Anti Malaria herb found in Irian

Anti Malaria herb found in Irian

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Noted medicine man Hembing Wijayakusuma
said he has discovered that a herb called artemisia annua which
is found in Jayawijaya district, Irian Jaya, contains a substance
which serves as an effective anti-malarial drug.

Hembing, who has written extensively on traditional herbal
medicines, told Antara yesterday that the existence of the herb
in Irian Jaya would be officially reported to the World Health
Organization (WHO).

Standing 50 centimeters tall, the plant contains the chemical
artemisinin which can counteract malaria.

Hembing said he had started to cultivate the herb in the
Wamena and Puncak Jaya districts of the province because the
areas had suitable climates.

A similar herb, known for its anti-malarial properties, is
found in Japan, India, China, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Thailand,
he said.