Pre-clinical Research
Over the years, numerous studies on Aspalathin have been conducted both locally and internationally. While many of these investigations have reported positive outcomes, it is important to note that current and ongoing studies have demonstrated conclusive results specifically using the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), Afriplex® GRT.
The primary objective in developing Afriplex® GRT was to harness its potential health benefits for individuals managing the symptoms and complications associated with metabolic syndrome, including diabetes, insulin resistance, cholesterol issues, and obesity.
The work and research performed by the SAMRC indicates that Afriplex® GRT has a positive influence on the regulation of cholesterol, blood glucose level maintenance and insulin resistance. An additional advantage of using Afriplex® GRT is its ability to function as an immune booster.
Anti-diabetic and hypoglycaemic effects of Aspalathin-enriched rooibos extracts (Fig 1.) demonstrates inhibition activity of α-glucosidase by Aspalathin, as a mechanism to slow gastric glucose uptake and modulate post-prandial blood glucose levels.
Fig 2. Aspalathin enriched green rooibos extract increase glucose uptake and utilization by muscle cells.
Fig 3. Aspalathin enriched green rooibos extract improves glucose tolerance in diabetic rats C.J.F. Muller et al. / Phytomedicine 20 (2012) 32– 39
Aspalathin-enriched rooibos extracts ameliorates experimentally induced insulin resistance by improving glucose uptake (Fig 4), and fatty acid utilization (Fig 5) in muscle cells. Mechanistically, the Aspalathin enriched green rooibos extract activates and alters the expression of several important biochemical signalling proteins such as AMPK (Fig 6), Malonyl CoA (Fig 7) and CPT1 (Fig 8) as is summarized in the schematic (Fig 9). (Mazibuko et al., 2013).
Studies on mice
Preclinical studies by Kamakura and Muller et al. (2012) demonstrated that Afriplex® GRT possesses significant hypoglycaemic potential. In SSTX-induced diabetic rat models, a single oral dose of Afriplex® GRT produced a reduction in blood glucose levels over a six-hour period that was comparable to metformin, a widely used first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. These findings suggest that Afriplex® GRT may offer a natural alternative or adjunct to conventional therapies for managing hyperglycaemia.
Studies on Non-human primates
Ahead of human trials, Afriplex® GRT underwent rigorous safety and efficacy testing in both healthy and metabolically compromised Vervet monkeys. Results demonstrated an improvement in glucose tolerance among diabetic models, confirming its potential for glycaemic control. Additional analyses revealed that Afriplex® GRT also supports lipid balance and improves cholesterol regulation—key factors in lowering cardiovascular risk. These findings position Afriplex® GRT as a scientifically validated, plant-derived solution for comprehensive metabolic health.
Human study
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial has been designed to evaluate Afriplex® GRT in obese men and women over a six-week intervention. Participants will undergo comprehensive physiological assessments before and after treatment. The study will also focus on oxidative stress markers to provide deeper insight into Afriplex® GRT’s role in metabolic health. This pivotal trial represents a significant step toward validating Afriplex® GRT as a scientifically proven, plant-derived solution for managing obesity-related complications.