Rooibos
Rooibos

Background

Rooibos is a fragrant, caffeine-free tea made from the leaves and stems of a shrub called Aspalathus linearis. It's the national drink of South Africa.

Rooibos contains chemicals that might protect the heart and might also prevent age-related changes in the brain.

People use rooibos for hay fever, age-related decline in memory and thinking skills, anxiety, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
When taken by mouth: Rooibos is commonly consumed in food and beverages. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if using rooibos in larger amounts as medicine is safe.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if rooibos is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Effectiveness

There is interest in using rooibos for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

Traditionally, rooibos has been prepared as tea. But as medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of rooibos might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Rooibos might increase levels of atorvastatin in the blood. This may increase the effects and side effects of atorvastatin. Before taking rooibos, talk to your healthcare provider if you take atorvastatin.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rooibos might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rooibos might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rooibos might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rooibos might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Rooibos might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications for high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Rooibos might have a similar effect to ACE inhibitors. Taking rooibos with ACE inhibitors might cause increased effects and side effects.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/05/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 04/12/2020 02:10:25. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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