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Herbal remedy. Winning the malaria war
Asiaweek
|May 18, 1994
Summary
Artemether, derived from the Chinese herb qinghao, is a highly effective treatment for drug-resistant malaria. Studies show it is significantly more effective than quinine in severe cases, offering new hope against this worsening global health crisis.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Global Health
Background:
- Traditional Chinese medicine has long recognized the healing properties of qinghao.
- Malaria remains a significant global health threat, with increasing drug resistance in parasites.
- Existing antimalarial drugs are becoming less effective, necessitating novel treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of artemether, a derivative of qinghao, against drug-resistant malaria.
- To compare the effectiveness of artemether with quinine in treating severe malaria cases.
- To assess the impact of artemether in regions with high malaria parasite resistance.
Main Methods:
- A clinical study involving 97 severe malaria cases was conducted on the Thai-Cambodia border.
- Artemether treatment efficacy was directly compared against quinine.
- Data on treatment outcomes and parasite resistance were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Artemether demonstrated three times greater effectiveness compared to quinine in treating severe malaria.
- The study was conducted in a critical area known for highly resistant malaria parasites.
- Related herbal extracts have previously shown an 80% reduction in malaria mortality rates in Vietnam.
Conclusions:
- Artemether is a highly effective antimalarial drug, particularly against resistant strains.
- This scientific validation represents a significant advancement in combating malaria.
- The drug's proven success offers a promising solution to the escalating global malaria crisis.