Aspalathus linearis
Aspalathus linearis, commonly known as rooibos, is a unique medicinal shrub endemic to South Africa's Cederberg mountains. Renowned for its antioxidant properties, this caffeine-free infusion offers numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. It remains a globally cherished herbal tea, valued for its soothing, nutrient-rich profile.
- Scientific name: Aspalathus linearis
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Aspalathus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Aspalathus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is native to a specific region located within the southern portion of the African continent. Its natural habitat is primarily concentrated within the Cape Provinces of Southern Africa. This localized distribution means that it thrives under the unique climatic conditions found in these coastal and inland areas. Because of this restricted range, the species is considered an endemic element of the local flora. Consequently, the Cape Provinces serve as the essential environmental stronghold for its survival in the wild.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
Chemicals
Aspalathus linearis has 16 reported phytochemicals identified across 18 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include aspalathin, (R)-eriodictyol-6-C-beta-D-glucopyranoside, (S)-eriodictyol-6-C-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, Chrysoeriol.
- Total chemicals
- 16
- Scientific sources
- 18
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aspalathin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| (R)-eriodictyol-6-C-beta-D-glucopyranoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (S)-eriodictyol-6-C-beta-D-glucopyranoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Chrysoeriol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidants | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chrysoeriol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dihydrochalcone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Aspalathus linearis has 5 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Chemopreventive, Antimutagenic, Antispasmodic, Bronchodilator.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Chemopreventive | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimutagenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antispasmodic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bronchodilator | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Aspalathus linearis has 19 reported medicinal uses identified across 21 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cardiovascular disease, male infertility, AIDS, DNA fragmentation, aging.
- Total uses
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 21
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cardiovascular disease | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| male infertility | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| AIDS | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| DNA fragmentation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aging | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| allergies | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| allergy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| high blood pressure | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |