Argemone mexicana decoction for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria

Willcox, Merlin, Graz, Bertrand, Falquet, Jacques, Sidibé, Oumar, Forster, Mathieu and Diallo, Drissa (2007) Argemone mexicana decoction for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 101 (12), 1190-1198. (doi:10.1016/j.trstmh.2007.05.017).

Abstract

A prospective, dose-escalating, quasi-experimental clinical trial was conducted with a traditional healer using a decoction of Argemone mexicana for the treatment of malaria in Mali. The remedy was prescribed in three regimens: once daily for 3 days (Group A; n = 23); twice daily for 7 days (Group B; n = 40); and four times daily for the first 4 days followed by twice daily for 3 days (Group C; n = 17). Thus, 80 patients were included, of whom 80% were aged <5 years and 25% were aged <1 year. All presented to the traditional healer with symptoms of malaria and had a Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia >2000/?l but no signs of severe malaria. The proportions of adequate clinical response (ACR) at Day 14 were 35%, 73% and 65% in Groups A, B and C, respectively (P = 0.011). At Day 14, overall proportions of ACR were lower in children aged <1 year (45%) and higher in patients aged >5 years (81%) (P = 0.027). Very few patients had complete parasite clearance, but at Day 14, 67% of patients with ACR had a parasitaemia <2000/?l. No patient needed referral for severe disease. Only minor side effects were observed. Further research should determine whether this local resource could represent a first-aid home treatment in remote areas.

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Contributors

Author: Merlin Willcox

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