CSIR tests healer's HIV 'cure'
2009-09-21 22:13
Johannesburg - Scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) are testing a mixture of indigenous plants used by a traditional healer who claims it can cure HIV/Aids.
The research was described at the Sixth annual Bio2Biz conference in Durban on Monday.
About 700 scientists from across the continent are attending the event, which aims to build partnerships between biotechnologists and the business community.
Luke Mumba, director of the Southern African Network for Biosciences (SANBio), said so far tests revealed that one of the plants the healer uses in a milky brown drink has properties that could make it almost as effective as the antiretroviral indinavir.
"The active ingredients from all the plants have been turned into a powder and made into a capsule," said Mumba.
"So far, tests are being done on mice, but the research will be continued with a human clinical trial in three southern African countries once legal permission has been obtained," he said.
SANBio is the southern African arm of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) bioscience initiative.
The research into the anti-Aids plants that make up the traditional healer’s drink is one of four initiatives being spearheaded by SANBio. The names of the plants in the drink are being kept secret.
Mumba said the plant research was the main project and was urgent as it was being removed by the traditional healer "in truckloads" as he tried to meet demand for his anti-Aids medicinal drink at his clinic.
"It is all very exciting," Mumba said.
- SAPA