A phytotherapeutic approach to Nigerian anti-HIV and immunomodulatory drug discovery.
Effective therapies for management of HIV infection are top priority due to the high rate of morbidity and mortality of the disease, globally and this has assumed devastating dimension in the African continent. In Nigeria, many patients use herbal remedies for the management of HIV/AIDS, without sufficient scientific proof that they possess anti-HIV activity. In this report, the role of the tropical rainforest plants, identified through ethnomedical approach, as a source of antiviral and immunomodulating agents is highlighted. Some plant derived antiviral and immunomodulatory agents are briefly discussed. An outline of in vitro antiviral and immunomodulatory assays that can be adapted to the Nigerian environment is given. The urgent need to identify and evaluate the medicinal plants in the Nigerian biodiversity reputedly used for management of viral infections is also emphasized.
Department of Pharmnacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
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Ajaiyeoba
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Ogbole
D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015995:Prevalence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D028321:Plant Preparations