Ubhejane

South African herbal remedy marketed for HIV/AIDS

Ubhejane means "black rhinoceros" in Zulu

Ubhejane (also stylized as uBhejane, Zulu for "black rhinoceros") is a South African herbal medicine that has been marketed as an alternative treatment for HIV/AIDS. Despite its popularity in some communities, it remains controversial due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness and safety.

Overview

Ubhejane is claimed by its creator, Zeblon Gwala, a former truck driver from KwaZulu-Natal, to be an effective treatment for HIV/AIDS. Gwala has stated that the concept came to him in a dream. The product is presented as a natural alternative to conventional antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Gwala has asserted that Ubhejane can be used either alongside or in place of standard antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), claiming it has no side effects. However, this advice has raised significant concern among medical professionals and public health experts.

The cost of Ubhejane has been reported to vary between $25 and $50 USD, making it more affordable than some conventional medications, particularly for people in low-income communities.

Composition

Ubhejane is composed of two liquid herbal mixtures, sold in bottles with different colored caps:

• Blue Cap Bottle – Marketed as targeting the HIV virus.
• White Cap Bottle – Advertised as a booster for the immune system.

According to Gwala, the remedy contains 89 different medicinal plants, which are sourced from various parts of Africa. The product is described as a dark, liquid tonic, and is reportedly mixed and bottled by hand.

The full list of ingredients has never been publicly disclosed, and critics have raised concerns about the potential for unknown interactions or toxicity. Notably, AIDS expert Dennis Sifris criticized Gwala for his refusal to share the formulation, calling for transparency and scientific evaluation.

Medical and Scientific Criticism

Mainstream medical and scientific communities have widely criticized Ubhejane. Key concerns include:

• Lack of clinical trials: No peer-reviewed studies have validated its safety or effectiveness.
• Discouragement of ARVs: Advising patients to forgo proven antiretroviral treatment is considered dangerous.
• Unknown ingredients: The undisclosed formulation poses a potential health risk, particularly when taken alongside ARVs or other medications.

The South African Department of Health and numerous AIDS advocacy organizations have warned against the use of unproven remedies like Ubhejane, especially when used as a substitute for life-saving antiretroviral therapy.

Cultural and Social Impact

Ubhejane gained popularity during a time when misinformation about HIV/AIDS treatment was widespread in South Africa. It has been seen by some as a symbol of traditional African healing and autonomy, but by others as part of the country's troubled response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, especially under the administration of Thabo Mbeki.

Despite criticism, Ubhejane remains in use among some segments of the population, often due to cultural beliefs, distrust of pharmaceuticals, or lack of access to conventional healthcare.

Regulatory and Legal Status

Ubhejane is not registered as a medicine by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). As of the most recent public updates, there have been no official regulatory approvals based on safety, quality, or efficacy.

Attempts to legally challenge its sale or promotion have been complicated by South Africa's laws on traditional medicine, which offer some leeway for remedies used within cultural or indigenous contexts.

See also

• HIV/AIDS in South Africa
• Alternative medicine
• AIDS denialism
• Antiretroviral therapy
• Manto Tshabalala-Msimang

External links

• Mbewu et al., "Traditional medicines and the fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa," South African Medical Journal
• AVERT: HIV and AIDS in South Africa