38 Natural Alternatives for HIV

Fortunately, natural substances are being researched for their therapeutic value for our immune health. "Superbugs" develop due to repeated, frequent and multiple different antibiotic prescriptions. Plant products have historically been consumed and utilized for their anti-microbial and holistic benefits. Here are 38 natural substances which indicate potential benefit for people with HIV.

1. Whey protein concentrate supplementation can stimulate glutathione synthesis and, possibly, decrease the occurence of associated co-infections.
2. Curcumin is an effective treatment for HIV-associated diarrhea.
3. A polyphenol and antioxidant rich fruit and vegetable concentrate has therapeutic value in HIV patients due to enhanced proliferation, which could restore disturbances in T-cell homeostasis.
4. Neem leaf extract safely increases CD4 cell levels in patients with HIV/AIDS.
5. Selenium supplementation suppresses the progression of HIV-1 viral burden and improves CD4 count.
6. Cinnamomum zeylanicum has therapeutic activity in HIV-associated oral candidiasis.
7. Elderberry, green tea and cinnamon extracts rich in certain flavonoid compounds were shown to block HIV-1 entry and infection.
8. Licorice contains the compound glycyrrhizin which has significantly inhibits HIV replication in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV-seropositive patients.
9. Sumac (Rhus chinensis) contains compounds with anti-HIV activity.
10. Lactoferrin (from milk) may inhibit HIV virus infection in children.
11. The use of Alternanthera pungens herb tea by HIV-infected patients may lead to significant increase T lymphocytes and decrease in biomarkers of oxidative stress, and might help in the prevention of the opportunist diseases.
12. Plasma antioxidant capacity can be increased by long-term ingestion of polyphenols from fruit juices or fruit-vegetable-concentrate in HIV-seropositive patients.
13. American ginseng reduces oxidative stress in patients taking the antiviral medication zidovudine without altering drug pharmacokinetics.
14. Korean ginseng improves treatment outcomes in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy.
15. Glycyrrhiza uralensis (TCM herb) improves immune function in HIV-infected patients.
16. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) has therapeutic activity as an ajunct to HIV/AIDS management.
17. Lemon juice and lemongrass have therapeutic value in the treatment of oral thrush in HIV/AIDS patients.
18. Tea tree is an effective therapy for fluconazole-refractory oropharyngeal candidiasis.
19. St. John's wort (H. perforatum) inhibits HIV-1 viral infection.
20. Lignans found within Schisandra demonstrates anti-HIV virus activity.
21. Seawead (S. fusiforme) inhibits HIV-1 infection in T cells, primary human macrophages, microglia, and astrocytes.
22. Black and green tea contain compounds which inhibit HIV-1 entry.
23. Olive Leaf extract exhibits anti-HIV activity.
24. Lentin, a novel and potent antifungal protein from shitake mushroom exhibits inhibitory effects on activity of human immunodeficiency virus-1 reverse transcriptase and proliferation of leukemia cells.
25. Chrysanthemum morifolium contains a flavonoid with anti-HIV activity.
26. Croton tiglium, Cynomorium songaricum, Xanthoceras sorbifolia, and oleanolic acid derivates exhibit anti-HIV activity.
27. Hyssop and Dittrichia viscosa have anti-HIV-1 activity.
28. Pomegranate exhibits antiviral activity against HIV-1.
29. A polysaccharide from Rooibois leaves has a strong anti-HIV activity.
30. Rosa damascena contains compounds with anti-HIV activity.
31. Rose flowers contain compounds with with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activity.
32. Carnosic acid, a component found within Rosemary, inhibits HIV-1 protease.
33. Phyllanthus niruri (syn. P. amarus) inhibit wild-type HIV virus and reverse transcriptase inhibitor-resistant variants.
34. Calophyllum brasiliense and Clusia quadrangula exhibit HIV-1 inhibitory activity.
35. Melissa, Sweet Basil, Perilla, Prunella vulgaris and Savory has potent anti-HIV-1 activity.
36. Black cohosh contains a compound Actein which exhibits potent anti-HIV activity.
37. Black and green tea contain compounds which inhibit HIV-1 entry.
38. Blue-green algae extracts inhibit reverse transcriptases activity, including that of HIV-1.