Millet-porridge with Artemisia annua as first aid for African children with malaria?

OBJECTIVES

In a few malaria-endemic countries with high disease prevalence, especially in children, and local cultivation of Artemisia annua, the availability of recommended malaria medicines is scant. New sources of treatment could be used, drawing from traditional medicine.

METHODS

A popular African millet-porridge was prepared by adding dried, sieved leaves of Artemisia annua. Artemisinin concentrations were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The artemisinin content of the porridge is stable and the concentration is maintained. The taste of the porridge is palatable.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research is needed before proposing the millet-porridge artemisinin formulation, but such an affordable therapy could be an option in the near future (also) for children living in poor areas where access to effective antimalarial drugs is precluded.