Unani Medicinal Plants with Anti-HIV Potential

Abstract

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a result of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which subsequently leads to severe suppression of immune functions. AIDS is a significant threat to the health of mankind as there is no curative treatment for HIV infection and AIDS. Current anti-retroviral therapies (ART) are quite expensive or unaffordable by common man and are associated with adverse effects and rapid emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, the search for a new, safe, effective and affordable anti-HIV/AIDS drug is a global concern. The aim of this review is to summarize research findings for Unani medicinal plants, which are endowed with the ability to inhibit HIV. The present paper describes 22 Unani medicinal plants which have been shown to inhibit infectivity and replication of HIV. Unani medicinal plants which are most effective and the most commonly studied in relation to AIDS are: Andrographis paniculata, Croton tiglium, Curcuma longa, Hypericum perforatum, Momordica charantia, Phyllanthus urinaria, Polyalthia suberosa and Terminalia chebula. However, clinical studies of these herbs need to be conducted for possible alternative medical treatment of HIV infection and AIDS.

Keywords: Unani medicine, AIDS, HIV RNA, anti-HIV active compounds