The immunostimulatory and antimicrobial property of two herbal decoctions used in the management of HIV/AIDS in Ghana.

Ga Koffuor,G Dapaah,E Ekuadzi,Sy Gbedema,R Dickson,Lf Otoo

doi:10.4314/ajtcam.v11i3.24

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is a pandemic retarding economic growth and destroying human capital globally. This study therefore investigated the perceived efficacy of Betula alba (BA) and Sutherlandia frutescens (SF) decoctions used in the management of HIV/AIDS in Ghana. A study on the records of HIV/AIDS patients attending Habibi Herbal Clinic, Kumasi, Ghana, was conducted to obtain information on the initial viral load presented during their maiden visit and results after treatment with the herbal decoctions. The decoctions were assessed for immunostimulatory property in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed ICR mice. Total white blood cell count, as well as lymphocyte and neutrophil counts were determined and their effects compared with Levamisole. The decoctions were also screened for antimicrobial activity by the micro dilution method. The two herbal decoctions used significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.001) the patients' viral loads (47.42 ± 17.28 % to 13.69 ± 12.42 %; n=16). BA (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg) and SF (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mg/kg) caused significant increment (P ≤ 0.001) in total WBC and lymphocyte count in mice comparable to that produced by 2.5 mg/kg Levamisole. The decoctions also exhibited antimicrobial activity against gram negative and gram positive bacteria as well as Candida albicans (MIC 0.607 to 3.062 mg/ml). Phytochemicals present in both plants include saponins, terpenoids and coumarins. The Betula alba and Sutherlandia frutescens decoctions have interesting immunostimulatory and antimicrobial properties and hence could be useful in the management of HIV/AIDS and associated opportunistic infections.

Highlights

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that primarily infects and destroys CD4+ T cells of the human immune system directly and indirectly (Alimonti et al, 2003)
Materials and Methods: A study on the records of HIV/AIDS patients attending Habibi Herbal Clinic, Kumasi, Ghana, was conducted to obtain information on the initial viral load presented during their maiden visit and results after treatment with the herbal decoctions
Both Betula alba (BA) and Sutherlandia frutescens (SF) showed the presence of saponins, triterpene nucleus, reducing sugars and coumarins

Summary

Introduction

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that primarily infects and destroys CD4+ T cells of the human immune system directly and indirectly (Alimonti et al, 2003). Over three-quarters of these deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, (UNAIDS/WHO, 2007) These developments negatively affect economic growth and destroy or decrease the human resource base (Bell et al, 2008). The decoctions exhibited antimicrobial activity against gram negative and gram positive bacteria as well as Candida albicans (MIC 0.607 to 3.062 mg/ml). Phytochemicals present in both plants include saponins, terpenoids and coumarins. Conclusion: The Betula alba and Sutherlandia frutescens decoctions have interesting immunostimulatory and antimicrobial properties and could be useful in the management of HIV/AIDS and associated opportunistic infections

Methods

Results

Conclusion