Geranium extracts inhibit HIV-1

Scientists from the Helmholtz Zentrum München demonstrate that root extracts of the medicinal plant Pelargonium sidoides (PS) contain compounds that attack HIV-1 particles and prevent virus replication. A team comprising Dr. Markus Helfer, Prof. Dr. Ruth Brack-Werner and Prof. Dr. Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin performed a detailed investigation of the effects of PS extracts on HIV-1 infection […]

Scientists from the Helmholtz Zentrum München demonstrate that root extracts of the medicinal plant Pelargonium sidoides (PS) contain compounds that attack HIV-1 particles and prevent virus replication. A team comprising Dr. Markus Helfer, Prof. Dr. Ruth Brack-Werner and Prof. Dr. Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin performed a detailed investigation of the effects of PS extracts on HIV-1 infection of cultured cells. They demonstrated that PS extracts protect blood and immune cells from infection by HIV-1, the most widespread type of HIV.