Articles
Artemisia and integrative health in Africa: from traditional use to agro-integrative medicine within a one health framework
Article number
1462_13
Pages
93 – 100
Language
English
Abstract
Artemisia species are widely used in traditional medicine across sub-Saharan Africa for the management and prevention of febrile and infectious syndromes.
This study presents a combined review of the phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and clinical tropisms of Artemisia annua and A. afra, alongside results from a 2019-2024 case study within the PD-AMI Kongoterra program in Kongo Central, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Agro-ecological cultivation of Artemisia demonstrated stable biomass yields (fresh: 2,800-7,590 kg year‑1; dry: 336-911 kg year‑1), consistent processing into standardized 40 g packs and bulk, and effective distribution through commercial and community channels.
Approximately 41,100 individuals received clinical or preventive Artemisia infusions, including curative treatment for uncomplicated malaria (≈800), supportive care (≈32,000), and preventive use in schools with A. afra to reduce absenteeism and febrile episodes (≈8,300). Additional applications under a One Health framework included 53 kg for natural biopesticides and 284 kg incorporated into functional animal feed.
The study illustrates how Artemisia can be integrated into an agro-integrative medicine model, combining traditional knowledge, community health interventions, and environmental management.
These findings support evidence-based approaches for preventive and supportive care in low-resource settings and highlight opportunities for sustainable, community-centered health strategies.
This study presents a combined review of the phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and clinical tropisms of Artemisia annua and A. afra, alongside results from a 2019-2024 case study within the PD-AMI Kongoterra program in Kongo Central, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Agro-ecological cultivation of Artemisia demonstrated stable biomass yields (fresh: 2,800-7,590 kg year‑1; dry: 336-911 kg year‑1), consistent processing into standardized 40 g packs and bulk, and effective distribution through commercial and community channels.
Approximately 41,100 individuals received clinical or preventive Artemisia infusions, including curative treatment for uncomplicated malaria (≈800), supportive care (≈32,000), and preventive use in schools with A. afra to reduce absenteeism and febrile episodes (≈8,300). Additional applications under a One Health framework included 53 kg for natural biopesticides and 284 kg incorporated into functional animal feed.
The study illustrates how Artemisia can be integrated into an agro-integrative medicine model, combining traditional knowledge, community health interventions, and environmental management.
These findings support evidence-based approaches for preventive and supportive care in low-resource settings and highlight opportunities for sustainable, community-centered health strategies.
Publication
Authors
N. Bundutidi Makaya
Keywords
Artemisia annua, Artemisia afra, agro-ecology, integrative medicine, preventive phytotherapy, One Health, sub-Saharan Africa
Online Articles (28)