September 3, 1998 – A team of Chinese scientists will soon undertake a large clinical study to study the effects of a traditional compound on people with AIDS.
Wang Jian, of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said “he hopes to obtain reliable and convincing results on the effectiveness of the drug”. The preparation that will be tested is a powder composed of buplèvre (Bupleurum chinense), astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), Chinese angelic (the famous Dang Gui, Angelica sinensis) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza auralensis), used to dispel heat and toxicity, and improve immunity.
According to the Xinhua news report, Wang is part of a Chinese-Tanzanian team that will measure the level of HIV (the AIDS virus) in patients receiving the drug. The control group will be treated with AZT. “Research into the herbal treatment of AIDS began over 10 years ago,” said Wang Jian, “but Western medical circles have never recognized the verified results because of different endpoints.”
According to researcher Guan Chongfen, traditional herbal medicines achieve a response rate of 40 to 50% in the treatment of the disease. “We recorded a 47% response rate in improving the immune system and various symptoms of AIDS like asthenia, diarrhea, fever and itching,” Guan said. An agreement between China and Tanzania will assess preparedness among 10,000 Tanzanians living with AIDS.
HealthPassport.net
According to Herbal Gram, number 43, Summer 1998
