Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a major public health problem affecting several countries with predominance in black Africa. Faced with therapeutic failure caused by resistance and supply disruptions, searching for other antiretroviral agents, in particular from natural sources, becomes necessary. Given popular consumption of Azadirachta indica and Senna siamea decoction in the Northern Cameroon region and the traditionally attributed antiretroviral value, information on its efficacy and safety consumption is relevant to confirm its use. A total of 297 participants aged 18–52 and HIV-positive were recruited and divided into 3 groups: one taking only the decoction (group 1), another taking only antiretroviral therapy (ARTs) (group 2), and finally, one taking the decoction and antiretroviral (group 3). During 6 months, all the participants of the concerned groups consumed daily (morning and evening) 250 mL of Azadirachta indica and Senna siamea decoction. CD4+ and CD8+ levels were measured by flow cytometry. Hepatic and renal toxicity and oxidative stress were evaluated spectrophotometrically by measuring ALT, AST, ALP, BUN, CREAT, SOD, CAT, and GSH parameters. We note an increase in the CD4+ level of the three groups with values much more pronounced in the group treated by ARTs + decoction, from 328 ± 106 to 752 ± 140. Group 2 presented not only biological signs of hepatic and renal toxicity but also significant oxidative stress. No signs of toxicity were detected in the other groups. The study concludes that a decoction of Azadirachta indica and Senna siamea stimulates the production of CD4+ and is not toxic. On the contrary, it would reduce the toxicity caused by ARTs intake.

Background: Malaria, a parasitosis affecting man, remains a public health problem in developing countries where morbidity and mortality are very high. Afzelia bipindensis and Senna siamea are two plants used in the treatment of malaria in different African countries including Cameroon. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of hydroethanolic leaves extracts of Afzelia bipindensis and Senna siamea, from Northern Cameron using Plasmodium berghei and to investigate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of leaves extracts in a rodent model. Methods: The four days Peter’s suppressive test was used to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity and the OCDE 423 and 412 guidelines were applied to evaluate acute and sub-acute toxicity. Biochemical tests related to hepatic, cardiac and renal toxicity were also assessed. Results: The leaves’ extracts of Afzelia bipindensis at doses 180, 360, 720 mg/kg and Senna siamea at doses of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg have shown significant antiplasmodial activity (P) with parasite reduction ≈ 50%. No mortality of rats was observed at the tested doses. The biochemical analysis did not reveal any statistically significant difference when compared with control. However, ALT was statistically increased at a higher dose (720 mg/kg) of Afzelia bipindensis leaves extract. On the other hand, there was a significant decrease in triglycerides at 360 mg/kg and 720 mg/kg Conclusion: It is concluded that daily consumption of leaves extract of Afzelia bipindensis and Senna siamea are without significant risks to human health, favoring the use of these products in the treatment of malaria.