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.