Evidence supporting the use of: Sweet wormwood
For the health condition: Malaria

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua), also known as Qinghao in traditional Chinese medicine, is scientifically validated for its use in treating malaria. The key compound extracted from this plant is artemisinin, which was discovered by Chinese scientist Tu Youyou in the 1970s. Artemisinin and its derivatives (such as artesunate and artemether) are now cornerstone treatments for malaria worldwide, especially for Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the most dangerous form of the disease. These compounds are fast-acting and highly effective, leading to rapid reduction of parasite levels in the blood.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in most endemic regions. Numerous clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses confirm the efficacy and safety of artemisinin derivatives. In fact, the discovery and application of artemisinin-based therapies have been credited with saving millions of lives and are considered one of the most significant advances in malaria treatment in recent decades. In recognition of this breakthrough, Tu Youyou was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015.

While sweet wormwood has a long history in traditional medicine, its modern use against malaria is strongly supported by high-quality scientific research, and artemisinin-based drugs remain a mainstay in global malaria control efforts.

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