Browsing by Author "Kabasa, David"

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    Artemisia Annua L. Infusion Consumed Once a Week Reduces Risk of Multiple Episodes of Malaria: A Randomised Trial in a Ugandan Community
    (Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2012) Ogwang, Patrick E.; Ogwal, Jasper O.; Kasasa, Simon; Olila, Deogratius; Ejobi, Francis; Kabasa, David; Obua, Celestino
    To evaluate the protective effect of Artemisia annua infusion against malaria in a community that uses it as herbal ‘tea’ for malaria prevention. Methods: 132 flower farm workers who met the study inclusion criteria and were not yet using A. annua infusion were randomized either to A. annua or placebo groups in the ratio of 1:1. Treatments were administered once a week under direct observation to participants. Malaria episodes were documented over a 9-month period while adverse effects were documented over 12 months. Results: A. annua herbal ‘tea’ significantly reduced the risk of suffering more than one episode of malaria in nine months by 55 % (12/67 vs 26/65, p = 0.005 No participant experienced any serious adverse effect although bitter taste was the most common side effect of the infusion. Conclusion: Artemisia annua infusion consumed once a week was effective in preventing multiple episodes of malaria in humans living in malaria endemic areas. However, its bitter taste and the risk of development of malaria parasite resistance to the artemisinin contained in it remain major challenges for its use in the mass control of malaria.
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    Use of Artemisia annua L. Infusion for Malaria Prevention: Mode of Action and Benefits in a Ugandan Community
    (British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2011) Ogwang, Patrick E.; Ogwal, Jasper O.; Kasasa, Simon; Ejobi, Francis; Kabasa, David; Obua, Celestino
    Malaria is major public health problem in Uganda endemic in 95% contributing up to 40% of hospital outpatient attendances. Approaches to controlling the disease include; environmental, entomological and medicinal interventions. Some communities use medicinal plants to control the disease. In this paper we report the use of Artemisia annua L. for malaria prophylaxis at a Ugandan floricultural farm. We conducted a survey of the farm workers to determine extent of use of A. annua ‘tea’, their clinic attendance patterns and also quantified the levels of artemisinin and flavonoids in A. annua. We further tested the effect of artemisinin devoid extract in laboratory animal models. Findings from the survey showed that 84.2% of the managers and 62% of field workers in this farm consumed A. annua ‘tea’ once a week to prevent malaria and related fevers. Clinic attendance due to fevers or symptoms associated with malaria was reduced by 80% while cases of laboratory confirmed diagnosis of malaria reduced by 16.7%. Laboratory test of A. annua leaf powder used in community indicated the presence of artemisinin (0.4% to 0.5%) and flavonoids (9% to 11%). A. annua extract devoid of artemisinin was found to significantly boost monocyte counts in albino rats (p<0.001).The action of these flovonoids could explain the mechanism of prophylaxis of A. annua ‘tea’. A. annua variety or product thereof rich in flavonoids but devoid of artemisinin should be developed and tried for mass prevention of malaria as a beverage or food taken regularly.