A distinguished parasitologist, Prof. Olusegun Akanbi, has emphasized the potential of herbal medicine in the fight against malaria, particularly as the parasite continues to develop resistance to conventional drugs.
Delivering the 33rd Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, with the title “Small but Mighty to Pull Down the Mightier: The Menace of Malaria Parasite”, he highlighted the persistent battle between mankind and the malaria parasite, stressing the need for scientific validation of traditional remedies.
Prof. Akanbi pointed out that despite his religious beliefs as a pastor, he firmly believes that returning to nature for solutions should not be seen as a setback.
He argued that Nigeria is endowed with natural resources capable of providing a lasting solution to malaria, but scientific research is crucial to unlocking their full potential.
He explained that while modern medicine has made significant strides, the growing resistance of malaria parasites—especially Plasmodium falciparum—has made the search for alternative treatments even more urgent.
He described malaria as an “unending warfare between man and parasites,” noting that the parasite’s adaptability has made eradication difficult despite technological advancements.
Sharing findings from his research, the professor revealed that Anogeissus leiocarpus (Igi Ayin) and Terminalia avicennioides (Udi) have shown remarkable potency against malaria.
He disclosed that the methanolic crude extract of A. leiocarpus at 200mg/kg body weight demonstrated greater antiplasmodial activity than Artesunate, a WHO-recommended antimalarial drug.
Further studies also showed that a combination of A. leiocarpus and T. avicennioides extracts resulted in higher parasite clearance rates compared to Artemether-Lumefantrine, reinforcing the potential of combining multiple medicinal plants, similar to Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACTs), for more effective treatment.
While advocating for herbal medicine as a viable alternative, Prof. Akanbi cautioned against its unregulated use, stressing that excessive reliance on traditional remedies without scientific scrutiny could pose serious health risks.
He warned that some medicinal plants, if not properly studied, could have adverse effects on vital organs like the liver and kidneys, citing research that revealed increased liver enzyme levels in experimental animals treated with certain plant extracts.
He also expressed concerns over the limited success of malaria vaccines, explaining that despite decades of research, the only existing vaccine—RTS’S—may not provide long-term protection due to the parasite’s ability to develop resistance.
The professor decried the high cost of effective antimalarial drugs, which makes treatment inaccessible to many people in malaria-endemic areas.
He also raised concerns about the lack of dosage regulation in the use of medicinal plants, as most people self-medicate until symptoms disappear, a practice he described as dangerous.
To address these challenges, he urged the government and healthcare institutions to intensify public awareness campaigns on malaria prevention and control while ensuring that routine malaria parasite and haemoglobin tests become mandatory during antenatal and postnatal care.
He further recommended that the government fund free kidney and liver function tests for pregnant women in public hospitals and ensure that potent antimalarial drugs are made available free of charge for children under six and expectant mothers.
Additionally, he called for greater investment in research to develop more effective antimalarial drugs.
Commending Prof. Akanbi for his contributions to academia, the Vice Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, described him as a dedicated scholar whose research has significantly advanced the field of parasitology.
He expressed deep appreciation for Prof. Akanbi’s commitment to scholarship and his enduring impact at Adekunle Ajasin University, noting that his work has reinforced the urgent need for research-backed herbal solutions to combat malaria, a disease that remains one of the world’s most persistent health challenges.
