An unexpected, revolutionary property of Artemisia infusions: immunoglobulins in the skin lead to a longlasting prophylaxis

The prophylactic efficiency of Artemisia annua was first discovered and documented by Patrick Ogwang from Uganda in several scientific papers.1 Patrick Ogwang also developed ARTAVOL® in collaboration with scientists at Makerere University. Artavol is a beverage for malaria prevention at household level: a blend of Artemisia annua (without artemisinin)-avocado powder (Persea americana)-lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus). In the research conducted by the team, it was found that after eight months of taking the beverage, the subjects did not develop any fevers associated with malaria. Among the study participants, hospital visits for fever related causes fell by 80 per cent as compared to the control subjects. In 2014 the Ministry of Health in Uganda recognized the innovation and awarded the principal investigator for outstanding achievement in research for herbal prevention of malaria. Artavol production currently stands at 6,000 one hundred-gram tins per month.2