. Rooibos tea has been shown to have an favorable effect on the human immunodeficiency virus in 2 different study performed in Japan in 1997.  The researches focused on the effects of polysaccharides. These are substances found in rooibos tea that have effect in preventing the HIV from binding to T cells. The polysaccharide amalgams available in rooibos tea prevents the HIV from sticking to its intended or target cells in the body. Dutch scientists has showed, that Rooibos has strong antiviral effect against rotaviruses that cause serious infections. The researchers investigated 150 extracts with known to test its activity on rotaviruses. They found 11 extracts able to inhibit rotavirus, but just 3, including rooibos tea, were found to have powerful and important antiviral effect.

Scientists from “Stellenbosch University” have discovered that rooibos tea includes compounds that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. According to research, there are a number of compounds (aspalathin and nothofagin) present in rooibos tea that interfere with the production of the stress hormone called cortisol. Researchers found that rooibos tea alleviate the production of cortisol in the cells. The research results were reported in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology”.

Rooibos includes anti-spasmodic substances which can relieve stomach pains. Rooibos tea is useful in treating stomach cramps thanks to the calming effect of the flavonoids on the digestive system. The flavonoid chrysoeriol seems to be primary responsible for the  antispasmodic activity. Rooibos has been shown to inhibit in vitro activity of xanthine oxidase (XO). Xanthine oxidase plays a role in conversion of purine to uric acid in humans and reducing the effect of Xanthine oxidase could limit uric acid production, which would aid in therapy of gout.