10:20 05.11.2008 | All news from "AIDS/HIV"

Cameroon: Anti-Retroviral Discovered in Cameroonian Pawpaw

Scientists say they have found a molecule in Cameroonian pawpaw which if extracted would provide a major breakthrough in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

The molecule, which is still under scanner, was discovered by Professor Luc Montagne in one of research works at the Chantal Biya's Research Centre, CIRCB, recently. A host of scientists from an Italian University visited the Centre last week and began holding consultations in view of identifying projects that would culminate with the development of a laboratory to that effect.

Cameroon, it was said, has a wealth of natural plants that are rich in medicinal constituents. It is on the basis of this that a botanic garden was set up at the premises of the Centre in Melen, Yaounde, The Post learnt.

The molecule, like others found in some of the plants in the garden, has advantage over conventional anti-retroviral in that it would produce little side or secondary effects.

According to Professor Vittorio Colizzi, member of the Managing Committee and member of the Scientific Council of CIRCB who led the Italian delegation, conventional anti-retroviral has negative effects on patients, especially children of from 1-18 years.

The pawpaw molecule as well as molecules from other plants his team and Luc Montagne are working on, according to Vittorio, overrides the effects and, importantly, more effective.

"We are starting a new phase of research which we will use natural plants to find molecules to be used in research. We have already identified molecules for anti-retroviral for children and we advise early diagnosis in new-born, so we will provide them with the new anti-retroviral. The anti-retroviral in use is toxic to children," Vittorio told The Post.

It was, however, underscored that the problem is not now on how to identify such molecules in Cameroon's flora but the techniques and mechanics of isolating the molecules for AIDS and other infectious diseases.

Feasibility activities for laboratory implementation were examined Sunday, October 26. Amongst other things, the team scrutinised logistic and made analysis for laboratory layout and also verified provisional costs for the laboratory realisation. Local administrative authorities and the Italian partners met to discuss the interest, the availability and the research funds for a joint-venture and an investment proposal.



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