Possible role for Plantago lanceolata in the treatment of HIV infection?

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, June, 2006 by Maria Abdin

Abstract

Experience of one patient with AIDS-Related Complex (ARC) suggests that further research might explore a possible role for Plantago lanceolata in the treatment of HIV infection.

Background

Ezekowitz, et al. (1) have demonstrated that a substance in human serum, "mannose-binding protein" (MBP), could interact with mannose molecules on viral (HIV) surfaces, and inhibit HIV infection of lymphocytes in vitro. (Similar molecules are also present on cell surfaces of other pathogens, including some viruses, bacteria, mycotic agents, and parasites.) The reaction was calcium-dependent and negated by high-mannose-containing yeast mannan. Ezekowitz, et al. note that MBP is a lectin-like substance similar to plant lectins.

Lifson, et al. (2) found plant lectins which inhibit HIV infection and cell fusion in vitro. Lectins are a group of substances which 1) by attaching to polysaccharide molecules on cell surfaces, can cause the cells to agglutinate in vivo; and 2) can be "mitogenic"--that is, they can cause cell division in B- and T-lymphocytes. Some lectins can also be cytotoxic (killing cells). (3)

Observation

While doing volunteer work with an AIDS patient group, the author became acquainted with a man who had been diagnosed some time earlier as having disabling AIDS-Related Complex (ARC). He was well familiar with night sweats, diarrhea, weight loss, recurrent bouts of high fever, frequent infections, and, at times, difficulty in concentrating. In December 1988, both the author (who is HIV-negative) and the ARC patient came down with flu that persisted for more than two weeks. The author began searching for botanicals that had been used in folk medicine to treat viral diseases, plants that would be both locally available and relatively non-toxic. Plantago lanceolata, an ubiquitous, introduced weed, common in grassy areas and disturbed soils throughout the US, seemed to be a possibility. The author made a tea of one medium-sized leaf simmered in water to make about a cup of liquid and took a large swallow on arising, at bedtime, and sometimes at lunch. Recovery from the flu was rapid, taking two to three days.

The author shared her experience with the ARC patient, who then used the same amount of Plantago lanceolata in infusion, but also consumed a large quantity of pineapple juice. When there was no improvement in his flu, the author suggested that he might try eliminating the pineapple juice, on the theory that, because the body has the ability to change one sugar into another (see Comment 4), a high sugar intake might have an effect similar to high-mannose yeast mannan and negate any possible beneficial effect that a lectin, if present, might have. The ARC patient then eliminated the pineapple juice, but continued the tea, and recovered quickly from the flu.

Considering the possibility that the "active substance(s)" in P. lanceolata might be lectins, and hence, possibly of use in HIV infection, both continued to take the tea at the same dosage. (The author took it to gain an understanding of any possible side effects.) During the following six months, using the P. lanceolata infusion (plus ensuring adequate calcium) and avoiding sweets, the ARC patient found that severely swollen lymph nodes in the neck gradually but steadily reduced in size; a previously recurring cyst in the neck did not recur; he gained some weight; he did not complain of night sweats; he reported instances of diarrhea were very infrequent; his energy improved; and his memory and concentration appeared normal. He maintained a fairly full schedule including public speaking and travel. During this period of time, the man was not taking AZT, and he was not involved in any clinical trials or experimental AIDS treatments. The P. lanceolata appears to be the only factor which might explain the improvements observed.

At the end of six months, the author detected slight urinary retention and advised the ARC patient of this observation. He had also just observed the same problem in himself, so he stopped the infusion for three days, substituting Stellaria (chickweed) to clear up the urinary retention, and a small amount of lecithin as a soothing agent for the kidneys. The symptoms of HIV began to return by the end of the three-day period. He resumed using the P. lanceolata infusion, but at half the former dosage, and the HIV-related symptoms abated again. In fall of 1989, he began to use "Ensure," a commercial nutritional supplement with a high sugar content, in an effort to further increase his weight, although he was aware that the sugar content might cause problems, His health showed no adverse changes for about two months. He did gain some weight, but after two months, he began to experience weakness, infections, and swollen lymph nodes.

Comments

1. It is felt that further research might be useful to determine the following: a) whether or not P. lanceolata is an effective HIV inhibitor in vitro; b) if so, whether it contains lectins; c) if P. lanceolata proves effective in vitro, whether it is of use in vivo (entailing trials under physician monitoring, with the determination of B- and T-cell counts); d) the effects of P. lanceolata when used in conjunction with other treatments such as aerosol pentamidine.