Objective: 1) To determine the type, cost, and perceived benefits of herbal products or dietary supplements use by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients.

Material and Method: This was a prospective survey of herbal use by HIV-infected outpatients at Songklanagarind Hospital. A questionnaire was completed by HIV-infected outpatients from March 1 to August 30, 2010. There were two parts to the questionnaire: 1) demographic data, and 2) herbal products or dietary supplements consumption (the type, cost, and perceived benefits).

Results: One hundred outpatients were interviewed, 54 were females. The mean age (±standard deviation; S.D.) of the patients was 40.7±8.9 years. Of these patients, 31% reported current use of herbal products or dietary supplements and 19% reported past use. Regarding product characteristics: 88.7% were extraction products in the form tablets, capsules or liquid, whereas 11.3% were unprocessed herbs (roots, leaf or flower). The most common types of herbal products or dietary supplements were Lingzhi tablets (16.4%), protein (16.4%) and vitamins (14.8%). Most patients (72%) consumed the products for not more than 1 year. The average monthly cost was 1,000 baht. Most of the patients deemed the benefits to be increased immunity (60%), increased appetite (12%) or enhanced anti-HIV effects (10%).

Conclusion: The study showed that half of the patients used herbal products or dietary supplements. Physicians, pharmacists and nurses should review the history of herbal products or dietary supplements for each patient as drug counseling.