Demand for the leaves of Artemisia afra – also known as lengana, uMhlonyane, African wormwood, and Wilde Als in South Africa – has soared as South Africans seek it to treat COVID-19-like symptoms. Business Insider reports that Artemisia has been used for generations as a traditional cure for flu-related illnesses such as colds, fever, coughs and headaches, including by various South African communities.
The report says as the coronavirus pandemic started to grip Africa, many have turned to the plant to treat their symptoms, and the government of Madagascar has punted a remedy for COVID-19 based on it. Artemisia can be found in the wild throughout much of South Africa.
Earlier this month, South Africa's department of higher education, science and innovation allocated 15m to research the use of artemisia – among other African plants – in treating COVID-19 symptoms. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that there are no published scientific studies on the plant’s efficacy in treating COVID-19, and that it should still be tested for adverse side effects.
Professor Wolfgang Preiser, who heads the medical virology unit at the University of Stellenbosch's medical school, says the plant offers no magic cure for COVID-19, but could provide some relief of symptoms.
"Artemisia species have been used for centuries as remedies and I am quite sure that if used wisely they could bring symptomatic relief. We do not have antiviral drugs against COVID-19 currently and I do not see anything wrong with taking medication, including nature-derived medication, for symptomatic relief," he said.
[link url="https://www.businessinsider.co.za/life/atremisia-plant-and-price-increase-2020-7"]Full Business Insider report[/link]
See also
[link url="https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/archives/au-silence-greets-madagascar-presidents-claims-of-covid-19-cure/"]AU silence greets Madagascar president’s claims of COVID-19 ‘cure’[/link]
[link url="https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/archives/tanzania-joins-the-list-of-african-countries-importing-madagascars-covid-19-cure/"]Tanzania joins the list of African countries importing Madagascar’s COVID-19 ‘cure’[/link]
[link url="https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/archives/sa-traditional-medicine-researchers-examine-madagascars-cure-for-covid-19/"]SA traditional medicine researchers examine Madagascar’s ‘cure’ for COVID-19[/link]
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