USING PLANT MATERIALS FOR TREATMENT OF MALARIA IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Introduction: With the increasing levels of malaria parasite drug resistance, the herbal knowledge of indigenous communities for malaria treatment can play an important role in identification of any new antimalarial plants that is yet to be discovered. Methods: Information was collected by interviewing indigenous people, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Collected plant samples were identified with the help of taxonomist, herbarium materials, and taxonomic keys in the flora of Nigeria. Results: There is increasing resistance of malaria parasites to chloroquine, the cheapest and commonly used drug for malaria in Nigeria. Artemisin, a product from medicinal plant indigenous to China, based on active principle of Artemisia annua, has been introduced into the Nigerian market. However not much has been done to project antimalaria properties of indigenous medicinal plants. This study thus, has the main objective of presenting medicinal plants used for malaria therapy in Imo State, South east Nigeria. Conclusions: This study highlights potential sources for the development of new antimalarial drugs from indigenous medicinal plants found in Owerri, Nigeria. Hence, there is need for scientific evaluation and standardization of these formulations of these dosages, if found effective, to eliminate the possibility of short to long term toxic effect.