Background: HIV/AIDS is a pandemic retarding economic growth and destroying human capital globally. This study therefore investigated the
perceived efficacy of
Betula alba
(BA) and
Sutherlandia frutescens
(SF) decoctions used in the management of HIV/AIDS in Ghana.
Materials and Methods: A study on the records of HIV/AIDS patients attending Habibi Herbal Clinic, Kumasi, Ghana, was conducted to obtain
information on the initial viral load presented during their maiden visit and results after treatment with the herbal decoctions. The decoctions were
assessed for immunostimulatory property in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed ICR mice. Total white blood cell count, as well as
lymphocyte and neutrophil counts were determined and their effects compared with Levamisole. The decoctions were also screened for antimicrobial
activity by the micro dilution method.
Results: The two herbal decoctions used significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.001) the patientsf viral loads (47.42 ± 17.28 % to 13.69 ± 12.42 %; n=16). BA
(1, 2, and 4 mg/kg) and SF (0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mg/kg) caused significant increment (P ≤ 0.001) in total WBC and lymphocyte count in mice comparable
to that produced by 2.5 mg/kg Levamisole. The decoctions also exhibited antimicrobial activity against gram negative and gram positive bacteria as
well as
Candida albicans
(MIC 0.607 to 3.062 mg/ml). Phytochemicals present in both plants include saponins, terpenoids and coumarins.
Conclusion: The
Betula alba and
Sutherlandia frutescens decoctions have interesting immunostimulatory and antimicrobial properties and hence
could be useful in the management of HIV/AIDS and associated opportunistic infections.
