Active Ingredients
Afriplex® GRT™ is an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) developed from green Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis). It is specifically enriched in Aspalathin, a flavonoid unique to Rooibos, which is associated with multiple health benefits.
Botanical
Aspalathus linearis grows naturally in the Cederberg region of South Africa’s Western Cape. This hardy, drought-tolerant crop thrives in the area’s sandy soils and Mediterranean climate. The highest quality Rooibos typically comes from higher-altitude regions with lower rainfall, which produce smaller yields but superior flavour and antioxidant profiles
Geographic indicator
To achieve an optimized and standardized final product, the process begins with sourcing plant material of exceptional quality. Afriplex® GRT was developed by partnering with preselected suppliers and utilizing carefully chosen plant material. This approach not only ensures a superior quality outcome but also guarantees complete traceability throughout the supply chain.
ROOIBOS received Geographic Indications (GI) status in July 2014
ROOIBOS received Geographic Indications (GI) status in July 2014 – a status it shares with products such as Port and Champagne. This distinct form of intellectual property (IP) right is recognized by the World Trade Organization and is typically given to products that are produced in a specific way and whose quality and reputation are attributed essentially to their place of origin (Bramley et al, 2014). The Cederberg region provides the perfect environment for ROOIBOS cultivation.
Production
Afriplex® GRT begins with the careful selection of high-quality, sustainably sourced Rooibos raw material. Using a patented process and specialized techniques, we ensure consistent levels of Aspalathin and related active compounds in the final Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API). During development, significant focus was placed on preserving the naturally occurring flavonoids found in Rooibos while optimizing the concentration of functional components. The result is a standardized API in powder format—designed for integration into both powder and liquid formulations.
Afriplex® GRT Active:
Aspalathin, also called dihydrochalcone C-glucoside, is unique to the ROOIBOS plant, Aspalathus Linearis. (Muller et al, 2012).
Flavonoid Aspalathin
Developed in collaboration with the MRC’s Diabetes Development Platform, Afriplex® GRT delivers a high Aspalathin content with minimal chlorophyll. This premium API is ideal for pharmaceuticals, complementary medicines, Aspalathin-rich supplements, and a wide range of health applications. The comparison to other ROOIBOS extracts may be seen in the graph below:
The key difference between green and conventional Rooibos lies in processing. Green Rooibos—whether organic, wild-harvested, or conventional—is unoxidized, preserving higher levels of Aspalathin and antioxidants. While Afriplex® GRT uses green Rooibos, it is far more than a simple extract. Our patented process unlocks a full spectrum of actives unique to the plant, delivering a standardized, premium API for advanced health applications.