Natural Treatments for AIDS - HIV 

Overview 

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, approximately 33.2 million people were living with AIDS as of December 2007, with 2.5 million newly reported cases and 2.1 million cases resulting in death. Once thought to be a disease predominant among homosexual men, current statistics show that more than 7,000 women and approximately 1,700 children across the globe are infected with HIV each day. Clearly, AIDS has reached epidemic proportions for much of the world’s population. 

In the US, the number of HIV-infected infected individuals in 2007 was 1.3 million, up from 1.1 million just six years earlier. Obviously, HIV/AIDS is not found exclusively among any race, regional population, sex or other specific group. However, poor sanitary conditions and lack of adequate medical care in some parts of the world does play a role in its prevalence. 

What is AIDS/HIV? 

Most people equate news of being HIV-positive with contracting a lethal disease. However, HIV is not deadly in itself. Classified as a retrovirus, the mechanism of HIV is to impair the immune system to the point that the body is unable to defend itself from other threats, which can range from something as aggressive as cancer to an otherwise fairly benign infection. The virus does this by converting its own RNA (ribonucleic acid) into DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) using an enzyme known as RNA-reverse transcriptase as a vehicle. This newly formed DNA then replaces the normal DNA of the infected cell to replicate itself. The cells most targeted are T-cells, a type of lymphocyte, or specialized white blood cell. Other helper lymphocytes (CD4 cells and their subsets that carry the T4 marker) begin to multiply in response to this invasion. However, these cells also become the target of HIV. This process continues until normal lymphocytes dwindle in number, are eventually destroyed, and replaced by HIV DNA-driven cells. At this point, the infected person has arrived at the late stage of HIV infection, or AIDS. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis of AIDS/HIV 

Symptoms of HIV infection may appear suddenly or with delayed onset. Sudden onset usually presents as fever, profuse sweating, fatigue, sore throat and/or swelling of the lymph glands, diarrhea and joint and muscle pain. Sometimes, a localized rash may appear on the torso. These symptoms often occur in conjunction with another infection being present, which provides the opportunity for HIV to take hold. 

Delayed onset is characterized by chronic fatigue, lasting fever, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, joint and muscle pain and swelling of the lymph glands. 

Advanced HIV infection, or AIDS, is accompanied by loss of nerve functioning, deterioration of fat and muscle, vision loss or disturbance, and dementia. 

Diagnosis is made by testing the blood for the presence of the HIV antigen and its antibodies, as well as other dependent factors, including: 

-         Detection of any of the 24 opportunistic infections (OIs) that compromise the immune system. Some common OIs include oral candidiasis (thrush), herpes simplex viruses, pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) and tuberculosis (TB).  

-         CD4 count, or the measure of the number of helper lymphocyte cells that become stimulated when the OI becomes active. 

-         CD8 count, or the ratio of helper lymphocyte cells to the total number of lymphocytes.

Risk Factors for AIDS/HIV 

While HIV infection is primarily responsible for the development of AIDS, lifestyle and nutritional status are also factors of consideration in determining risk. However, other issues may place a person at increased risk, such as: 

-         Drug use that includes sharing intravenous needles. 

-         Sexual contact with an HIV-infected person, regardless of gender. 

-         Poor nutritional status, which can suppress the immune system and allow the HIV infection to more easily progress to AIDS. 

-         Specific nutritional deficiencies of vitamin B-12, vitamin E and selenium, or impaired uptake and absorption of antioxidants.

The Natural Approach in the Treatment of AIDS/HIV 

Since immune system functioning is so critical in fighting HIV infection and slowing its progression to AIDS, it is the primary goal of treatment to provide optimal nutrition aimed at immune support. As previously stated, HIV does not kill. However, if an opportunistic infection presents itself due to suppressed immune system functioning, then a window may open for HIV replication and the subsequent progression toward AIDS. Therefore, all HIV-infected individuals, including those with full-blown AIDS, will benefit from nutritional support. However, before we begin a discussion of nutritional and botanical therapies, there are three very important factors that must be stressed: 

-         The goal of natural therapies is to provide complimentary and integrative treatments, not alternatives to conventional treatments. Further, if your CD4 count is below 500, it is even more critical that conventional treatments not be abandoned. 

-         Do not attempt to undertake a supplement regimen of any kind without discussing it with your health care practitioner. Every individual is different and only your physician is qualified to judge which supplements and dietary strategies are right for you. 

-         Although the herb echinacea is established as a potent immuno-modulating therapy, HIV-infected patients should not take it. The reason for this is due to the herb’s action of stimulating T-cell production, which could result in assisting HIV in transferring its DNA into these cells and replicating itself. 

That said, an HIV-positive individual should strive toward achieving a balanced, healthful diet that is: 

-         High in whole grains, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables. 

-         Low in fats and refined flours and sugars. 

-         Sufficient in protein, but not in excessive amounts. (HIV/AIDS patients require 2.0 grams of protein per 2.2 pounds of body weight, compared to 0.8 grams for non-infected individuals. The consumption of whey protein (micro-filtered and ion-exchanged) of 1.0 gram per 2.0 grams of body weight is helpful to increase glutamine content in cells to prevent wasting of fat and muscle and deter viral replication.) 

-         Adequate in water intake—at least five 8-ounce glasses of filtered water per day.

Recommended Supplements in the Treatment of AIDS/HIV 

Antioxidants 

Several studies have found that HIV-infected individuals have an impaired antioxidant defense system, either due to poor nutrition or an inability to absorb nutrients. This condition allows increased peroxidation of lipids (breakdown of fats), which can promote replication of HIV. To counter this, the goal is to increase levels of gluthathione (an amino acid) in white blood cells by increasing antioxidant activity. 

Vitamin E 

Studies have shown that vitamin E may significantly decease the risk of HIV infection progressing to AIDS. Researchers have also found that more than half of AIDS patients and nearly 40% of HIV-positive individuals get less than 50% of the recommended daily allowance of this vitamin. Yet, some studies suggest that maintaining a high serum level of vitamin E may reduce the risk of developing AIDS by as much as 34%. 

Beta-carotene 

A deficiency of vitamin A is often found in people that are HIV-positive, which translates to fewer T-cells in circulation. Low levels of this vitamin has also been linked to a higher mortality rate among AIDS patients. However, vitamin A is also capable of stimulating replication of HIV when present in its active form of retinoic acid. For this reason, researchers believe that beta-carotene may be a better form of vitamin A for HIV-infected individuals. Studies have shown that beta-carotene supplementation increases both lymphocyte and CD4 cell counts. However, natural sources of beta-carotene (i.e., palm oils, algae, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, etc.) are preferred due to being more bioavailable and readily absorbed. 

Selenium 

Supplementation with selenium is a primary treatment goal for all HIV-positive and AIDS patients. Gluthathione peroxidase is dependant on selenium, which is often deficient in such individuals. Adequate selenium intake is also considered to be a major contributor in deterring the progression of HIV infection to AIDS. 

Lipoic Acid 

Lipoic acid, also known as alpha-lipioc acid or thioctic acid, is a sulfur-containing fatty acid found in every cell of the body where it converts blood glucose into cellular energy. This fatty acid is also involved in many more metabolic processes and provides important antioxidant activity. For one thing, it neutralizes both fat and water-soluble free radicals while other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E are only effective in one or the other. For instance, when sufficient serum levels of lipoic acid are available, levels of malondialdehyde, a by-product of lipid peroxidation, significantly decrease. Lipoic acid also inhibits the action of reverse transcriptase, thereby preventing HIV replication. In addition, lipoic acid increase cellular gluthathione levels, as well as helper lymphocyte counts. 

L-Carnitine 

Carnitine, an amino acid produced by the liver and kidneys, is also utilized by cells and plays an important role in supporting immunity. Of particular interest is the ability of this compound to deter damage to muscle cells that sometimes occurs with treatment of the drug zidovudine, better known as AZT. (In addition to producing anemia, one of the known side effects of this drug is to cause damage to the mitochondria of muscle cells and interfering with cellular energy production, leading to muscle fatigue and pain.) In one study, as little as 6 grams per day given to AZT-treated AIDS patients resulted in a significant increase in white blood cell count and decreased circulation of “tumor necrosis factor,” specialized cytokines that promote inflammation and which are known triggers of HIV replication. 

Zinc 

Zinc is one of the most important nutrients required for proper immune function, but is also one of the most common deficiencies found among AIDS patients. Zinc deceases the risk of contracting one of the OIs and increases CD4 cell count. Zinc also encourages the production of thymulin, a hormone that binds to protein and zinc to regulate the immune system by stabilizing the ratio of helper lymphocytes to suppressor cells. 

Vitamin B-12 

Up to 35% of all HIV-positive individuals show deficient serum levels of this vitamin. Studies have demonstrated that low levels of blood concentrations of vitamin B-12 (as cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin) leads to faster progression to AIDS, combined with increased severity of neurological disturbances. However, research has shown that high concentrations of cobalamin (so named for its cobalt content) appear to prevent HIV replication in vitro. 

Herbs Used in the Treatment of AIDS/HIV 

There is no certain treatment, conventional or complimentary, that can guarantee success at reducing HIV-related complications or progression of the virus to AIDS. However, just as nutritional support may help to promote the most efficient immune system functioning possible, botanical therapies aim for similar results. In short, the use of herbal medicine in the treatment of HIV/AIDS has four primary goals: 

-         To deter HIV replication. 

-         To improve nutrition uptake and/or reduce side effects from HIV drugs. 

-         To reduce the risk and incidence of opportunistic infections. 

-         To support immunity.

Licorice 

The beneficial constituents of licorice are glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, which have been shown to improve immune function. Licorice extracts may prove to be a very important natural therapy for AIDS/HIV patients, as several studies indicate. One double-blind study examined the benefits of long-term glycyrrhizin therapy in 16 HIV-positive subjects. After three to seven years, none of the glycyrrhizin-treated group experienced suppression of the immune system or developed AIDS. However, the non-treated group exhibited lower lymphocyte counts and two subjects progressed to AIDS. Several subsequent studies along these lines showed similar results, in addition to improved liver function and a decrease or even complete absence of the P24 antigen. 

The only stipulation to licorice supplementation is that blood pressure and potassium must be monitored very carefully since long-term use of this herb may lead to water and sodium retention and a depletion of potassium. 

Bromelain 

One of the actions of prescription drugs used to treat AIDS/HIV is to inhibit protein-digesting enzymes, or proteases. However, many protease-inhibiting drugs produce harmful side effects, even toxicity. Bromelain has been found to be a highly effective protease inhibitor that is generally well tolerated. Derived from all part of the pineapple fruit, bromelain naturally occurs as two types of enzymes with protease activity. In addition, bromelain also supplies calcium and peroxidase, which may contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties. 

Green Tea 

The active constituent of green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), has demonstrated a strong ability to prevent HIV replication when introduced to infected lymphocytes. Green tea contains other polyphenols with proven antioxidant qualities and which several studies suggest may promote the repair of damage cellular material. There is also evidence that green tea may help to mitigate HIV-associated nerve damage and dementia. 

Olive Leaf 

The extract of olive leaf displays anti-HIV viral activity by preventing replication and P24 expression in infected cells. Researchers suspect that the active component of olive leaf, oleuropein, which is converted into olenoic acid in the body, may be behind the mechanism of inhibiting viral replication. 

Turmeric 

Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is what lends the spice its rich, golden color. It has also been shown to be highly effective in blocking several mechanisms involved in HIV. Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that curcumin prevents HIV replication by inhibiting LTR, or the long terminal repeat gene that signals the viral DNA to become active. A subsequent study, showed that curcumin also blocks HIV integrase, the enzyme that permits the synthesis of reverse transcriptase and the transference of the viral RNA into the DNA of normal cells. Further research indicates that curcumin also blocks tumor necrosis factor, as well as the inflammatory mediator NF-kappa B, or TNF. As an added benefit, curcumin provides highly potent antioxidant activity—up to 300 times more than vitamin E.  

To gain any medicinal benefit curcumin, it is necessary to take a concentrated preparation. Otherwise, a person would have to consume nearly 4 ounces of the spice per day to obtain any effect. Also, such preparations are often formulated to include bromelain to increase absorption of curcumin.

Neem 

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