Moringa oleifera has the Potential to Manage HIV-1 and May Enhance the Efficacy of ARVs in Suppressing Viral Loads in HIV/AIDS Patients

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is managed by expensive ARVs, which also have side effects, and lead to drug resistance and failure. The use of nutritional remedies in managing HIV/AIDS is becoming popular. Moringa oleifera is a nutrient-dense plant with medicinal properties resulting from its wide range of biological activities. This study investigated the beneficial effect of Moringa oleifera supplementation on the viral loads of HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). A Quasi-Experiment of the regression discontinuity type was conducted at the Comprehensive Care Center, Mbagathi County Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. We recruited 173 HIV seropositive participants undergoing ARV treatment and attending a regular HIV management clinic. The participants were allocated to the intervention group supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf powder or the control group, which was not supplemented. The HIV-1 viral load measurements were assessed at the end of the third month and the sixth month of the study period. Analysis was then done to compare the two groups. The study observed that the percentage of participants with non-detectable viral load in the intervention group increased by 7.23%. In comparison, that of the control group decreased by 10.29% by the end of the study period. The study concluded that M. oleifera has the potential to inhibit HIV-1 and may enhance the efficacy of ARVs in suppressing viral loads in HIV/AIDS patients.