Traditional Medicine and HIV

Question 1

HIV is caused by 2 species of?

Answer 1

Lentivirus, a subgroup of retrovirus.

Question 2

What is African traditional medicine?

Answer 2

African traditional medicine is a form of holistic health care system divided into three levels of specialty namely divination, spiritualism and herbalism.

Question 3

What is Traditional medicine according to WHO?

Answer 3

This refers to the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used in the maintenance of health and in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical or mental illness.

Question 4

What are some tried and tested methods of traditional medicine?

Answer 4

1. Acupuncture for pain disorders, high BP, depression, morning sickness etc
2. The Chinese herb Artemisia annua is effective against resistant malaria
3. In South Africa, Sutherlandia microphylla may increase energy, appetite and body mass of people living with HIV.

Question 5

What is the MOA of Sutherlandia microphylla?

Answer 5

The leaves help the human
body to mobilize its own
immunologic and physiologic resources to
help combat diseases and
fight mental and emotional stress. Formulated into teas, decoctions, capsules and tablets.

Question 6

What is the MOA of Hypoxis hemerocallidea?

Answer 6

The corms show indirect
evidence that sterols and
sterolins potential to
enhance immunity and
widely used in HIV.

Question 7

What is the MOA of Pelargonium sidoides?

Answer 7

Root extracted polyphenolic compounds of the plant has beneficial activity against HIV-1 as it inhibits the fusion of the virus to the host cell.

Question 8

Name 3 medicinal plants that have undergone clinical trials for anti-HIV therapy

Answer 8

Echinacea purpurea,
Moringa olelfera,
and Tripterygium wifordii
have undergone clinical trials for anti-HIV therapy.