Unproven herbal remedy against COVID-19 could fuel drug-resistant malaria, scientists warn
Linda Nordling
Abstract
An herbal tonic developed in Madagascar and touted as a cure for COVID-19 could fuel drug-resistant malaria in Africa, scientists warn Several African countries have said they are placing orders for the brew, whose efficacy has yet to be shown Branded Covid-Organics, the therapy was developed by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research (IMRA) Its chief ingredient is reported to be sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), a plant of Asian origin that gave rise to the antimalarial drug artemisinin At its launch last month, Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina claimed the tonic had passed scientific scrutiny and cured two patients of COVID-19 The island nation has 151 confirmed coronavirus cases and no deaths
Topics & Concepts
ArtemisininMalariaCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Artemisia annuaScrutinyTraditional medicinePandemic2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)MedicineVirologyPlasmodium falciparumInfectious disease (medical specialty)Political scienceLawImmunologyDiseaseInternal medicineOutbreakDiverse Scientific Research Studies