Herbs give hope in AIDS cure

By ABDULWAKIL SAIBOKO,
14th October 2010 @ 16:00,
Source: Daily News

TANZANIAN researchers are studying some local herbs said to be effective in suppressing multiplication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which trigger AIDS.

Researchers from the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) said the study which involved 500 patients and 18 traditional healers in Arusha and Dar es Salaam between 2003 and 2007 established the potency of some herbs.

The herbs are also said to be good in sustaining CD4 cells, which play a key role in establishing and maximising the immune system. Scientists say HIV attacks and gradually destroys the human immune system, leaving the host unprotected against infection.

It cannot, according to scientists, be spread through casual contact but instead it is contracted mainly through exposure to blood and blood products by sharing hypodermic needles or by accidental needle sticks, semen and female genital secretions or breast milk.

A Senior Research Fellow at MUHAS, Dr Zakaria Mbwambo, said: "I was the principal investigator in the research and we found out that herbals are good at sustaining CD4s and reducing viral load in the patients' blood."

Dr Mbwambo told a news conference that the study which was intended to be the first phase of a series of studies on the herbs has already cost 700m/-. He said more funds were needed for next phases that would include measures to ensure sustainable supply of the herbs, which he declined to disclose.

Dr Mbwambo also said some herbs needed improvement on their taste.

"We came to learn that some of the herbs are too bitter and hence unfriendly to users. Our second phase in this research will include finding out best ways of preparing these medicines, packaging and adding ingredients for users' comfort," he said.

He commended the recent move by the government to recognise the role of traditional healers through registration. He said traditional healers have talents that were vital in the society.

Meanwhile, a non governmental Organisation, African Aids Working Group (AAWG), has set aside 500m/- for research on HIV/AIDS traditional treatment.

The AAWG Chairman, Mr Hussain Mohammad, noted that the organisation in collaboration with some traditional healers is collecting facts on herbs and devising measures to ensure their sustainability.

"We are planning to establish a specialised hospital for HIV/AIDS patients and we will grow suitable medicinal plants, prepare drugs and administer them to patients," he said.