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.
Evidence last reviewed: August 2026
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
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
Where to buy
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