The broad use of highly active anti-retroviral
therapy (
HAART), especially in developing world, has been associated with several problems such as
lactic acidosis, lipodistrophy,
pancreatitis,
hyperlipidemia,
insulin resistance and hepatotoxicity. Extensive use of
HAART has also resulted in emergence of resistant HIV variants. Thereby, a pressing need for development of novel and cost-effective agents arises from these limitations.
Setarud (IMOD™) is a safe, naturally- derived
immunomodulator that was introduced for treatment of HIV patients in Iran. It is prepared as a mixture of herbal extracts including Tanacetum vulgare (tansy), Rosa canina and Urtica dioica (nettle) in addition to
selenium,
flavonoids and
carotenes. Tanacetum vulgare may relieve anti-inflammatory symptoms and Rosa canina defers
blood glucose and
cholesterol elevation. Extracts from Urtica dioica may prevent maturation of myeloid dendritic cells and reduce T cell responses. A significant rise of CD4 count was observed in HIV patients treated by IMOD™ in clinical trial phases, which could be explained by its immunomodulatory effects. Anti-oxidative activity of compounds in IMOD™ might play a role in the clinical outcomes of patients treated with this drug. Moreover, IMOD™ may show improving activity upon
lipid profile and liver metabolism. According to studies on IMOD™, it seems that IMOD™ has minor side effects. IMOD™ with international publication number WO 2007/087825 A1 is an herbal extract which includes Rosa canina, Urtica dioica, Tanacetum vulgare, and
selenium comprising a treatment by pulsed electromagnetic field of high frequency and is useful in treatment of
HIV infection and
AIDS.