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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Table 1. Constant low CD4 Levels
NAME
HIV
CD4
CD8 3 4 5
Y.B
<50
1000
0.05
640
O.08
650
0.09 64
756
0.8 †
D.O.
282
558
0.52
330
517
0.64
305
480
300
520
0.57
Y.A.
956.
0.06
960
946
A.T
196
874
0.22
200
954
0.20
209
723
0.29

11. Table 2. Increasing CD4 Levels
NAME
HIV 1
CD4
CD8 2 3 4 5
A.M
<50
854
0.06
340
756
0.45
350
765
0.46
840
0.41 S
O.B.
147
900
0.16
168
956
0.17
209
1000
.021
357
968
0.36
428
1205 †
J.K. 96
960
0.1
108
1040
360
1258
0.28
540
1327
0.40
745
1488
L.P. 89
353
0.25
290
0.82
476
653
0.73
A.S.
150
345
0.43
325
0.92
A.K.U.
128
1595
0.08
1698
0.20
322
1437
0.22
425
1590
0.27
486
1592
S.B.
210
920
0.39
523
0.52
754
1320
0.57
942
1415
A.A.
320
0.65
0.95

12. Table 3. High CD4 Levels NAME HIV 1 2 1 CD4 CD8 2 3 CD4 4 5 M.A + -
1 2 1
CD4
CD8 2 3
 CD4  4
  5
M.A
1021
750
1.36
1000
650
1.53
1001
652
1.5
1.54
1011
G.T.
1062
741
1.43
1O70
748
1280
753
1.7
1170
780
1072
758

14. Treatment of Herpes Zoster

15. Preparations of decoctions Dosage of herbal decoctions
Constraints
 Mistrust
Preparations of decoctions
Dosage of herbal decoctions
Definitions -cure and treatment

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

17. 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

18. 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.

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

20. 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.

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

22. THANK YOU !!! MERÇI BEAUCOUP!!
GRACIAS!!!
ASANTE SANA !!! YE DA MU ASε !!!