A renowned parasitologist, Prof. Olusegun Akanbi, has affirmed that herbal medicine remains one of the most promising solutions for malaria treatment, given the parasite’s growing resistance to conventional drugs.
Prof. Akanbi made this declaration on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, while delivering the 33rd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko AAUA, Ondo State, Nigeria, titled “Small but Mighty to Pull Down the Mightier: The Menace of Malaria Parasite”.
Prof. Akanbi noted the persistent struggle between mankind and malaria parasites, stressing the significant role medicinal plants could play in overcoming the disease. “Without prejudice to my religious beliefs as a pastor, I believe that going back to nature for lasting solutions should not be seen as a problem. Nigeria is blessed with natural resources capable of providing a permanent solution to malaria, but scientific validation is key”, he asserted.
The parasitologist explained that while modern medicine has made significant strides, the increasing resistance of malaria parasites to orthodox drugs necessitates a shift in focus towards traditional remedies.
Prof. Akanbi stressed the complexity of malaria transmission, stating that the parasite, especially Plasmodium falciparum, has consistently adapted to counter human efforts to eradicate it. “You would agree with me that there is an unseen warfare between man and malaria parasites which has been ongoing since man’s history on earth. Despite various technological advancements, this warfare remains unending due to the adaptive mechanisms of the parasite,” he said.
His studies on Anogeissus leiocarpus (Igi Ayin) and Terminalia avicennioides (Udi) demonstrated their potency against malaria. “The methanolic crude extract of A. leiocarpus at 200mg/kg body weight showed greater antiplasmodial activity than artesunate, a WHO-recommended drug,” he disclosed.
The professor also noted the efficacy of combining different medicinal plants, akin to the Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACTs). “Our study revealed that combining A. leiocarpus and T. avicennioides extracts resulted in higher parasite clearance compared to Artemether-Lumefantrine,” he stated.
However, he cautioned against excessive reliance on medicinal plants without scientific scrutiny, saying, “While herbal medicine holds promise, we must also consider their effects on vital organs like the liver and kidneys”, citing his study that showed increased liver enzymes in experimental animals treated with certain plant extracts.
He lamented that while vaccines have provided long-term solutions for many pathogenic diseases, malaria vaccines have not achieved the desired success. “The only vaccine developed so far is RTS’S, which emerged after hundreds of years of battle against this microscopic organism. However, we cannot confidently predict its long-term effectiveness due to the parasite’s ability to develop resistance,” he warned.
The parasitologist decried the high cost of potent antimalarial drugs, making them inaccessible to many people in malaria-endemic areas. He also expressed concerns about the unregulated use of medicinal plants. “Majority of the people in endemic areas have resorted to using medicinal plants, but the problem is that there is no prescribed dosage. Everyone takes it as they deem fit until symptoms disappear, which is very dangerous,” he cautioned.
Addressing the challenges, the Inaugural Lecturer recommended that government and healthcare facilities should intensify efforts in orientating the public on malaria prevention and control; while routine malaria parasite and haemoglobin checks should be mandatory during antenatal and postnatal clinics.
He added that government should cover the cost of kidney and liver dysfunction tests during antenatal visits; while potent antimalarial drugs for children under six years and pregnant women should be provided free of charge in specialized government hospitals; and more funding should be allocated to research for the development of potent antimalarial drugs.
In his opening address, the Vice Chancellor and Chairman on the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, lauded Prof. Akanbi’s contributions to academia and his dedication to research.
Prof. Ige noted, “I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Professor Olusegun Akanbi for his untiring commitment to academia, his outstanding contributions to research and scholarship, and his enduring legacy at Adekunle Ajasin University”.
