Artemisia Annua L. Infusion Consumed Once a Week Reduces Risk of Multiple Episodes of Malaria: A Randomised Trial in a Ugandan Community
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Abstract
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.
Description
Keywords
Artemisia annua, Herbal tea, Community, Malaria prevention
Citation
Ogwang, P. E., Ogwal, J. O., Kasasa, S., Olila, D., Ejobi, F., Kabasa, D., & Obua, C. (2012). 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, 11(3), 445-453. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v11i3.14