“The Effect of African Potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) on the Pharmacokinetics of Tenofovir and Lamivudine”
Country of Study
Zimbabwe
Institution
University of Zimbabwe
Expected Year of Completion
2024
Thematic Area
Life and Health Sciences
Education
Celia is a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare where she is also pursuing a PhD in Clinical Pharmacology. She has an MSc in Clinical Pharmacology from the same institution, and is expected to complete her studies in 2024.
Research Summary
Celia’s novel research is the first to examine the interaction of the plant hypoxis hemerocallidea with tenofovir and lamivudine in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Previous drug interaction studies on hypoxis hemerocallidea were conducted in HIV-seronegative adults and showed that hypoxis hemerocallidea had no significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of lopinavir or efavirenz [5-6]. Celia’s research complements work done by other researchers on the cART regimen. The results will serve as a pilot for larger studies to determine the use of hypoxis hemerocallidea with the first-line regimen of tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (or efavirenz) regimen in PLWHA. During dissemination of the results, PLWHA will be educated about the use of the herb with their antiretroviral therapy. The outcome will be improved health, better management of HIV/AIDS, improved treatment outcomes (e.g. CD4 count), and reduced drug resistance. An improved understanding of the plant could lead to larger clinical trials and commercialization of the product.
Publications:
1. Impact of acute, oral ingestion of hypoxoside from African potato on hepatic and renal function tests in HIV infected patients on combination antiretroviral therapy
2. African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea): a systematic review of its chemistry, pharmacology and ethno medicinal properties
3. Impact of collaborative health education and leadership programme on pharmacy education in Zimbabwe
