Plant-Derived Formulations for Treatment of HIV – IP 0908A

Plant derivedcompounds are known to exhibit a range of pharmaceutical and biologicalactivities. There are currently more than two dozen antiretroviral drugs usedfor the treatment of HIV, and these drugs are divided into one of six classesdepending on how they attack the virus. The anti-retroviral drugs are usuallycombined into three-drug cocktails called highly active antiretroviral therapyor HAART. While the above-mentioned drugs can dramatically slow the disease’sprogress if the patients strictly adhere to the treatment, they still cannoteffectively treat AIDS. FIU inventorshave developed methods to inhibit HIV-1 p24 antigen and therefore treat HIV/AIDSwith a composition comprising extract of Rubia cordifolia. The composition consistsof a hydro-ethanolic extract of Rubia cordifolia. The hydro-ethanolic extract isobtained from the roots of a Rubia cordifolia plant and has demonstratedanti-HIV activity. Anne Laure Schmitt Olivier aschmitt@fiu.edu 305-348-5948