Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Chinese join Aids herbal experiment: Thai scientists apply for TB-cure patent
Bangkok Post - October 25, 2001
Anjira Assavanonda
The Thai and Chinese governments are collaborating in an experiment on the use of Chinese herbal medicines to treat HIV/Aids. Supachai Kunaratanapruek, the deputy public health permanent secretary, said the first phase had been carried out in China, and the second phase was under way in San Pa Tong district, Chiang Mai. Dr Supachai said the trial, which started in March, had produced satisfying results. Among 28 patients taking part, 13 were now carrying lower viral loads. No side-effects had been reported and generally patient health had improved. Chawalit Santikitrungruang, adviser to the Medical Services Department, said the trial would enter a third phase early next year, with hundreds of volunteers expected to take part. The trial medicines comprised six kinds of Chinese herbs, three of them available in Thailand. Thai herbs would be included in the third phase. Research would continue for a year. Ideally, he said, herbs should strengthen patient health, in combination with other modern cocktail therapies. Dr Chawalit said that generally, Chinese herbs would have four qualities. They would relieve symptoms, get rid of toxicity, deal with the cause of illness and increase immunity. The governments have also agreed to develop Thai and Chinese herbs for export. The agreement was reached at a meeting of health ministers and senior officials. Phumin Leethiraprasert, assistant secretary to the public health minister, said the Chinese government would allow China World Best, a state enterprise, to join the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation in a venture exporting Thai herbs. The countries would also exchange experience of health system reform and HIV/Aids control. Dr Phumin said the Chinese government had also shown interest in the 30-baht medical care scheme and the 100% condom project to control Aids. Thai scientists have applied for a tuberculosis-cure patent on an extract from khaa, or greater galangal, a root-herb commonly used in Thai cooking. Morakot Tanticharoen, BioThai director, said scientists had spent three years researching the plant before establishing that its root is rich with NCA, a substance that can cure tuberculosis which is resistant to modern medicines. Tests on rats showed NCA was highly effective in curing tuberculosis. Tests were planned on human beings, he said. "We are in the process of adjusting the chemical structure of NCA to improve its curative quality," he said.
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