The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is responsible for causing AIDS, an immune system disorder that makes a person more likely to suffer from potentially fatal conditions such as pneumonia and cancer. Although there is no cure for HIV infection, a number of drugs, such as fusion inhibitors and protease inhibitors, can help to slow its progression and improve quality of life. Some herbs may also give the immune system a boost and help to reduce treatment-related side effects. Ask your doctor how to incorporate them into your treatment program.
Examples
The University of Maryland Medical Center cites several herbs that may be beneficial for HIV sufferers, including green tea and bitter melon. Green tea is a popular beverage that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is also used as an alternative treatment for a variety of conditions, including hypertension and cancer. Bitter melon contains a number of active compounds, one of which, a protein known as MAP30, may inhibit the HIV virus. UMMC suggests taking 250 mg to 500 mg of the standardized extract of green tea daily, or you may prefer to take 200 mg of a standardized extract of bitter melon two or three times per day. Ask your doctor if these doses are appropriate for you.
Effectiveness
Few studies have examined the role of bitter melon in the treatment of HIV. However a study by W. Jiratchariyakul and colleagues, published in the June 2001 issue of "Planta Medica," found that a protein in bitter melon, known as MRK29, inhibited the expression of viral core proteins in HIV-infected cells. A compound found in green tea, known as epigallocatechin gallate, may inhibit HIV-1 infectivity, according to the findings of the study by C.L. Nance and colleagues, published in February 2009 issue of the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology." As such, the authors conclude that this compound should be considered as an alternative treatment for HIV.
Side Effects
Short-term use of bitter melon appears to be safe according to RxList. However, whether it is safe to use for longer than three months is unclear. It may lower your blood sugar levels, so get your blood sugar levels checked regularly if you also suffer from diabetes. Green tea is also likely safe, but its caffeine content means that drinking more than five cups a day may cause side effects, including headache, nausea, restlessness, irritability and tremor. It may also hinder your body's ability to absorb iron from food sources. You should not use any of these herbal products without consulting your doctor.
Considerations
Bitter melon and green tea are not suitable for everyone. Green tea, for example, is contraindicated in a large number of conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, osteoporosis and anemia. It also interacts with several other drugs, including lithium, anticoagulants, sleeping tablets, birth control pills and some antibiotics. Bitter melon may interact with diabetes drugs. Get confirmation from your doctor that it is safe for you to use these herbs alongside your HIV medicines.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: HIV and AIDS
- MedlinePlus: Green Tea
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Bitter Melon
- "Planta Medica"; HIV Inhibitor from Thai Bitter Gourd; W. Jiratchariyakul, et al.; June 2001
- "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology"; Preclinical Development of the Green Tea Catechin, Epigallocatechin Gallate, as an HIV-1 Therapy; C.L. Nance, et al.; February 2009
- RxList: Bitter Melon
Member Comments