The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of a hydrolyzed polysaccharide, rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) (also known as Lentin Plus 1000), on immune, hepatic, and renal function in HIV þ individuals.

A six-month randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was utilized to conduct the intervention. Forty-seven HIV þ participants on stable antiretroviral therapy were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the two study conditions (n 1⁄4 22 RBAC and n 1⁄4 25 placebo) and consumed 3 gram/day of either compound for six months. Participants were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months follow-up for CD4þ and CD8þ, liver enzymes, and kidney function.

No side effects were reported, and liver and kidney markers nearly remained completely within normal limits. The percentage change in CD4þ was similar for the placebo (þ2.2%) and RBAC (þ3.1%) groups at 6 months follow-up. The percentage change in CD8þ count significantly decreased from baseline to 6 months in the RBAC group(-5.2%), whereas it increased in the placebo group (þ57.8%; p 1⁄4 0.04). The CD4þ/CD8þ ratio improved clinically in the RBAC group from 0.95 (SD 1⁄40.62) at baseline to 1.07 (SD 1⁄40.11) at 6 months, whereas it declined in the placebo group from 0.96 (SD 1⁄40.80) at baseline to 0.72 (SD 1⁄40.59) at 6 months.

Our results showed a statistically significant decrease in CD8þ count and a clinically significant increase in CD4þ/CD8þ ratio for the RBAC group compared to the placebo group. Thus, the results of this study suggest that the immunomodulatory and antisenescent activities of RBAC are promising for the HIV population.