AEGiS-08IAC: Primary report on the use of Chinese herbal extract of mormodica charantia (bitter melon) in HIV infected pts.

8th International AIDS Conference

Amsterdam, Netherlands — July 19-24, 1992

Primary report on the use of Chinese herbal extract of mormodica charantia (bitter melon) in HIV infected pts.

Int Conf AIDS 1992 Jul 19-24; 8:148 (abstract no. PuB 7597)
Zhang Q, Khanyile C; Sino Med Institute, New York, NY 10029.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate effectiveness of MORMODICA CHARANTIA (MC) in altering the course of infection with HIV.

METHOD: An extract of MC was made from decoction. Daily administration via oral and/or rectal routes were used. Labs including T4/T8 were drawn periodically. Clinical observations were done regularly.

RESULTS: Data from 6 patients, 4 with moderate counts and 2 with AIDS are presented below. TABULAR DATA, SEE ABSTRACT VOLUME. About 90-100 patients in California are on this regimen and data is being gathered. Clinical outcomes from these patients have been very good and promising. CD4/CD8 have tended to normalize.

CONCLUSION: Very promising herbal remedy with low/no toxicity, inexpensive (can be used in both developed and developing countries), improves sense of well being, energy level, and increases CD4 levels. It has an important immune rebuilding and stabilizing effect. MC consists of 3 proteins alpha-, beta-momorcharin, and MAP-30 which have been found to be inhibitory to HIV-infected macrophages and lymphocytes. MC also inhibits syncitia formation. MC belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, like Compound Q. Further studies are needed to determine length of therapy and effect other markers.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV-1, HIV Infections, Antigens, CD8, Anti-HIV Agents, Cucurbitaceae, Antigens, CD4, Infection, HIV Core Protein p24, Cucumis, HIV Protease Inhibitors, Macrophages, AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections, Plant Proteins, California, momorcharin, Human, pathogenicity, organization & administration, ICA8
920719
PuB7597