Last Updated on April 27, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a person can cure HIV by consuming tea made with water, papaya leaf, and black seed. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook post shares the video of a woman who is speaking on the procedure to prepare a drink made with papaya lead, black seed and water. She claims that consuming the mixture can treat HIV.
Fact Check
Is there any cure for HIV as of now?
No. As of now, there is no cure for HIV. However, Antiretroviral treatment (ART) can control the infection. Thus, the virus multiplication in the body is limited, which can lead to long and healthy lives. The treatment lowers the viral load (virus concentration in the blood). Successful viral suppression restores the immune system, halts the onset and progression of the disease, and reduces the chances of getting opportunistic infections.
Dr. K. S. Satish, Senior Chest Specialist and HIV Physician at Fortis Cunningham Road and Manipal Hospital, Millers Road, Bangalore, clarifies this by stating, “A person living with HIV can suppress the virus with antiretrovirals, there is no cure for HIV till date. A cure for HIV would refer to total eradication of the virus from the body, which is still under research.”
Can HIV be cured with a tea made with papaya leaf, black seed and water?
Not exactly. There is a lack of definitive scientific research proving that HIV can be cured with a tea made with papaya leaf, water and black seeds. These ingredients show some anti-viral properties of their own, but there is a lack of study proving the efficacy of the mixture. Such as an extract of papaya, namely, a pentacyclic triterpene, shows a broad range of antiviral activities against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). There are various more studies which suggest an anti-HIV potential of the papaya leaf extract due to the synergistic action of multiple bioactive constituents.
Similarly, there are studies which suggest that there are possible therapeutic agents in Nigella sativa (Black seed) that may effectively control HIV infection. Another study published by the International Journal of Medical Reviews states that Nigella sativa can be used alone or in combination with the authentic treatment, HAART therapy. It can miraculously produce seroreversion of the viral load in many cases. However, its mechanism of action is still needed to be studied in depth.
Dr. Saurabh Gaba, Associate Consultant, Internal Medicine, Paras Hospitals, Panchkula, adds to this by stating, “HIV cannot be cured by consuming black seeds. There is absolutely no scientific evidence to support this claim, and delaying proper treatment can lead to life-threatening complications.”
In conclusion, most of the effects and applications of these ingredients require further clinical and animal studies to establish if they can be considered as a treatment module.
HIV is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, and currently, there is no known cure for HIV. However, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively manage the virus and prevent it from progressing into AIDS.
Medical attention is essential as soon as a person is exposed to a potential risk of HIV infection. Any non-scientific and unapproved treatment can lead to certain side effects or even be a dangerous as it may lead to disease progression. Any unauthentic treatment and avoiding scientifically proven medication such as ART can lead to fatal complications.
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