Document 1065
 DOCN  M94A1065
 TI    Outcome on the use of a Chinese herbal drug marvel on AIDS patients in
       Kenya.
 DT    9412
 AU    Duan R; Kenya Chinese Medical Center, Nairobi.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(2):217 (abstract no. PB0880). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94371510
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a Chinese herbal drug Marvel in
       the management of AIDS patients. METHODS: 239 confirmed AIDS cases with
       positive ELISA and WESTERN blot tests and with WHO clinical definition
       of AIDS--including fever, loss of weight, diarrhoea, chestpains, cough
       and itching among others; were seen between March 1992 to September
       1993. They were given orally a total daily dose of 1.6g (0.8g x 2) for
       twenty two days and then a break of six days before start of another
       course. RESULTS: 225 patients were seen and treated in less than 200
       days while 14 continued their course for more than 200 days. Of those
       that took treatment for 6 months and less; diarrhoea, fever, chestpains,
       cough among others disappeared. Weight gain was the most immediate
       observation with an average increase of 6kgs. Most of those that showed
       marked clinical improvement in the first two months absconded and were
       lost to followup. Of the 14 who continued treatment over 200 days four
       seroconverted to negative. No side effect or toxicity has been observed
       so far in all patients treated. CONCLUSIONS: Marvel made from Chinese
       herbs may have supreme functions in improving body immunity and curing
       HIV infection. A controlled clinical trial to monitor the immunological
       and virological parameters e.g. CD4, CD8, B2-microglobulin, neopterin
       and HIV antibody titre is being set-up to assess the performance of the
       drug.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*THERAPY  Drugs, Chinese
       Herbal/*THERAPEUTIC USE  Human  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).