Global Collaboration Unveils Anti-HIV Potential in African Medicinal Plant

A remarkable collaboration between The Wistar Institute and the University of Buea in Cameroon has illuminated promising anti-HIV properties in Croton oligandrus Pierre & Hutch, an African tree long utilized in traditional medicine for treating various health conditions such as cancers and diabetes. The joint research effort, involving leading experts Fidele Ntie-Kang, Ph.D., from the University of Buea, and Ian Tietjen, Ph.D., from The Wistar Institute, culminated in significant insights published in the Journal of Experimental Pharmacology. Their paper, "Croton oligandrus Pierre & Hutch (Euphorbiaceae) extracts and isolated compounds reverse HIV-1 latency," highlights the tree's potential for advancing HIV cure strategies.

The collaboration between Wistar and the University of Buea Centre for Drug Discovery, initiated in 2021, has fostered research advancements on African chemical compounds. This partnership enhanced HIV cure research in Cameroon and afforded Chantal Emade Nkwelle, the lead author, an opportunity to work with Wistar's HIV research techniques during a five-month stay.

Luis Montaner, D.V.M., D.Phil., Executive Vice President of Wistar and co-author of the study, underscored the importance of international partnerships: "An effective cure will need to reach people worldwide, and by leveraging traditional African ethnomedicine, we're advancing toward a cure with global accessibility."

While antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively manages HIV, a universal cure remains elusive. Lifelong ART only suppresses the virus, which can persist latently in reservoirs throughout the body, posing risks of reactivation and contributing to long-term health issues. The research initiative focused on assessing Croton oligandrus's components as latency-reversing agents (LRAs), which play a crucial role in HIV cure efforts through a strategy known as "kick and kill."

Dr. Ntie-Kang emphasized the cultural and scientific significance of the study: "This Croton species has a rich history in ethnomedicine across Cameroon and neighboring regions. The partnership with Wistar has led to scientific discoveries while also enhancing our developmental capacity."

The research team explored whether compounds in Croton oligandrus could reactivate latent HIV, providing a path to clear viral reservoirs. By isolating compounds from the plant's bark, researchers confirmed the latency reversal for four out of six active compounds. Some demonstrated synergistic effects with existing LRAs, amplifying their potential impact.

Dr. Tietjen reflected on the promising outcomes: "Identifying an LRA compound that synergizes with others is a win, especially given its roots in a region where HIV cure research holds significant promise. We respect the traditional knowledge of local healers and look forward to further exploring these compounds' contributions to global HIV cure efforts."

This study also included contributions from trainees in Wistar’s Biomedical Technician Training (BTT) Program and undergraduate students from the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), who participated in cytokine ELISA experiments. These initiatives reflect Wistar's commitment to providing rigorous, research-driven experiences to emerging scientists.

Through this collaborative effort, the study not only advances the understanding of Croton oligandrus's medicinal potential but also signifies a broader impact on pharmacology and crop enhancement strategies. As research continues, leveraging traditional ethnomedicine could revolutionize approaches to sustainable, plant-based solutions for challenging global health issues.