Madagascar, the island nation in the Indian Ocean, has claimed to have developed a herbal remedy for corona virus. But the world is still skeptical.
But what is the harm in trying it as the scientists across the world are testing and experimenting thousands of candidate drugs.
Madagascar Andry Rajoelina recently officially launched a local herbal remedy claimed to prevent and cure the novel coronavirus. He himself drank it while launching.
Described as a herbal tea, it has been developed by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research (IMRA) from artemisia plant which has been used to treat fever and malaria for long. The President said it was tested in 20 people and had positive results.
But the scientists from the modern science may not accept this claim. The World Health Organisation has already told BBC that there is no prooff of a cure for Covid-19 and it would not recommend any self-medication.
On the other hand, what Madagascar is claiming is that it can prevent, if not cure. “Tests have been carried out – two people have now been cured by this treatment,” Mr Rajoelina said.
“Schoolchildren should be given this to drink… little by little throughout the day,” he told the diplomats and other dignitaries gathered for the launch.
Dr Charles Andrianjara, Imra’s director general, pointing out that it works for prevention.
Then why not we try it?
What is Artemisia
Artemisia is a large, diverse genus of plants with between 200 and 400 species belonging to the daisy family Asteraceae. Common names for various species in the genus include mugwort, wormwood, and sagebrush, according to wikipedia
Artemisinin (from Artemisia annua) and derivatives are a group of compounds with the most rapid action of all current agents used to treat malaria. Treatments containing an artemisinin derivative (artemisinin-combination therapies) are now standard treatment worldwide for malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Chinese mugwort, Artemisia argyi, is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
