Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Chinese herb therapy for HIV-1-infected individuals.
BACKGROUND
Alternative medicine or complementary remedies that have not been scientifically tested are nonetheless widely used to treat chronic illnesses, particularly if curative options are limited.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of Chinese medicinal herbs in reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life of HIV-infected persons.


METHODS
Prospective, placebo-controlled double-blind study.


METHODS
University-based HIV outpatient clinic.


METHODS
68 HIV-infected adults with CD4 cell counts <0.5 x 10(9)/L.


METHODS
Participants were randomized to receive four daily doses of seven pills containing a standardized preparation of 35 Chinese herbs or placebo for 6 months.


METHODS
Symptoms, HIV disease progression, HIV-1 RNA plasma viral loads, CD4 and CD8 cell counts, and scores on standard questionnaires for quality of life, depression, anxiety, and coping.


RESULTS
Intervention and placebo groups were equivalent at baseline regarding, respectively, previous antiretroviral therapy (74% versus 79%), median CD4 cell counts (0.20 x 10(9)/L versus 0.25 x 10(9)/L), and median HIV-1 plasma viral loads (35,612 copies/ml versus 52,027 copies/ml). At enrollment, none of the study subjects was seriously ill or depressed, and average coping and quality of life scores were in the normal range. In all, 53 (78%) participants completed the study. Patients taking Chinese herbs reported significantly more gastrointestinal disturbances (79% versus 38%; p = .003) than those receiving placebo. No therapy-related toxicities were observed. At completion of the study, no significant differences between the intervention and placebo groups were found regarding plasma viral loads, CD4 cell counts, symptoms, and psychometric parameters. HIV-1 RNA level was unchanged at study end. Among participants who were not on concomitant antiretroviral therapy, median CD4 cell counts declined by 0.05 x 10(9)/L in both the intervention and placebo groups.


CONCLUSIONS
This standardized formulation of Chinese herbs for HIV-infected individuals did not improve quality of life, clinical manifestations, plasma virus loads, or CD4 cell counts. The data suggest that this formulation of Chinese herbs is not effective when administered in a Western medicine setting.
Weber
R
R
Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. infweb@usz.unizh.ch
Christen
L
L
Loy
M
M
Schaller
S
S
Christen
S
S
Joyce
C R
CR
Ledermann
U
U
Ledergerber
B
B
Cone
R
R
Lüthy
R
R
Cohen
M R
MR
D000328:Adult; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D018450:Disease Progression; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D019562:Viral Load
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D012367:RNA, Viral