Malaria treatment by using Artemisia annua a report on Agricultural and clinical Trials in South-Kivu (Eastern DRC)

ACTION FOR NATURAL MEDICINE (ANAMED)

Abstract

 

Malaria treatment by using Artemisia annua a report on Agricultural and clinical Trials in South-Kivu (Eastern DRC)

 

Presented by     Dr. Sekagya Yahaya  ANAMED-Uganda

 

INTRODUCTION

Malaria attacks are a common and a serious problem in Eastern part of DRC and Malaria control in the region is very difficult because of : poverty of the population, lack of education, geographical position, resistance of malaria parasites, scarcity and inaccessibility to appropriate drugs e.g. Quinine. All these factors have led to ANAMED organization to concentrate on search of natural anti-malarial plants to better help the unfortunate populations to fight against malaria and such plants are able to be cultivated in different local areas in the tropics.

OBJECTIVES

To show the potential of Artmisia annua hybrid A-3 variety, (Artemisia annua anamed) to grow in tropics and also the efficiency of its leaves tea in treatment of malaria.

CULTIVATION

A-3 hybrid variety seeds got from Dr. Hans-Martin (ANAMED head officer) in 1997 were grown in Lwiro area at altitudes 2000m and 1640m according to the well laid out cultivation and harvesting guidelines. The plant grown had the following advantageous properties; - the plant grows to higher heights, has more leaves, it flowers much later, it has higher content of medically useful compounds and it can grow very well in the tropics

DRUG PREPARATION

Fresh leaves are harvested from plants before flowering, sun dried, crushed and weighed. Make a hot infusion of 5 gm of dried leaves in 1 litre of boiled water and drink 250 mls qid x 5 days for adult. Children dose varies with age.

METHODS

 Persons with +ve blood film for Plasmodium with consent to follow the natural treatment, not pregnant and without known chronic diseases related to kidney, cardiovascular system or liver were considered for the trial. Blood films were done before treatment, two days after the treatment and then weekly.

RESULTS

120 patients were followed, 48 female and 72 male. 112 persons  (93.3%) were totally healed within 5 to 7 days. 2 persons (1.66%) did not finish up with the treatment, 6 patients (5%) did not get healed

CONCLUSION

This medicine, A-3 variety is really effective and may be recommended for wider use in communities especially those with difficulties in accessing western anti-malarial drugs.

Artemisia annua anamed (A-3 variety) can grow easily in altitudes beyond 1000m