Objective:

2

To investigate the impacts of two herbal preparations for human immunodeficiency virus/aquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients

Shenling Fuzheng Capsule (参灵扶正胶囊

SLFZC) and Qingdu Capsule (清毒胶囊

QDC)

on the efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods:

2

HIV/AIDS patients met the criteria were all enrolled in a 1-year cohort study

in which patients receiving HAART alone were designated as Group A

those receiving HAART in combination with SLFZC were designated as Group B

and those receiving HAART in combination with QDC were designated as Group C

100 cases in each group. The dose of SLFZC was 1.48 g (4 capsules)

3 times daily

and QDC 1.56 g (4 capsules)

3 times daily. T cell subsets

HIV RNA and HIV-1 drug resistance were detected at enrollment and 1 year after treatment. Patients were followed up every 3 months

during which side-effects and other clinical data were recorded.

Results:

2

After 1-year treatment

the median increment in CD4 counts was 165.0

178.0 and 145.0 cells/μL for Group A

B and C

respectively. HIV RNA was undetectable in 94% of patients in Group A

96% in Group B and 92% in Group C. There were no differences regarding the increment in CD4 counts

HIV RNA and frequency of HIV-1 drug resistance mutations. Two of the 14 suspected side-effect symptoms

i.e. fatigue and dizziness

were lower in Groups B and C than in Group A (

P

<

0.05

respectively).

Conclusion:

2

SLFZC and QDC do not have a negative impact on immunological and virological response to HAART; however

these preparations are not as potent in reducing HAART-associated side-effects as anticipated.