Abstract

Malaria remains one of the most devastating infectious diseases globally, particularly affecting low- and 
middle-income countries. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium parasites and rising 
resistance to insecticides among mosquito vectors have necessitated the exploration of alternative 
therapeutic interventions. This review critically examines the clinical relevance and therapeutic potential 
of medicinal plants in alleviating malaria symptoms and treating the disease. It outlines the historical use 
of traditional plant-based remedies, highlights key phytochemicals with proven antimalarial activity, and 
evaluates current clinical evidence supporting their efficacy. Plants such as Artemisia annua, Zanthoxylum 
chalybeum, and Warburgia salutaris have shown promising outcomes in both preclinical and limited clinical 
studies. Despite the encouraging results, challenges persist in standardizing dosages, validating 
mechanisms of action, and ensuring biocompatibility. This review underscores the need for more robust 
clinical trials, sustainable harvesting practices, and equitable benefit-sharing models in the development 
of plant-based antimalarial therapies.