Researchers in South Africa have taken an important step toward explaining how a traditional herbal remedy long used in some communities may help in the fight against HIV, a disease that continues to affect millions across Sub-Saharan Africa.
In a new study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, scientists reported that Product Nkabinde (PN), a polyherbal formulation used by traditional healers, contains compounds that may act on key biological pathways involved in HIV infection and immune regulation.
These researchers included Samuel Chima Ugbaja, Mlungisi Ngcobo, Siphathimandla Authority Nkabinde, Magugu Nkabinde and Nceba Gqaleni, from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the African Health Research Institute in South Africa.
HIV/AIDS remains one of the world’s most persistent public health challenges, with Sub-Saharan Africa bearing the greatest burden. Despite major advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), millions of people continue to live with HIV, and gaps in access to healthcare, funding uncertainties, and rising infection rates threaten recent gains.
In many rural and underserved areas, traditional medicine plays a vital role in healthcare. An increasing number of people living with HIV use herbal remedies alongside conventional antiretroviral therapy, making it necessary to scientifically assess their safety and potential benefits.
Against this backdrop, researchers are drawing attention to the potential role of traditional medicine in supporting HIV treatment and care. One such is Product Nkabinde (PN), a traditional polyherbal formulation made from four medicinal plants used by healers to manage HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in South Africa.
The medicinal plants combined, according to indigenous knowledge systems in South Africa, are Sclerocarya birrea (stem and leaves), Gnidia sericocephala (roots), Senna italica (roots) and Pentanisia prunelloides (roots).
PN polyherbal plants are located in different places around the world, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ethiopia, the Sudano-Sahelian region of West Africa, and Madagascar.
To better understand how the remedy works, researchers analyzed 27 naturally occurring compounds found in PN. Using advanced computational techniques, researchers examined how these compounds might interact with human proteins linked to HIV infection.
The analysis identified 327 genes shared between HIV-related biological pathways and the compounds in PN, from which they highlighted 10 key “hub” genes involved in processes that are central to HIV disease progression. These are immune response, inflammation, metabolism, and cell survival.
According to the study, compounds in PN influenced immune function and viral persistence through multiple targets at once, unlike conventional drugs.
Its constituents, such as rutin, catechin, quercetin derivatives, and aloin, showed strong binding with HIV-related protein targets and so influence immune defence and HIV cell survival.
Such multi-target effects are typical of many plant-based medicines and may help explain why traditional remedies are sometimes reported to improve wellbeing in people living with HIV.
The findings help explain why traditional remedies like PN may provide perceived benefits for people living with HIV, particularly in settings where access to healthcare is limited.
The researchers stated that since PN can influence immune defence and HIV cell survival, it could potentially complement standard HIV treatment, but they cautioned against it replacing antiretroviral therapy.
They declared that plant-derived compounds with multi-target activity may be beneficial in complex diseases like HIV, but it also raises the possibility of unintended effects at high doses or with long-term use.
They emphasized the need for further research, including laboratory experiments, animal studies, toxicity assessments, and eventually human clinical trials, for proof of clinical effectiveness before PN or its components can be considered for wider medical use.
They also warned that plant compounds can have unintended effects if used at high doses or over long periods, underlining the importance of safety and dosage studies.
Researchers suggested that PN probably acts against HIV through several supportive biological mechanisms, rather than by directly “killing” the virus.
HIV weakens the immune system by attacking key immune cells. Many compounds found in PN are known to regulate immune responses, helping the body respond more effectively to infection. This immune-balancing effect may help slow disease progression.
Its constituents, especially tannins and flavonoids, have been shown in laboratory studies to block HIV from entering human cells. This does not eliminate the virus but may reduce its ability to spread within the body.
In addition, PN compounds appear to disrupt viral replication indirectly and reduce chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as prevent premature death of immune cells, so ensuring better outcomes for people living with HIV.
According to public health experts, the study is important because it closes the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary science, particularly in regions where traditional medicine is still an important part of healthcare.
By applying rigorous scientific methods to herbal remedies, researchers aim to discover safe, effective compounds that could one day enhance current HIV medications.
As the HIV epidemic continues to threaten health systems across Africa, studies such as this indicate the significance of exploring every possibility while keeping patient safety and scientific evidence at the forefront.
