Sutherlandia Frutescens Aerial
Properties
Reference: Dravya – Substance, Rasa – Taste, Guna – Qualities, Veerya – Potency, Vipaka – Post-digesion effect, Karma – Pharmacological activity, Prabhava – Therepeutics.
Dravya
Rasa
Guna
Veerya
Vipaka
Karma
Prabhava
Prevent infections
Laboratory studies show that Sutherlandia has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. However in a study of HIV patients, two cases of tuberculosis occurred in the Sutherlandia group, even though they were on preventive therapy for tuberculosis.
Stomach and blood ailments
There is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Cancer
Sutherlandia showed anticancer effects in lab studies, but it has not been studied in cancer patients.
AIDS
Laboratory studies suggest that Sutherlandia has antiviral properties. However in a study of HIV patients, those who took Sutherlandia did not experience benefits over placebo, but infection times were longer in a few patients. Additional studies are needed.
Although lab studies suggest that Sutherlandia has anticancer properties, it has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer in humans.
Sutherlandia frutescens is a shrub native to Southern Africa and along the coast of West Africa. It is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes, chicken pox, and external wounds, and also as a cancer treatment. Laboratory studies show that Sutherlandia can fight off viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and also appears to have anticancer properties. A few case reports show that it can decrease fatigue in cancer patients.
Because Sutherlandia may be able to fight HIV virus, it is being proposed as an AIDS treatment in Africa. However in a trial of adults with HIV, patients taking Sutherlandia did not experience benefits, but did have longer infection times. Additional studies are needed.