AEGiS-ST: Local plants could beat HIV

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Local plants could beat HIV

Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - September 26, 2009
Chandre Prince

The milky brown drink is being tested by scientists at South Africa's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research following a small initial trial in Zambia where HIV-positive patients who had taken the potential remedy recorded a drop in viral loads.

The director of the Southern African Network for Biosciences, Professor Luke Mumba, said the drink was made up of four indigenous plants.

"We not sure how it works exactly, but it could be safer than ARVs ... it would also be cheaper," said Mumba.

Between 2005 and 2006, Zambian authorities monitored the progress of 11 patients who used the mixture, and all showed significant health improvements.

The traditional healer, who may not be named in terms of a non-disclosure agreement, has been selling the mixture at R320 for a jam jar, with patients having to finish four jars a month.

Mumba said the mixture was undergoing toxicology testing.

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