THE ROLE OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE IN MANAGING HIV/AIDS: The Case of Ghana September 8-9, 2005

THE USEFULNESS OF HERBAL MEDICINES IN POST HIGHLY ACTIVE ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT (HAART) ERA BY DR. MUBARAK OSEI-KWASI Noguchi Memorial Institute For Medical Research, University Of Ghana August 11, 2005

High prevalence of HIV infection among pregnant African women between 24 and 29 years means that most of them were infected between 15 and 19 years ( Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) years

Despite positive impact that antiretroviral therapy has had on the lives of individuals with HIV infection, the adverse effects, potential long- term toxicities, complexity of regimens, development of drug resistance and cost have made decisions about when to initiate HAART difficult.

Patients are seeking help from alternative systems of medicines –Unani, Chinese, Ayurvedic, naturopathy, acupuncture, Kneipt-Therapy, homeopathy and many others

Their importance has led to a new Discipline known as Alternative Medicine being taught in some higher institutions in Europe, America and Asia.

Africans use medicinal plants for the treatment of many diseases without any scientific evidence. It is known that some medicinal plants contain vitamins, minerals, etc. which help the body maintain a healthy balance.

Description Of Patients Signs and symptoms specifically asked for and documented Chronic diarrhoea of greater than 1-month duration. Unintentional weight loss Greater than 10% of body weigh Dermatological problems. Prolonged fever (documented more than 1- month duration) Persistent cough Genital ulceration and vaginal discharge Menstrual disorders.

Description Of Patients Signs and symptoms specifically asked for and documented Chronic diarrhoea of greater than 1-month duration. Unintentional weight loss Greater than 10% of body weigh Dermatological problems. Prolonged fever (documented more than 1-month duration) Persistent cough Genital ulceration and vaginal discharge Menstrual disorders.

NAMEHIV 1 2CD4CD8 CD4 CD8CD4CD8 CD4 CD8 3 CD4CD8 CD4 CD8 4 CD4 CD8 CD4 CD8 5 CD4 Y.B+ < <50640O.08< † D.O † Y.A.+ < < < †† A.T †† Table 1. Constant low CD 4 Levels

NA ME HIV CD4 CD8 CD4 CD8 2 CD 4 CD8 CD4 CD8 3 CD 4 CD8 CD4 CD8 4 CD4 CD8 CD4 CD8 5 CD4 CD8 A.M+ < SS O.B † J.K † L.P SS A.S SS A.K. U S.B A.A SS Table 2. Increasing CD4 Levels

Table 3. High CD4 Levels NAME HIV CD4 CD8 CD4 CD8 2 CD4 CD8 CD4 CD8 3 CD4 CD8 CD 4 CD8 4 CD4 CD4 CD8 5 CD4 CD8 CD4 M.A G.T O

Treatment of Herpes Zoster

Constraints 1. Mistrust 2.Preparations of decoctions 3.Dosage of herbal decoctions 4.Definitions -cure and treatment

Constraints (cont.) 5. Acceptance of herbal medications by orthodox medical institutions 6. Research funding 7.Support - i) Herbalist -ii) Patients

RESEARCH ON FLAVONOIDS Hu CQ, Chen K, Shi Q, Kilkuskie RE, Cheng YC, Lee KH. Natural Products Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina

RESEARCH ON FLAVONOID (Cont.) Seven other natural flavonoids, and 14 synthetic flavonoids have been evaluated. Flavonoids with hydroxy groups at C- 5 and C-7 and with a C-2-C-3 double bond have been found to be potent inhibitors of HIV growth.

SOME SOURCES OF FLAVONOIDS COCOA GREEN TEA CHRYSANTHENIUM ETC. –Identified As Major Sources Of These Compounds.

A CHALLENGE OF OUR TIME Ghanaian scientists (esp. Chemists and Biochemists) should do their best to isolate these compounds and join hands with other researchers to evaluate them for medicinal purposes.

LAST WORDS WISDOM IS FROM ALLAH (GOD), EXPERIENCE CAN MAKE MAN KNOWLEDGABLE, BUT ONLY ALLAH (GOD) CAN MAKE HIM WISE

THANK YOU !!! MERÇI BEAUCOUP!! GRACIAS!!! ASANTE SANA !!! YE DA MU AS ε ASANTE SANA !!! YE DA MU AS ε !!!