Researchers have found a root used in Chinese herbal therapy could prove better than synthetic medication at fighting HIV.

Medical staff at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) conducted an investigation of the effects of the Astragalus root on the body’s immune system.

They exposed cells to a chemical derived from this root, traditionally used in Chinese medicine.

Immune cells ability to replicate strengthened and the study also showed marked improvement in the body’s ability to fight the growth of HIV cells.

Professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the UCLA Rita Effros, who co-authored the study, said: “This has the potential to be either added to or possibly even replace the HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy)."

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Astragalus gained in popularity in the US in the 1980s.

There are thousands of varieties, but Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus are mainly used for medicinal benefits.

In China, Astralagus is used to boost the immune system for cancer, hepatitis, colds and heart disease.