Medicinal Plants as A Bridge Between Traditional and Conventional Medicine for HIV

Kato Jumba K.

Faculty of Science and Technology Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

HIV/AIDS remains a significant global health challenge, disproportionately affecting sub-Saharan Africa. In regions such as Zambia, where healthcare access is limited and HIV prevalence is high, traditional medicine continues to play a critical role in the management of HIV and its opportunistic infections. This paper explores the potential of medicinal plants to serve as a bridge between traditional healing practices and conventional antiretroviral therapy (ART). Drawing on ethnobotanical data, case studies, and qualitative research among traditional healers and patients, the study identifies a range of plant species used in HIV management. Despite promising therapeutic outcomes—including immune support, viral suppression, and symptom relief—the integration of these plants into formal healthcare systems is hindered by limited scientific validation, regulatory challenges, and insufficient documentation. This research underscores the need for comprehensive pharmacological studies, community-based conservation efforts, and culturally sensitive policy development to validate, preserve, and utilize traditional knowledge systems. The findings advocate for a pluralistic healthcare model that respects and incorporates traditional medicine as a complementary resource in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Medicinal Plants, Traditional Medicine, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), Ethnobotany, Zambia, Public Health Integration.

CITE AS: Kato Jumba K. (2025). Medicinal Plants as A Bridge Between Traditional and Conventional Medicine For HIV. IDOSR JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY, BIOTECHNOLOGY AND ALLIED FIELDS 10(1):8-13. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JBBAF/2025/101813