Turning research into products and solutions for the region.
Artemisia herbal formulations against malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, and the emergence of resistance to artemisinin threatens malaria control in Africa. Muni University’s Artemisia project develops herbal formulations for the intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in children in West Nile.
Using ethnobotanical surveys, oil and phytochemical extraction and analysis, and in-vitro antiplasmodial studies, the team found Artemisia annua, A. vulgaris, A. absinthium and A. afra growing in the region, especially around Arua. Their oils contain more than 150 active compounds. The antiplasmodial studies continue in phase two.
Products
- Artemisia oils
- Artemisia tea bags
- “Artemishea” repellent cream
- “Artemishea” mosquito-bite ointment
Impact
Using Artemisia in preventive treatment and mosquito control can reduce malaria in West Nile — and so improve school attendance among pupils and students.
Green chemistry for food safety
MSc Chemistry graduate Yanduru Mercy developed sorbents from water hyacinth and eggshells to detect aflatoxins in cassava-based foods — work recognised by Commonwealth Chemistry in 2025. Read more.