Malaria is a deadly disease caused by Plasmodium parasites that are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It affects millions of people worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Although there are several antimalarial drugs available, the emergence of drug-resistant strains has prompted the search for alternative treatments. One promising avenue of research is the use of herbs and plants that have been traditionally used to treat malaria. In this article, we will explore some of the herbs and plants that can battle malaria without cost.
• Artemisia annua (Sweet Wormwood)
Artemisia annua, also known as Sweet Wormwood, is a herb that has been used in Chinese traditional medicine for centuries to treat fevers. Its active compound, artemisinin, was first isolated in the 1970s and has since become a key component of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), which is currently the most effective treatment for malaria. Artemisinin and its derivatives are highly effective against the malaria parasite, both in vitro and in vivo. They work by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage the parasite’s cell membrane and DNA.
• Cassia alata (Candle Bush)
Cassia alata, also known as Candle Bush or Ringworm Bush, is a plant that is widely distributed in tropical regions. It has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including skin diseases, fever, and malaria. Several studies have shown that extracts from the leaves of Cassia alata have significant antimalarial activity. The active compounds in the plant are believed to be anthraquinones, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite.
• Cinchona (Quinine Bark)
Cinchona, also known as Quinine Bark, is a tree that is native to South America. Its bark has been used for centuries as a treatment for fever, including malaria. Quinine, the active compound in Cinchona, was first isolated in the 1820s and became the first effective treatment for malaria. Although quinine is no longer the first-line treatment for malaria, it is still used in some parts of the world and is considered an important tool in the fight against drug-resistant malaria.
• Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Ghanaian quinine)
Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, also known as Ghanaian quinine, is a plant that is native to West Africa. Its roots have been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria. Several studies have shown that extracts from the plant have significant antimalarial activity. The active compounds in the plant are believed to be alkaloids, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite.
• Ginger
Ginger is a plant that is widely used as a spice and in traditional medicine. It has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological properties, including antimalarial activity. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that a ginger extract was able to inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite in vitro. The active compounds in ginger are believed to be gingerols and shogaols, which have been shown to have antimalarial activity.
• Neem
Neem, also known as Indian lilac, is a tree that is native to the Indian subcontinent. Its leaves, bark, and seeds have been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria. Several studies have shown that extracts from the neem tree have significant antimalarial activity. The active compounds in the plant are believed to be limonoids and triterpenoids, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite.
• Papaya
Papaya is a fruit that is widely consumed in tropical regions. However, it is not just the fruit that is beneficial for treating malaria. The leaves of the papaya tree have been traditionally used to treat malaria. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that a papaya leaf extract was able to inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite in vitro. The active compounds in the plant are believed to be alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which have been shown to have antimalarial activity.
• Senna alata (Candlestick Plant)
Senna alata, also known as Candlestick Plant or Emperor’s Candlesticks, is a plant that is native to tropical regions. Its leaves and bark have been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria. Several studies have shown that extracts from the plant have significant antimalarial activity. The active compounds in the plant are believed to be anthraquinones, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite.
• Tinospora cordifolia (Heart-Leaved Moonseed)
Tinospora cordifolia, also known as Heart-Leaved Moonseed or Guduchi, is a plant that is widely distributed in India and Southeast Asia. It has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria. Several studies have shown that extracts from the plant have significant antimalarial activity. The active compounds in the plant are believed to be alkaloids and glycosides, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite.
Conclusion
Herbs and plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria. Several of these plants have been shown to have significant antimalarial activity and are potential sources for the development of new antimalarial drugs. However, more research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of these plants before they can be widely used to treat malaria. Additionally, the use of herbs and plants as antimalarial agents should be done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Disclaimer:
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References:
Adeleke, M. A., & Adebayo, A. J. (2019). A review on the antimalarial potential of medicinal plant species. Journal of Parasitic Diseases, 43(2), 155-171.
Hassan, A. S., Akeem, A. S., Oladipupo, O. A., & Samson, O. O. (2017). Antimalarial potential of some indigenous plants used for the treatment of malaria in Ibadan, Nigeria. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 202, 168-177.
Owolabi, M. S., Oduola, T., Tella, A. C., & Adekunle, A. A. (2018). Evaluation of the antiplasmodial activity of some plant extracts against Plasmodium falciparum. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 29(5), 495-500.
Sahoo, A., Chainy, G. B. N., & Chakraborty, D. (2018). Antimalarial activity of ginger (Zingiber officinale) against Plasmodium berghei in vivo. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 219, 255-263.
World Health Organization. (2019). World malaria report 2019. Geneva: World Health Organization.
