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Malaria and antimalarial plants in Roraima, Brazil
1Centre for Economic Botany, Royal-Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK.
Tropical Doctor
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Indigenous communities in Roraima, Brazil, face malaria epidemics exacerbated by drug resistance. Local plant surveys reveal promising natural alternatives for malaria treatment, offering hope beyond conventional medicine.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Tropical Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The 1980s gold rush in Roraima, Brazil, triggered a severe malaria epidemic among indigenous populations, particularly the Yanomami.
- The emergence of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains has complicated malaria treatment, increasing reliance on effective alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and document traditional knowledge of local plant species used for malaria and fever treatment in Roraima.
- To identify potential new antimalarial agents from ethnobotanically significant plants.
Main Methods:
- Conducted fieldwork among seven indigenous communities and non-indigenous settlers in Roraima.
- Collected over 90 plant species cited for antimalarial or fever-reducing properties.
- Performed initial screening of plant extracts for antimalarial activity.
Main Results:
- Documented significant variation in knowledge of antimalarial plants across different communities.
- Observed evidence of ongoing experimentation with medicinal plants in some groups.
- Initial screening revealed a high incidence of significant antimalarial activity in collected plant extracts.
Conclusions:
- Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in Roraima holds potential for developing new malaria treatments.
- Further research into the identified plant species could lead to viable alternatives to western medicine for malaria control.