Improved traditional medicine for infectious disorders in Mali

In Mali, the research on plants has been dynamic since the years of independence with the creation of a pharmacopeia institute, current Department of Traditional Medicine (DMT), one of the objectives of which is the valorization of traditional medicine resources through the production of Improved Traditional Medicines (ITMs). The investigations of DMT in collaboration with other research institutions allowed to develop ITMs used in the treatment of infectious diseases. Some of these ITMs acquired a Marketing Authorization and are part of the list of essential drugs in Mali. These ITMs are “MALARIAL 5” used against uncomplicated malaria and “DYSENTERAL” used against amoebic dysentery. Marketing Authorization files for other formulated ITMs are in progress. These ITMs are “SUMAFURA” and “WOLOTISANE” used against malaria, “SAMANERE” against viral hepatitis, “MITRADERMINE” against dermatoses, and “CALMOGASTRYL” against gastritis ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori. In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, some of DMT’s ITMs can constitute an opportunity and contribute to the care of people affected by COVID-19. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Medicinal plants from West Africa for the management of respiratory diseases that may appear during the COVID-19

As part of contributing to the symptomatic management of respiratory conditions that may manifest during Covid-19, the current study was undertaken to identify African medicinal plants active against these manifestations. A bibliographic study was carried out to identify the plant species used in the management of respiratory diseases in West Africa. The frequency of citation and a convergence score for the use of the species were also calculated. A total of 318 recipes from 145 plant species were inventoried through various publications. Guiera senegalensis, Sterculia setigera, Bridelia ferruginea, Euphorbia hirta and Terminalia avicennioides were the most cited plants with the best usage convergence scores. Leaves from these species were most cited while the cough was more indicated. The results of this study could serve as a database of plant species used in the management of respiratory tract diseases in West Africa.