Current research suggests that Rooibos has the potential to delay or prevent the onset and progression of type 2 diabetes, however its effect on the associated risk of type 3 diabetes and Alzheimers Disease still needs to be elucidated.

Female scientists have been at the forefront of researching rooibos- one of the countrys most treasured natural resources.The first documented scientific research on the healing properties of rooibos in the early 1990s, started a chain reaction, which hasnt let up.

Today, largely due to the vast amount of research that underpins its health claims, rooibos has become a sought-after superfood both locally and abroad, and is exported to more than 30 countries.

In the wake of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) is paying tribute to specifically the female researchers for their invaluable contribution to the industry, and in doing so, also hopes to inspire young girls to pursue a career in science.

Adele du Toit, the spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council, explained that since the industry actively started to pursue research into rooibos, it has involved more than 40 women scientists from South Africa, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan and Taiwan.

These incredible women are all attempting to answer some of the most pertinent questions of our time and provide solutions to life-inhibiting and life-threatening illnesses. We salute them for their dedication and commitment to science, while many of them juggle motherhood and other demands. Its unfortunate that women still account for less than 30 percent of the worlds researchers, as they have such a major role to play. The contribution that these women are making in the generation of knowledge is fuelling the exciting innovation within the sector and is giving a proudly South African product a significant competitive edge, remarked du Toit.

Some of the women scientists, who are putting rooibos on the map, include Prof Jeanine (research chair in biotechnology and director of the Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute at Cape Peninsula University of Technology), Prof Elizabeth Joubert (principal researcher at the Plant Bioactives Group of the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa and extraordinary professor in food science at Stellenbosch University), Dr Rabia Johnson (principal investigator and senior specialist scientist at the SA Medical Research Council), Prof Amanda Swart (head of the P450 Steroid Research Group, department of biochemistry at Stellenbosch University), Prof Dalene de Beer (specialist researcher at the Plant Bioactives Group of the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa and an extraordinary associate professor in food science at Stellenbosch University), Dr Hanl Sadie-Van Gijsen (principal investigator and senior researcher in the division of medical physiology at Stellenbosch University, Dr Liske Kotz-Hrstmann (post-doctoral research fellow), Dr Tandeka Magwebeba (researcher based at the Institute of Biomedical and Microbial Biotechnology at CPUT), Dr Sarah Pedretti (senior research scientist at the University of Cape Towns Lung Institute), Pamela Sithole (masters student at Stellenbosch University), Dr Sylvia Riedel-van Heerden (scientist at the Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform at the SAMRC), Prof Barbara Huisamen (based at the medical physiology faculty of health sciences at Stellenbosch University) and Dr Uljana Hesse (senior lecturer at the department of biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape).

Nearly all mainstream universities and research institutions now have departments that focus specifically on biotechnology and alternative sources of raw materials, instead of laboratory manufactured chemicals, hence the increased interest in rooibos and other natural ingredients.

For more info regarding rooibos research, visit http://www.sarooibos.co.za

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Women in science honoured for their contribution to rooibos - Rising Sun Chatsworth