The Potential of Herbal Antidiabetic Agents in Treating Malaria-Related Complications

Mwende Wairimu G.

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Malaria and diabetes are both significant global health concerns that, when co-occurring, exacerbate the risk of severe complications and increased mortality. Malaria, primarily caused by Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in malaria-endemic regions in Africa and Asia. Concurrently, the global rise in diabetes prevalence, particularly Type 2 diabetes, adds another layer of complexity to managing infections like malaria, especially due to the altered glucose metabolism in diabetic patients. Malaria typically induces hypoglycemia, while diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia, creating a dangerous overlap for patients suffering from both. Traditional herbal remedies, often used for managing diabetes, have shown promise in managing not only the metabolic dysregulation seen in diabetes but also in mitigating malaria-related complications. This paper examines the role of herbal antidiabetic agents in treating malaria-related complications by examining mechanisms of action, preclinical and clinical evidence, and the potential for integrating these remedies into modern therapeutic practices. Special emphasis is given to the use of synergistic herbal formulations that could provide multi-faceted benefits in the treatment of malaria and diabetes.

Keywords: Herbal medicine, antidiabetic agents, malaria-related complications, diabetes, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia.

CITE AS: Mwende Wairimu G. (2025). The Potential of Herbal Antidiabetic Agents in Treating Malaria-Related Complications. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 4(1):16-22.  https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJRMS/2025/411622