EFFECT OF IMMUNOMODULATORY HERBAL MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS ON CD4 + LYMPHOCYTE COUNT AND TOTAL VIRAL LOAD IN HIV-INFECTED INDIVIDUALS

This study was carried out to determine the effect of herbal medication on the clinical status of HIV infected persons especially on their CD4+ T lymphocyte count and viral load. The toxicity of the medication was also studied. 25 HIV positive individuals were taken for the study. They were treated with a herbal formulation developed in our centre, for one year. Patients were evaluated for their clinical status every month and CD4+ T lymphocyte and viral load every six months. Other parameters assessed were body weight, hematological analysis and hepatic and renal function tests. Body weight was found to be increased in 20 patients out of 25 who have undergone treatment. CD4+T lymphocyte count was increased in 15 patients and viral load was decreased in 20 patients. In six patients viral load was undetectable range. Administration of these medications significantly reduced, elevated interferon-? and tumor necrosis factor in HIV patients. Medication did not produce any toxicity in HIV patients, as it did notshow any significant change in hepatic function, renal function and haematology. Administration of herbalpreparation was found to reduce clinical symptoms produced by HIV infection. This herbal formulationwas found useful therapeutically for the management of HIV infection and did not produce any toxicity.