Articles
Insights into ethnomedicine use of Artemisia genus from Africa: extensive overview
Article number
1462_21
Pages
143 – 150
Language
English
Abstract
The Asteraceae family encompasses numerous genera, with Artemisia among the most extensive and widely distributed.
This study aims to identify and document knowledge about Artemisia species and their applications within African alternative medicine.
The data presented are derived from comprehensive articles in English, French, or Spanish, collected through internet searches on platforms such as Google Scholar, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, the Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, and other relevant search engines, using Artemisia as the primary keyword, without temporal limitations or linguistic restrictions.
Twenty-eight African countries use 24 Artemisia species to manage various diseases. A. annua is the most frequently cited species (19.94%), followed by A. afra (15.28%) and A. absinthium (13.89%). However, A. absinthium L. had a high relative importance index, accounting for 100%. Morocco has the highest percentage of Artemisia species (16.67%) used in alternative treatments.
The leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant (36.67%), decoction (35.25%) is the most widely practiced formulation, and the oral route (61.39%) is the predominant one.
Approximately 200 diseases are managed, including metabolic and chronic diseases, non-communicable diseases, and non-natural diseases.
Malaria and diabetes mellitus are the most reported. Artemisia species are widely used in African traditional medicine and have been shown to significantly promote human health by treating various ailments.
This study supports further research and promotes the development of innovative, effective, and safe therapeutic options.
This study aims to identify and document knowledge about Artemisia species and their applications within African alternative medicine.
The data presented are derived from comprehensive articles in English, French, or Spanish, collected through internet searches on platforms such as Google Scholar, PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, the Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, and other relevant search engines, using Artemisia as the primary keyword, without temporal limitations or linguistic restrictions.
Twenty-eight African countries use 24 Artemisia species to manage various diseases. A. annua is the most frequently cited species (19.94%), followed by A. afra (15.28%) and A. absinthium (13.89%). However, A. absinthium L. had a high relative importance index, accounting for 100%. Morocco has the highest percentage of Artemisia species (16.67%) used in alternative treatments.
The leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant (36.67%), decoction (35.25%) is the most widely practiced formulation, and the oral route (61.39%) is the predominant one.
Approximately 200 diseases are managed, including metabolic and chronic diseases, non-communicable diseases, and non-natural diseases.
Malaria and diabetes mellitus are the most reported. Artemisia species are widely used in African traditional medicine and have been shown to significantly promote human health by treating various ailments.
This study supports further research and promotes the development of innovative, effective, and safe therapeutic options.
Publication
Authors
F.M. Kasali, P.O. Engeu, L.S.M. Alonga, B.C. Valentin, M.B. Rhushenge, P.M. Hamuli, J. Tusiimire
Keywords
alternative medicine, Artemisia, disease, malaria, medicinal plant
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