When sugar-producing cells in rats are under stress from harmful molecules, two natural compounds called aspalathin and 3-hydroxyphloretin help the cells fight back by turning on their internal defense genes and turning off a gene that makes stress worse.

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Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

6

Community contributions welcome

6

In vitro comparison of various antioxidants and flavonoids from Rooibos as beta cell protectants against lipotoxicity and oxidative stress-induced cell death

Cross-Sectional Study

In Vitro

The study gave special plant compounds called aspalathin and 3-hydroxyphloretin to insulin-producing rat cells under stress and found they turned on protective genes (Hmox1 and Nqo1) and turned off a harmful gene (Txnip), just like the claim says.

Contradicting (0)

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No contradicting evidence found

Gold Standard Evidence Needed

According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.

Source Study

In vitro comparison of various antioxidants and flavonoids from Rooibos as beta cell protectants against lipotoxicity and oxidative stress-induced cell death

Score: 6

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268551

Similar Assertions

A compound from rooibos tea called isoorientin didn’t protect insulin-producing cells in lab-grown rat cells when those cells were stressed out by harmful chemicals — and it didn’t change any of the key genes that help cells fight stress or avoid dying, so it probably doesn’t help protect these cells at all.

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79%

When sugar-producing cells in rats are under stress, a green tea-like drink from rooibos plants helps them survive by turning down genes that cause cell death—without turning on the body’s usual antioxidant defense system.

6

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78%

In lab-grown rat pancreatic cells under stress, a natural compound called 3-hydroxyphloretin at a tiny dose (5 micromolars) helped the cells survive better—up to double in some cases—but if you give it more, it starts killing the cells instead, so the safe dose is very narrow.

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