~ 119 ~ International Journal of Herbal Medicine 2016; 4(4): 119-125 E-ISSN: 2321-2187 P-ISSN: 2394-0514 IJHM 2016; 4(4): 119-125 Received: 17-05-2016 Accepted: 18-06-2016 Kshipra Singh Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Adria Hasan Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Adnan Ahmad Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Snober S Mir Associate Professor, Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Correspondence Snober S Mir Associate Professor, Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Anti-malarial treatment: Herbal medicine a ray of hope Kshipra Singh, Adria Hasan, Adnan Ahmad and Snober S Mir Abstract For years, conventional medicines have been broadly used for treatment of malaria. As malaria is a widespread disease, resistance of Plasmodium species towards conventional treatments has driven our attention towards the cons of this therapy. Another factor that has encouraged us to review use of these conventional medicines is their toxicity and after drug adverse effects. A large repository of herbal medicines can be seen as a solution to all these problems. The review is focussed on the current scenario of malaria, its causative agents and its treatment available by conventional medicine. It also illustrates the drawbacks of conventional medicines which have led to emergence of herbal medicines to treat malaria. Recent studies have emphasised on the anti-malarial activity of herbal medicinal plants that are effective against Plasmodium species and have become as a potential alternative malarial drug. However, should be deduction of efficacy and toxicity of herbal anti-malarial agents should be done so that they can be used efficiently to combat malaria. Keywords: Malaria, conventional medicine, scenario, threatening 1. Introduction Malaria is a major public health problem which is spread throughout the world. WHO estimates 400-500 million cases of malaria throughout the world which result in approximately 1.5 – 2 million deaths each year [1] . Mosquito borne disease, malaria is caused by parasite belonging to the genus Plasmodium which invades red blood cell (RBC) and destroys them causing primary symptoms of malaria such as chills and fever. It is difficult to deal with the disease and overcome with it because of its complex life-cycle and transmission of the disease. Malaria has become leading cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical and sub-tropical countries. There are five Plasmodium species which are responsible for the life threatening malaria such as malariae, ovale, vivax, knowlesi and falciparum. Plasmodium falciparum is deadliest of all the other Plasmodium present (vivax, malaria, ovule and knowlesi) [2] . Malaria is predominantly infectious in infants and pregnant women [3] an Methods to deal with the disease still remain the same which is based on Insecticide Treatment and Indoor Residual spray which is approved by WHO [4, 5] . Many anti- malarial drugs used for the treatment of the disease include artemisinin, mefloquine, chloroquine but their use has led to resistance in many strains of Plasmodium mainly against Plasmodium falciparum. Other devised strategy such as Artemisinin Combinational Therapy (ACT) was used in combination with available drugs but many Plasmodium strains have been seen to develop resistance against them [6] . Herbal medicine plays an important role in treatment of the disease and can also prove effectively important in combating with the toxic effect caused by conventional medicines. Artemisia annua which is also commonly known as wormwood is normally present is various region of Asia. This tree was traditionally used medicine for fever which was also a potent source of anti-malarial activity. The objective of the review was to assess role of herbal medicinal plants which possess anti-malarial activity. Herbal medicinal plants are the greatest source for the eradication of various diseases whose treatment with conventional drugs is challenging and toxic. So, validating this approach may open gates for new and better medicines. 2. Epidemiology of Malaria 2.1 Disease burden: According to the September 2015 release of WHO, 214 million cases of malaria were reported in 2015 and malaria was also the primitive cause of 438000 deaths in sub-African region [7] . Africa continues to be home of malaria from where most of the cases are reported. In areas with high rate of transmission of malaria, children and pregnant women are at higher risk. Countries with lower GNI per capita are estimated with highest mortality rate.