Alternative Therapy for HIV: The Scoop on DCNB

by Sharon Ann Meyer

Many HIV challenged individuals search for inexpensive alternative therapies that may or may not provide desirable effects. Various treatments are inexpensive, widely available, and readily used without valid trial information documenting safety or effectiveness.

DNCB (dinitrochlorobenzene), which has been available since 1986, is often used as an alternative treatment option. It's a chemical used in photo finishing and air conditioning that's been used to treat certain kinds of warts, Kaposi's Sarcoma and alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder caused by a viral infection). People who use DNCB hope to see a positive effect on viral load, cytokine expression and HIV disease progression.

Because DNCB is derived from benzene (a chemical compound) there are concerns that it may promote the growth of cancers. AIDS activists point out that it's not possible to patent DNCB so it's ignored by the medical profession and the federal government. Some DNCB advocates claim the compound will not work when used in combination with approved or experimental therapies, including vitamins. Sources report pure DNCB is "so strong that it must be diluted almost a thousand times before use."

Generally, proponents buy DNCB without a prescription, through Buyer's Clubs, and mix it into usable form at home. One individual seems to be a major proponent of this treatment with eight published accounts (seven that appear to be from the same ongoing pilot study). On the other hand, Morrey and colleagues do not advise the use of DNCB treatment in people who are living with HIV.

Previous research has not indicated any tangible 'promise' of beneficial effects from the use of DNCB and even proponents warn against a high likelihood of toxic effects. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on DNCB is available from chemical manufacturers. The MSDS states that high concentrations of DNCB "are extremely destructive to tissues of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract, eyes and skin." DNCB may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. People who use DNCB report side effects such as, persistent rashes, blistering, scarring, welts and 'hyperallergic' responses.

Recent studies by Cohen and Loveless disappointed many DNCB proponents. Cohen's study found a slight increase in CD4 counts for both placebo and DNCB treated volunteers with CD8 counts increased more in the placebo group than in the DNCB group. Mark Loveless, lead researcher for the second study, saw CD8 cell losses that were similar for both groups. CD4 counts fell more in the DNCB group than in the untreated group. A total of less than 40 people were enrolled in these studies.

Large scale, controlled, double-blind, clinical trials need to be conducted to receive FDA drug approval. Until then the effectiveness of DNCB treatment will remain questionable.

Readers are cautioned to read all available research, and to consult a physician, before making health-care or treatment decisions. It's wise to access as much information as possible so that educated decisions can be made concerning the use of alternative treatments.

© 1996 Sharon Ann Meyer, (Excerpted from the HIV ReSource Review, Volume 1, Issue 1, July 1996)

Sharon Ann Meyer, A.S., A.A., D.T.R. is the President of HIV ReSources, Inc., a Florida based company that distributes resources on nutrition and HIV/AIDS. Involved in the nutritional aspects of HIV/AIDS care since 1988, she is the Editor-In-Chief of the HIV ReSource Review a newsletter that presents literature reviews of HIV/AIDS and nutrition- related topics. Sharon is a member of numerous professional and community groups and has worked as a Nutrition Education Program Coordinator and Clinical Dietetic Technician serving hospitals and ASOs in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area. Visit her web site, HIV ReSources, Inc. at http://www.hivresources.com.