KANPUR: The doctors and experts of Ganesh Shanker Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College are using a herbal treatment for malaria (felsiparum and vivax) these days. According to GSVM experts, this drug is known as 'artemisinin', which is a herb and effective in treating malaria and even other diseases caused by protozoa.

Talking to TOI, Dr Arti Lal Chandani, professor medicine department at GSVM informed that 'artemisinin' is a plant that is found in Uttarakhand, Punjab (Ludhiana) and even in southern region of the country and is very effective in treating both types of malaria. This drug shows no side effect and resistance in body even after continuous use.

The expert was addressing a CME in, which she praised the response of 'artemisinin' in malaria patients coming to LLR. She also urged the private practitioners of the city to use this drug. Dr Arti Lal Chandani informed that she is giving this herb to the patients in form of tablets and injections. The dose of three tablets a day for three consecutive days is fully successful in treating malaria.

Its important to mention here that 'artemisinin' is basically a Chinese herb, which is known as 'Qinghasou' in China. This herb is found in ample quantity in India as well.

This herb and its effect on malaria was discovered by Chinese scientists few years back after, which it was grown and planted in other countries as well. The extract of 'Qinghasou' or 'artemisinin' showed inhibition against parasite growth.

Importantly, even after growing in large quantity in the country, Artemisinin is being produced in less quantity in comparison to its demand due to its low production and being highly expensive. This drug has been found to be 100% effective after a short three–day regimen.

"Apart form Artemisinin some other herbs are also found effective in treating malaria. These herbs are rare in India and hence are highly expensive," said Dr Shailendra Tiwari, physician at UHM hospital.

Listing the names of other herbs effective in treatment of malaria, he said that 'African Peach' or 'Nauclea latifolia', which is a small tree found in tropical savanna forests of Africa is very effective in malaria treatment. The Local healers there use its extract from the roots as a tonic and to treat malaria, fever, toothaches, cavities, diarrhea and mouth infections."Woolly woodvine, or Sabicea villosa, is also a herb used for treating malaria which is found in native to Central and South America. Traditional healers use a tea made from the leaves to treat malaria, stomach disorders and dysentery. Another herb, Spanish needle, or Bidens pilosa, which is a tall annual plant found in tropical areas throughout the world are found highly effective in treating Vivax malaria. This herb is used from its aerial parts for treatment," added Dr Shailendra further.