EMMANUEL KUFRE UKO
Universityof Calabar, Calabar Nigeria
Title: Impact of an anti-retroviral African herbal preparation with a trade mark ‘Winnie cure’, on some haematological parameters of HIV infected patients in Nigeria
Biography
Biography: EMMANUEL KUFRE UKO
Abstract
The crystalline powder preparation of the herbal extract was prescribed at a dose of 5 ml containing 250 mg, taken three times daily. Preliminary laboratory studies in animals and humans were reported to be safe in humans. This herbal preparation is reported to manifest a reasonable degree of recovery from HIV symptoms. This may suggest inhibition of viral replication and or a possible restore of human immunity by mobilizing TWBC, especially the CD4+ and other cells. As a supposed anti-retro viral agent, we suspect that it may have some consequences on haematological parameters. The study was to assess the impact of this African herbal preparation; a supposed anti-retro viral agent on some haematological parameters. Thirty one (31) HIV patients on this preparation were enrolled for this study. The haematological parameter assessed were Hb, PCV, TWBC, differential WBC, platelet count and ESR were estimated using coulter ACT differential Analyzer and Westagreen methods respectively. Blood collection was by standard venopuncture method. The haematological parameters were assessed among the 31 confirmed HIV infected patients before they started treatment and three weeks interval from the time they started treatment till the 9th week (second, third, and fourth visits). At the first, second, third and fourth visits, the ESR (mm/hr) values were decreasing, thus indicating a positive patient response to the drug. It was observed that all the parameters showed significant variation at 3rd visit, level of platelets and PCV values being markedly raised (6 weeks of treatment). From the appreciative changes observed in the haematological parameters under assessment it was observed that the herbal preparation (Trade mark – winner cure) seems to obtain peak activity at 3rd and 4th visit (there is the 6th and 9th weeks of treatment). Clinical and pharmaceutical evaluation of the preparation for the possible use in the treatment of HIV patients is suggested.