Alternative Therapy Articles

Edited From The HIV ReSource Review

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OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT

Financially stressed clients are often unable to buy food, micronutrient supplements or enteral products.
Yet, many of these individuals are advocates and users of alternative treatments. One alternative product
that is currently in use in Fort Lauderdale is olive leaf extract (OLE). The extract was featured in a newsletter that many HIV-challenged individuals read. (1) This holistic treatment newsletter reports OLE is in use throughout the United States. Considering the author’s report, people living with AIDS, across the US, are satisfied users of OLE. Users note an improvement in immune system parameters. People supposedly experience a variety of other benefits as well.

It's surprising that a comprehensive search of the world wide web (WWW), MEDLINE and AIDSLINE reveal only two additional sources concerning information on OLE. One WWW article written by an anonymous author states the report is similar to information supplied by a major supplier of OLE capsules. (2) According to the author, olive oil has been used for burns, inflammation of the mucous membranes, malaria, the discomfort of teething, fevers, venereal disease, ear aches, and heart disease.

Proponents insist OLE has powerful antiviral, antifungal, antibacteria and antioxidant properties. The discovery of OLE was said to begin with knowledge of a bitter compound from the olive tree leaf called oleuropein. Another substance derived from oleuropein (referred to as elenolic acid) supposedly also has beneficial properties.

Sources report that protocols including OLE will benefit not only persons with AIDS but those who are immune compromised and chemically impaired, persons with systemic yeast infections and cancer patients. Unfortunately, as this OLE proponent notes some end stage cases may not benefit because the information
may not be known in time!!

The minimum protocol includes the use of OLE, a prescription medicine, and a lemon and olive oil drink. A number of other supplements are also encouraged. The olive leaf extracts in this product purportedly include a strong complement of flavonoids. Research suggests isoflavones and other phytochemicals reduce the risk for heart disease, osteoporosis and certain cancers. (3) Limonene, contained in the peel of citrus fruits, is one of the best known phytochemicals. (4)

Users report that monotherapy with the OLE product is not as effective as the combination protocol. It's notable that, individual names, addresses and telephone numbers are given as testimonials. Besides these testimonials a physician is reported as saying that if the product were effective he could not discuss it because the FDA would classify the product as an unapproved new drug and it would be removed from the market.

Based on the report of an interview with someone who is said to be the first ‘test case’ another compound is recommended as an addition to the original protocol. (5, 6) Eden is sometimes taken with Cat's Claw, vitamin C, 3TC, DDI, and protease inhibitors. Distributors note OLE is not taken before bedtime because it may provide the user with excess energy.

Side effects reported as a result of treatment with this product are headaches, flu-like symptoms, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint soreness, low grade fevers, and rash. It’s rumored these symptoms are positive signs and that effects last from a few days to no more than three weeks. The total monthly cost of treatment, with the four part protocol, is enough money for an individual to buy two weeks of wholesome food. This $110 figure includes the cost of OLE, which can be more than $60.00 a month.

Comparisons of the two major informational sources concerning OLE reveal both used the same 13 references. Medical references on the olive leaf (Olea Europaea) are prominent but they are not catalogued in the AIDSLINE or MEDLINE database at the National Library of Medicine. Human studies appear to be lacking. Up to the date of this article's publication, repeated AIDSLINE and MEDLINE searches did not provide a single reference about olive oil extract, olea europaea, or oleuropein.

	Please Read
*HIV ReSource Review* Volume 1 Issue 2 Sept/Oct 1996		For a list of the references send your request to: sameyer@gate.net

ALGAE: BLUE, GREEN OR RED?

Algae are primitive organisms that contain chlorophyll and carry on photosynthesis but lack true roots, stems, and leaves. Blue green algae (BGA) is commonly referred to as cyanobacteria. Proponents of algae supplementation
say it has the ability to prevent disease, enhance,
and prolong life. Some users believe algae
strengthens the immune system.

The color of algae is related to the spectrum of light available to the plants for photosynthesis. The BGA and green algae include most of the freshwater forms, like pond scum, which is a green slime found in stagnant water. Red marine algae, referred to as 'superfood', is noted to be a source of nutrients and botanically based medicines.

It's said that each algae's variety exhibits a distinct nutrient profile. Many people believe seaweed is useful for lowering blood levels of fat and cholesterol. Seaweed has been used in food processing and as a food staple for decades. Commercial agar is obtained from a red alga.

Algae proponents claim a compound found in BGE has anti- HIV activity. It's not known whether this activity would be available from oral consumption of the algae. Investigators Robinson, Montefiori and Mitchell found Ptilota plumosa (red marine algae) failed to alter the infectibility of HIV.

Spirulina is marketed for weight loss, diabetes, hypoglycemia, degenerative conditions, malnutrition, and alcoholism. Wild BGA is said to treat addictions. Red algae is marketed to treat candida, herpes simplex virus and other chronic ailments. Researchers report sea algae extract selectively inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) and replication in the test tube.

Red Marine Algae (RMA) purportedly supports the immune system to fight viruses. Investigations found
10 members of Rhodophyta contained substances
that caused greater than a 2 log reduction in
the infectivity of herpes simplex virus.

Dumontiaceae is marketed as an immuno-modulatory and antiviral agent. Algae Proponents stress that individuals with chronic conditions will gain more value from
the red marine algae, which is said to strengthen
the immune system .

Consumers are advised that cleansing reactions such as, headaches, tiredness, running nose, constipation or diarrhea may appear. Other symptoms, such as,
fatigue, skin rashes, polyuria, nervousness, and
increased susceptibility to the flu or colds
will supposedly pass in 1-7 days.

Many users are told not to use medication that suppresses symptoms because it can compromise the healing process. Some are told to avoid high-protein foods or fat.
This is NOT good advice.

A prospective user notes that in early 1994, a study warned of the dangers of using BGA (Spirulina)
because it "was said to produce deadly neurotoxins".
Consuming too much microalgae can be harmful and may cause calcium depletion, kidney stones, and gout.

Arathoon and colleagues from Guatemala City believe cyanobacteria- like organisms can be a cause of HIV- associated diarrhea and weight loss. Some marketing agents ask users to follow special rules, which include the purchase of more products, to assure results. Algae supplementation can be quite expensive and cost as much as a week's worth of groceries. Red Marine Algae is more costly than the other brands.

Determining if a product is safe to use, and beneficial,
requires time- consuming research that most
consumers are not inclined to complete. Informed consumers, however, are definitely in the best position to decide if purchases are worth their hard earned cash.

	Please Read
*HIV ReSource Review* Volume 1 Issue 3 November 1996		For a list of the references send your request to: sameyer@gate.net


	Click here for more information on Blue-green algae

The SCOOP On DNCB

Many HIV challenged individuals search for inexpensive alternative therapies that may or may not provide desirable effects. Various treatments are inexpensive, widely available, and readily used without valid trial information documenting safety or effectiveness.

DNCB (dinitrochlorobenzene), which has been available since 1986, is often used as an alternative treatment option. It's a chemical used in photo finishing and air conditioning that's been used to treat certain kinds of warts, Kaposi's Sarcoma and alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder caused by a viral infection). People who use DNCB hope to see a positive effect on viral load, cytokine expression and HIV disease progression.

Because DNCB is derived from benzene (a chemical compound) there are concerns that it may promote the growth of cancers. AIDS activists point out that it's not possible to patent DNCB so it's ignored by the medical profession and the federal government. Some DNCB advocates claim the compound will not work when used in combination with approved or experimental therapies, including vitamins. Sources report pure DNCB is
"so strong that it must be diluted almost a
thousand times before use."

Generally, proponents buy DNCB without a prescription, through buyer's clubs, and mix it into usable form at home. One individual seems to be a major proponent of this treatment with eight published accounts (seven that appear to be from the same ongoing pilot study). On the other hand, Morrey and colleagues do not advise the use of DNCB treatment in people who are living with HIV.

Previous research has not indicated any tangible 'promise' of beneficial effects from the use of DNCB and even proponents warn against a high likelihood of toxic effects. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on DNCB is available from chemical manufacturers. The MSDS states that high concentrations of DNCB "are extremely destructive to tissues of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, eyes and skin." DNCB may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. People who use DNCB report side effects such as,
persistent rashes, blistering, scarring,
welts and 'hyperallergic' responses.

Recent studies by Cohen and Loveless disappointed many DNCB proponents. Cohen's study found a slight increase in CD4 counts for both placebo and DNCB treated volunteers with CD8 counts increased more in the placebo group than in the DNCB group. Mark Loveless, lead researcher for the second study, saw CD8 cell losses that were similar for both groups. CD4 counts fell more in the DNCB group than in the untreated group. A total of less than 40 people were enrolled in these studies.

Large scale, controlled, double-blind, clinical trials need to be conducted to receive FDA drug approval. Until then the effectiveness of DNCB treatment will remain questionable.

Readers are cautioned to read all available research, and to consult a physician, before making health-care or treatment decisions. It's wise to access as much information as possible so that educated decisions can be made concerning the use of alternative treatments.


HIV ReSource Review Volume 1 Issue 1 July 1996		For a list of the references send your request to: sameyer@gate.net

Please Read

Every effort is made to provide objective information. Please use common sense. Learn as much as you can about any alternative that looks good.Check with your health-care provider before spending your money!
Please read my Special Note below.

Special Note

Due to the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 supplements are sold without a prescription. Many products are marketed as effective with only limited in-vitro (test tube) evidence.

Successful test tube studies do NOT prove a product has any value in real life conditions. That one can buy products like this should not be misconstrued to mean these products are safe or effective. Most of them are ineffective.

Please read all available research personally, and consult with a physician, before making health care or treatment decisions.

"Don't believe everything you read.
Check the creditability of ALL sources.
LEARN as much as you can to make educated choices!"

Updated 5/9/99

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