INTRODUCTION

1. The International Center for Indigenous Phytotherapy Studies (TICIPS) INTRODUCTION TICIPS was created in 2005 through a research consortium led by the Missouri University Medical School and University of the Western Cape South African Herbal Science and Medicine Institute. The primary mission of TICIPS is to conduct scientifically ethical and rigorous research on indigenous phytotherapies that are used to combat HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Cancer, in a unique partnership between traditional healers, medical doctors and scientists. Centre Co-Directors: Prof. Bill Folk Medical School Missouri University-Columbia United States folkw@missouri.edu Prof. Quinton Johnson SA Herbal Science and Medicine Institute University of the Western Cape, South Africa qjohnson@uwc.ac.za HISTORY The university of Missouri, USA and the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, have more than 20 years of bilateral exchanges. Building upon the strengths each has in the study of medicinal plants TICIPS was formed in 2005 to develop collaborative research on medicinal plants in the context of important diseases of Africa and America. CONTEXT South Africa has over 21 000 species of plants, of which approximately 3000 are used medicinally. Furthermore, about 80% of the population consults with traditional healers for their healthcare needs, and use indigenous medicine for a wide range of conditions. Within this context, TICIPS has the following aims: ● To conduct scientifically rigorous research, training and outreach programs focused on African Indigenous Medicines that meet international standards for compliant and ethical conduct. ●To protect plant biodiversity and habitat in South Africa. ●To protect intellectual property rights related to medicinal plants within the context of the SA Biodiversity and Patent Acts which are in keeping with international legislation. ●To develop collaborations and partnerships with traditional healers, scientists, medical doctors and other stakeholders in this field. PARTNERS: EDENDALE HOSPITAL, KZN PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY; UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL; KZN TRADITIONAL HEALERS COUNCILS; MEDICAL RESAERCH COUNCIL UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-MEDICAL BRANCH AND MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN

2. GENERAL INFORMATION ●Researchers and traditional healers from South Africa have partnered with scientists from the United States through TICIPS, to study several of the indigenous herbal medicines that are used by the South Africans with HIV, TB and Cancer. ● Approximately 80% of the population use indigenous medicines, consulting close to an estimated 200 000 traditional healers for their healthcare. ●  Present studies focus on two indigenous plants from South Africa, Artemisia afra and Lessertia frutescens, popularly used to treat symptoms and complications of HIV/AIDS, including secondary infections and wasting. ●Over 5.5 million South Africans are estimated to have HIV/AIDS. ● The research is being done in a thorough, ethical, and responsible manner that is reviewed and approved by ethics and regulatory boards in South Africa and the USA.● It is important to evaluate and understand medicines that South Africans are using, in the hope they improve quality of life and reduce pain and suffering due to HIV/AIDS TB and cancer.● TICIPS brings together physicians and scientists from South Africa and the United States, traditional healers and the public  - all working together. ● This research will begin to test the safety of these plants, using randomized, placebo controlled clinical trials. ● Knowledge gained from this research could impact the health and well being of South Africans and peoples around the globe.● Since many South Africans use indigenous medicines, it is important for doctors and healers to understand each other, and learn from each other. ● TICIPS works closely with representatives of the traditional healers community, the University of KwaZulu Natal, the University of Cape Town, the Medical Research Council, and the KwaZulu Natal Ministry of Health. ● TICIPS continues to increase and connect with a network of partners who wish to better understand African indigenous medicines, healing and health systems.

3. MEDIA INFORMATION ●TICIPS researchers completed a phase 1 randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial on Sutherlandia (Unwele) in 20 healthy human volunteers in 2005. ● The results of the phase 1 trial on Sutherlandia (Unwele) showed that the phytotherapy was well tolerated by humans: Q. Johnson, J. Syce, H. Nel, K. Rudeen and W. Folk (2007). A Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of Lessertia frutescens in healthy adults. PLoS Clinical Trials 2 (4): e16. doi:10.1371/journal. pctr.00220016. ●  TICIPS researchers have now secured Institutional Review Board and Medicine Control Council approval to conduct a Sutherlandia (Unwele) Phase II randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical study in 124 very early stage HIV patients, who do not medically qualify for ARV treatment in South Africa or the United States. ●  The study will be conducted in the department of Medicine at Edendale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg (Kwazulu-Natal), with full approval of the hospital and the provincial department of health. ●The study will be led by the head of department of Medicine at Edendale Hospital Dr. Douglas Wilson (MBChB), and his USA counterpart, Professor Kathy Goggin (PhD) from Missouri University (Kansas City). ●  The study is funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), at the National Institutes of Health in the United States, through grant number R21AT001944. ●The study will commence in September 2007 and be completed in August 2009. ●All enquiries should be directed to TICIPS Co-Directors: Prof. Quinton Johnson SA Herbal Science and Medicine Institute University of the Western Cape Bellville 7535 Tel.: (021) 959 3033 E-mail: qjohnson@uwc.ac.za Prof. Bill Folk School of Medicine Missouri University Columbia Missouri Tel.: (573) 882 2841 E-mail: folkw@missouri.edu