African plant shows promise in tackling HIV latency phase
A plant from the spurge family, growing in Africa, has shown antiviral potential in fighting HIV during its latency phase. Although the species has been known for years and previously used to treat various diseases and ailments, scientists have only now discovered this specific action.
Researchers from the Wistar Institute and the University of Buea in Cameroon have reached surprising conclusions. The plant species Croton oligandrus has demonstrated medicinal mechanisms with antiviral potential against HIV.
Findings from the researchers are reported in the "Journal of Experimental Pharmacology." It is possible that even though the research was conducted locally, it could have global implications.
This work demonstrates the value of global partnerships to the search for an HIV cure. An effective cure will need to reach people around the world, and by leveraging traditional African ethnomedicine, we’re making progress toward a cure with accessibility in mind - emphasized Luis Montaner, director of the HIV Cure and Viral Diseases Center, who is leading HIV research at Wistar.
Research has been ongoing for years: HIV is still not completely curable
Research on HIV and AIDS has been ongoing for years but has not yielded definitive results. While it is true that individuals can live a full life with HIV, the virus cannot be completely eliminated. Even those undergoing continuous antiretroviral treatment retain the virus in reservoirs throughout the body, which can reactivate at any moment.
This species has been used in traditional medicine for years
C. oligandrus was selected by scientists for research due to its long history in traditional medicine. Along with other related African plants, it has been an integral part of ethnomedicine.
As reported by zielona.interia.pl, residents of Cameroon and neighbouring countries have depended on traditional plant medicine from healers for thousands of years to treat every type of disease, from cancer to diabetes. Now, some species are proving effective even in treating HIV.
Scientists isolated compounds from the powdered bark and conducted tests that confirmed in four out of six compounds the reversal of HIV latency in vitro. The authors of the studies hope these findings will become a breakthrough.
