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Susan Nyamangodo Manicaland Correspondent

The National Aids Council (NAC) has discouraged HIV patients from taking herbs and anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs concurrently, saying as that could cause some side effects.

NAC Manicaland provincial manager Mr Evos Makoni said there was no scientific research to ascertain the efficacy of herbs used by someone on ARV treatment. “Taking herbs and ARVs at the same time may affect a person’s immune system since herbs can contain toxins that may be poisonous to CD4 cells,” he said.

“These toxins may not affect them immediately, but can eventually cause the current HIV situation to become incurable because the human system will not be able to react to the medicine.”

Mr Makoni urged patients that want to use herbs to ensure the herbs were recommended and approved by World Health Organisation.

“All herbs must be scientifically tested to check their chemical composition and possible risks they might have on patients before they can be used,” he said.