Inhibition of HIV-1 enzymes, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Plectranthus barbatus
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Plectranthus barbatus is widely used in African countries as an herbal
remedy to manage HIV/AIDS and related conditions.
Aim of the study: To investigate the HIV-1 inhibitory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of P.
barbatus and thereby provide empirical evidence for the apparent anecdotal success of the extracts.
Materials and methods: Ethanolic extract of P. barbatus's leaves was screened against two HIV-1 enzymes:
protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT). Cytotoxicity of the extract was determined through
measuring tetrazolium dye uptake of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the TZM-bl cell
line. Confirmatory assays for cytotoxicity were performed using flow cytometry and real-time cell
electronic sensing (RT-CES). The free radical scavenging activity of the extract was investigated with 2,2-
diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl while the anti-inflammatory properties of the plant extract were investigated
using a Th1/Th2/Th17 cytometric bead array technique.