The potential of Artemisia annua L. as a locally produced remedy for malaria in the tropics: agricultural, chemical and clinical aspects.
The plant Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae) is listed in the Chinese pharmacopoeia as a remedy for various fevers including malaria, and contains the well-established antimalarial compound artemisinin. In this study, a hybrid form of A. annua was successfully cultivated in Central Africa. The aerial parts of the plant contained 0.63-0.70% artemisinin per dry weight, and approximately 40% of this artemisinin could be extracted by simple tea preparation methods. Five malaria patients who were treated with A. annua tea showed a rapid disappearance of parasitaemia within 2-4 days. An additional trial with 48 malaria patients showed a disappearance of parasitaemia in 44 patients (92%) within 4 days. Both trials showed a marked improvement of symptoms. In our opinion, these results justify further examinations of the antimalarial effect of A. annua preparations.
Mueller
M S
MS
Hopital Nebobongo, Nebobongo, Congo.
Karhagomba
I B
IB
Hirt
H M
HM
Wemakor
E
E
D019306:Artemisia / Q000737:chemistry*; D037621:Artemisinins; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008288:Malaria / Q000628:therapy*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013662:Tea; D014329:Tropical Climate
D037621:Artemisinins; D007783:Lactones; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; D013662:Tea; C075875:artemisin