Rooibos for Allergy Relief

Research suggests that aspalathin, a flavonoid found uniquely in rooibos, may play a meaningful role in reducing allergic inflammation by interfering with key signaling pathways in mast cells, the immune cells central to allergic responses. A 2025 study using cell cultures and mouse models found that oral aspalathin dose-dependently reduced markers of allergic reaction including tissue swelling, histamine release, and elevated immune signaling molecules, with the proposed mechanism involving inhibition of the FcεRI pathway and downstream inflammatory factors. The same study noted that aspalathin outperformed nothofagin, another rooibos compound previously associated with anti-allergic effects, suggesting aspalathin may be the more active constituent. However, the available evidence is currently limited to preclinical laboratory and animal research, and it remains unclear whether these findings would translate to the same effects in humans, making further clinical investigation necessary before stronger conclusions can be drawn.