According to the World Health Organization, HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed almost 33 million lives so far. However, with increasing access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care, including for opportunistic infections, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic health condition, enabling people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives.
Does African Wild Potatoes (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) Cure HIV?
Herbal medicine use is becoming very popular in many countries especially in the western world, where public health safety has become a concern, especially its concomitant use with orthodox medicine. The devastating impact of HIV/AIDS pandemic coupled with the severe shortage of health personnel has compelled patients to develop coping mechanisms by adopting alternative sources of primary health care, one of which has been the use of herbal therapies. An integration of herbal medicine into the current medical curriculum will enable future physicians to communicate better with their patients in this evolving healthcare system.
According to a study published in Archives of Clinical Microbiology, one of the principal African herbal compounds used for HIV/AIDS treatment in sub-Saharan Africa is the African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) an immunostimulant that is currently recommended by the South African Ministry of Health for HIV management. ALSO SEE: Does African Wild Potatoes Cure Cancer?
African wild potato is a medicinal plant in the Hypoxidaceae family. The plant has no relationship with the potatoes you’re probably most familiar with. It’s actually part of the lily family. The plant is native to southern Africa from South Africa as far north as Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This plant is the best-known member of this genus. Its most common name is the African wild potato. It is a hardy very attractive drought and frost tolerant deciduous geophyte that is extremely easy to grow which is an asset to any landscape or garden. It grows well in most soil types in full sun to partial shade where it flowers freely throughout summer. The plant is used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), prostate cancer, and many other conditions.
However, according to a study published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, African Potato is mainly used as an immunostimulant. The exact mechanisms of action for all the pharmacological actions are unknown. More research is required to substantiate claims regarding beneficial effects. There are many research gaps that require investigation including pharmacokinetic interactions with conventional drugs, especially those used in HIV/AIDS. SEE: Good News: 7 HIV/AIDS Cure Soon To Be Available
