Immunological effect of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina and a known immune booster called immunace(®) and their admixtures on HIV/AIDS clients: a comparative study.

Objective: To investigate the immunological effect of Vernonia amygdalina (V. amygdalina) leaf extract and immunace(®) on HIV infected patients taking highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Methods: Fresh V. amygdalina leaves were collected within Nsukka area in Enugu State. The leaves were rinsed with distilled water. Two handful of cleaned fresh leaves were soaked in 200 mL water and squeezed gently by hand to a mixture. Clients were divided into four groups and each group was given different combination. They took the medication for four weeks. The immune effect was tested against marketed immune booster in some retroviral clients.

Results: The mean absolute CD4 count was increased in the client who took the extract or supplement. And the clients who took both the extract and supplement had a greater increase in the CD4 count. The increased CD4 was significant as compared with the control group (P<0.05). The skin rashes were also improved in the entire groups.

Conclusions: It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of V. amygdalina and immunace or both have immunological effect on HIV infected patients. Therefore, we suggest that the V. amygdalina extract or immunace or both could be used as adjuvant in the management of HIV/AIDS clients.