Abstract

Malaria remains one of the most pressing global health challenges, disproportionately affecting populations in sub
Saharan Africa and Asia. The rise of multidrug-resistant Plasmodium strains, coupled with the limited 
effectiveness of current vaccines, underscores the urgency for alternative therapies. Herbal remedies have 
historically provided the foundation for antimalarial drugs such as quinine and artemisinin, and they continue to 
represent a promising resource for new drug discovery. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on the role of 
herbal remedies in malaria prevention and treatment, examining their phytochemical constituents, mechanisms of 
action, safety profiles, and integration with conventional medicine. Several plants, including Azadirachta indica 
(neem), Artemisia annua, and Vernonia amygdalina, demonstrate significant antimalarial potential in vitro, in vivo, 
and in clinical settings. Despite encouraging results, challenges remain, including limited clinical trials, variability 
in extract standardization, and potential herb–drug interactions. Nonetheless, traditional herbal medicine offers an 
accessible, culturally acceptable, and cost-effective adjunct in malaria management. Bridging the gap between 
traditional knowledge and modern pharmacological validation is essential to harnessing herbal remedies as 
effective tools in global malaria control and eradication efforts.