Changes in CD4 counts, CD8 counts and viral loads in HIV infected individuals on a herbal supplement : peer reviewed original article

Abstract

Objective: Studies on the success of antiretroviral (ARV) drug therapy in improving the quality of life in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected individuals has been extensively performed and published. However, alternate or supplementary herbal therapies are preferred by some HIV infected individuals. The aim of this study was to observe the change in the immune status of HIV infected patients that were on the herbal supplement Inochi New Medicine immune booster. Methods: This study involved 131 HIV infected individuals with CD4 counts of <500 cells/mm 3 . They were neither on any anti-HIV therapy nor on any herbal supplement before starting the study treatment. The patients were given the Inochi New Medicine immune booster treatment. Results: Forty seven participants were successfully followed-up after six months on the herbal supplement. Fourteen of the 47 participants (29.8%) showed a statistically significant increase in their CD4 counts ( p = 0.000). Twenty three of 47 participants (50%) showed a statistically significantly increase in their CD8 counts ( p = 0.000). Seven of 43 participants (16.3%) had their viral loads decreased by more than 0.5 log copies/ml ( p = 0.032). Conclusion: It is concluded from this study that the Inochi New Medicine immune booster produced quantitative improvements in most participants. An extensive follow-up study is necessary to investigate other influencing factors in this improvement/ lack of improvement.