Whole plant extracts versus single compounds for the treatment of malaria: synergy and positive interactions
2011
Whole plant extracts versus single compounds for malaria treatment
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Rasoanaivo Philippe, Wright Colin W, Willcox Merlin L, Gilbert Ben
Hypothesis
The paper aims to review positive interactions between components of whole plant extracts that may explain their greater effectiveness compared to isolated compounds.
Conclusion
More clinical research is needed on the interactions between plant constituents to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments for malaria.
Supporting Evidence
- Crude plant extracts often have greater antiplasmodial activity than isolated constituents.
- Pharmacodynamic synergy has been demonstrated between various plant extracts traditionally combined.
- Some plant extracts may have an immunomodulatory effect as well as a direct antiplasmodial effect.
- Combinations of pure compounds and herbal remedies may enhance the activity of existing treatments.
Takeaway
This study looks at how using whole plants instead of just one part can work better to treat malaria, and suggests we need to test these combinations more.
Methodology
Narrative review.
Limitations
The study highlights the need for more clinical trials to validate the findings.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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