Document 2783
 DOCN  M94A2783
 TI    A phytopharmaceutical with potential for delaying HIV disease
       progression.
 DT    9412
 AU    Sawyer RC; Greenspan H; Torigian PC; Pharmakon USA, NY, NY 10004.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):226 (abstract no. PB0333). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94369792
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a phytopharmaceutical product on
       CD4 counts weight and hemoglobin levels in HIV infected patients.
       METHODS: Perthon is a combination of 11 medicinal plants which is
       proposed to have immunostimulatory properties. Patients took Perthon on
       a daily basis and were evaluated periodically for disease progression.
       RESULTS: Twelve patients in Australia took open label Perthon for an
       average 16 months. Patients were monitored for changes in CD4/CD8 ratio,
       weight and laboratory values. TABULAR DATA, SEE ABSTRACT VOLUME. Only 2
       of 12 patients had pretreatment CD4/CD8 > or = 1.0. Following Perthon, 7
       of 12 patients had a CD4/CD8 > or = 1.0. An additional 2 patients had
       ratios of 0.85 and 0.94. Use of the product was also associated with
       increases in Hgb and weight with anecdotal reports of improved appetite,
       higher energy levels and lessening of lethargic feelings. Only minor
       side effects of rash and body odor were reported. CONCLUSION AND
       DISCUSSION: Use of Perthon in HIV infected patients appears to be safe
       and resulted in statistically significant increases in CD4/CD8, weight
       and Hgb. A Phase II trial in the United States is planned.
 DE    Adjuvants, Immunologic/PHARMACOLOGY/*THERAPEUTIC USE  Drug Combinations
       Hemoglobins/ANALYSIS  Human  HIV Infections/BLOOD/*THERAPY  Leukocyte
       Count/DRUG EFFECTS  Plant Extracts/PHARMACOLOGY/*THERAPEUTIC USE
       *Plants, Medicinal  Treatment Outcome  T4 Lymphocytes  Weight Gain/DRUG
       EFFECTS  CLINICAL TRIAL  MEETING ABSTRACT

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