Hypoxoside: a putative, non-toxic prodrug for the possible treatment of certain malignancies, HIV-infection and inflammatory conditions

Of considerable interest over the past 14 years has been the question whether hypoxoside has any therapeutic properties and if so, what the molecular mode(s) of action could he. According to reports, extracts of various members of the Hypoxidaceae have been used inter alia as a tonic, rejuvenator, treatment for testicular tumors, internal cancers, hypertrophy of the prostate and urinary diseases (Nicoletti el al. 1992). Indeed patents were granted for the use of extracts of the family Hypoxidaceae and rooperol and derivatives for the treatment of cancer (Drewesand Liebenberg 1987a, 1987b). Research conducted over the past 14 years has shown that rooperol has potent pharmacological activity whereas hypoxoside is mainly inert. Nevertheless a hypothesis has been formulated that hypoxoside could act as a non-toxic, multifunctional prodrug (Albrecht et al. 1995a).

A symposium paper on an African medicinal species ,Hypoxoside, with remedial properties to alleviate HIV / AIDS symptoms.