African Medicinal Plant Holds Promise for HIV Cure Research

A groundbreaking collaboration between The Wistar Institute and the University of Buea in Cameroon has identified the anti-HIV properties of Croton oligandrus, a medicinal plant traditionally used in Cameroon. **The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Pharmacology**, details how chemical extracts from this African tree can reverse HIV-1 latency, a crucial step in the development of an accessible cure for HIV. **Background and Significance:** Despite effective management with antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV remains incurable largely due to latent viral reservoirs that can reinfect the body. The 'kick and kill' strategy involves reactivating these latent cells so that the virus can be targeted and eradicated. **Research Findings:** The collaborative research team, including Dr. Fidele Ntie-Kang and Dr. Ian Tietjen, isolated compounds from Croton oligandrus that act as latency-reversing agents (LRAs). Of six compounds tested, four were shown to effectively reverse HIV latency in vitro. Significantly, some compounds enhanced the effect of existing LRA compounds, providing a 'greater than the sum of its parts' effect. **Impacts and Future Directions:** This discovery underscores the importance of traditional ethnomedicine and global scientific partnerships in medical research. The collaboration has also facilitated training and capacity building, enabling researchers like Chantal Emade Nkwelle to gain experience and contribute to the scientific community. Looking forward, the researchers aim to explore the synergistic potential of these compounds further to aid in HIV cure efforts both in Cameroon and globally.