Malaria is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the world and a major public
health problem because of emerging drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium. A number of synthetic and natural compounds are now being analysed to develop more
effective antimalarial drugs. We investigated the effect of homeopathic preparations
of Eupatorium perfoliatum and Arsenicum album on parasitemia using a rodent malaria model.
We found significant inhibitory effect on parasite multiplication with both medications
with a level of 60% for Eupatorium perfoliatum at a 30 CH potency. Arsenicum album 0/6 gave 70% inhibition but this was less stable than Eupatorium perfoliatum. The number of schizonts was higher in animals treated with homeopathic medications.
Although the mechanism of action is unknown, these agents would be good candidates
as alternative or complementary medications in the treatment of malaria.
Keywords
Plasmodium berghei
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Eupatorium perfoliatum
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Arsenicum album
- Balb/c mice - Homeopathic medications