Chinese scientists found an herb called Inula britannic that might be effective in treating both HIV and hepatitis B. It is not actually the herb but a chemical compound that was extracted from it. Scientists showed that this compound named 1,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (1,5-DCQA) works differently than the currently available drugs and are planning to perform human trials.

Besides that it was found to be effective, the compound was also found to have little side even when administered in larger doses and that abrupt suspending of the compound doesn’t lead to disease aggravation. These two facts already make it more attractive. All the compound’s effects have been proven on animals, it is left to see if the compound will produce the same effects on humans.

If it proves to be beneficial, the scientist will try to combine the new drug and the old medicines to see if it would give better results. If everything goes as planned, the drug may be on the market in two years time. Its price would be much lower because the compound that was found to be effective doesn’t have to be extracted from herbs because it can be made chemically.