Guest guest Posted November 1, 2002 Report Share Posted November 1, 2002 Horizon Thursday, March 25, 1999 ------- ------- Local cure for herpes found By CATHERINE MGENDI Local researchers have identified a plant whose sap can effectively treat skin infections caused by the herpes virus without causing any side effects, a conference on infections control heard recently. According to Mr James Muthotho, a microbiologist with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), the plant has been shown to " virtually cure " herpes zoster, an itchy, painful skin infection characterised by blistering. Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella virus, which also causes chicken pox in children, according to medical experts. It is boosted by a depressed immunity, mainly resulting from HIV infection as well as from cancer drugs and radiotherapy, doctors say. The frangipani plant's extract also treats the less traumatic herpes simplex which manifests itself as recurrent cold sores around the mouth, Mr Muthotho says. He unveiled these findings during the recently concluded scientific conference of the Infections Control Association of Kenya held in Nairobi. Mr Muthotho says they have been studying the efficacy of the frangipani plant, plumeria rubra of the Apocynaceae family, for the past five years, and have successfully treated more than 130 people suffering from herpes zoster. The plant, which can grow more than two metres high and is vegetatively propagated through the use of cuttings, is commonly referred to as the `peace plant' as it is most commonly found in graveyards. The frangipani sap, Mr Muthotho says, stops the itchiness of herpes zoster sores, healing them without leaving any scars. It also kills the intense, recurrent post-treatment pain, and prevents recurrence, unlike the conventional drugs. The microbiologist says the sap works by permeating the nervous system cells to kill the herpes zoster virus eradicating the pain, and any possibility of recurrence. " During application, one experiences a burning sensation. However, within 10 to 20 minutes, the pain in the lesions reduces dramatically, " he says. He adds that conventional medicines only dry up the blisters and do not exterminate the virus, thus the recurrence of pain. " The lesions heal without scar tissue formation or secondary bacterial infections, " he says. " The drug Ipan (the plant sap) is safe and efficacious. " In some people, Mr Muthotho says, herpes zoster infection causes restricted chest movements during breathing, which clear within two hours of applying the sap. * ______________ Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit www.juno.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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