By KEVIN TUNOI

KENYA: Integration of traditional herbs in the healthcare system will help win the fight against malaria and other infections.

Researchers of herbal medicine from the University of Eldoret observed that mutation of the malaria parasites had made them resistant to the modern medicine.

They therefore want traditional medicine incorporated into the health sector to manage the dangers posed by resistance to modern medicine.

“Malaria parasites have become resistant to conventional medicine which derives its compounds from traditional herbs. The fight against malaria cannot be won unless traditional medicine is incorporated into the health sector,” said Prof Paul Ndalut, a lead researcher at the University of Eldoret.

Addressing a workshop attended by members of North Rift Herbalist Group Association (NRHGA) at the institution, Ndalut said the Artemisia plant works as a prophylaxis and treatment for malaria.

However, pharmaceutical companies only extract one element from the plant for cure instead of the entire plant structure that can cure and prevent, he said.

Prevent infection

“Pharmaceutical companies manufacture malaria preventing drugs from active ingredients in Artemisia plants which has made some parasites to be unaffected. If Artemisia is given correctly, it will prevent infection before it develops into full blown malaria,” Prof Ndalut explained.

The plant has been in use for over 2,000 years and has been effective in reducing cases of malaria-related deaths. Revamping of the pyrethrum sector would also ensure that malaria is actively contained.

He further explained that mosquitoes had developed resistance to repellants that are made from synthetic pyrethroids against pyrethrins derived from pyrethrum.

University of Eldoret acting deputy Vice-Chancellor Jacob Bitok pointed out that with increasing levels of poverty, cheap, locally produced and available remedies would bring better health within the reach of the poor.

“Synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs produced by major pharmaceutical companies, whether imported or manufactured locally, are expensive and out of reach of poverty stricken citizens,” Prof Bitok said.

According to the World Health Organisation, there are more than 300 million cases of malaria worldwide and at least one million deaths annually.