Sutherlandia Frutescens
A South African herb (cancer bush) promoted for immunity, HIV and fatigue. Two placebo-controlled trials found it tolerable but showed no benefit, and it measurably interferes with an HIV drug.
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What the science says
- Immunity in HIV Limited evidence
An adaptive double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in HIV-seropositive South African adults found no significant benefit on CD4 count or clinical status. Its main conclusion was that the herb appeared safe over the study period.
- Healthy adults Limited evidence
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults was designed as a safety study and found no serious adverse effects. It did not demonstrate any efficacy for fatigue or wellbeing.
- Interaction with antiretrovirals Limited evidence
A population pharmacokinetic analysis in human subjects showed Sutherlandia alters the pharmacokinetics of the protease inhibitor atazanavir. That is a documented reason for caution rather than a benefit.
Dosage & safety
How to take it
Interactions
With medications
- atazanavir and other antiretrovirals
Human pharmacokinetic analysis showed Sutherlandia alters atazanavir exposure, and similar effects on other antiretrovirals are likely. do not combine — loss of viral control is the risk
- prescription drugs generally, particularly those cleared by CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein
Its constituents affect the same absorption and metabolism pathways that handle a large share of oral drugs. have a pharmacist review your full medication list before starting
Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.
Frequently asked questions
Does sutherlandia help HIV or boost immunity?
No benefit has been shown: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial in HIV-positive adults found no significant effect of sutherlandia on CD4 count or clinical status, so the evidence is limited.
Is sutherlandia safe with HIV medication?
No. A human pharmacokinetic analysis showed sutherlandia alters exposure to the antiretroviral atazanavir, and similar effects on other antiretrovirals are likely, so do not combine them because of the risk of losing viral control.
How much sutherlandia should I take?
Trials used 400 mg of dried sutherlandia leaf powder twice daily, with food. Have a pharmacist review your medications first if you take any prescription drug.
Does sutherlandia work for fatigue?
A placebo-controlled trial of sutherlandia in healthy adults found no serious adverse effects but did not demonstrate any benefit for fatigue or wellbeing, so the evidence is limited.
Scientific references
- Consumption of Sutherlandia frutescens by HIV-Seropositive South African Adults: An Adaptive Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Lessertia frutescens in healthy adults
- Identification of Mechanism and Pathway of the Interaction between the African Traditional Medicine, Sutherlandia Frutescens, and the Antiretroviral Protease Inhibitor, Atazanavir, in Human Subjects Using Population Pharmacokinetic (PK) Analysis
Related in Immunity
- Vitamin C Limited evidence
- Zinc Moderate evidence
- Elderberry Limited evidence
- L-Lysine Limited evidence
- Echinacea Limited evidence
- Andrographis Moderate evidence