Whilst exploring the Economic Botany site I came across an article which caught my
eye. An article by the name of Medical Plants Used to Treat Malaria in Southern Benin
by Merel Hermans, Akpovi Akoegninou, and L. los G. van der Maesen. The article
explains how the people of Southern Benin are returning to the use of more traditional
ways of treating Malaria rather than western medicines. This article isn't just about one
specific crop, but rather about malaria and the crops which the people of southern Benin
combine to create different remedies to aid the side effects of Malaria.

Malaria is spread by mosquitoes transferring a parasite which enters the bloodstream
and attacks the red blood cells. The symptoms of malaria can vary from swollen liver
and spleen, severe headaches, fever, anemia, coma or convulsions. The people of
southern Benin have begun the switch back to traditional medicines because of the
unfortunate fact that creating medications for malaria is becoming more and more
difficult. As they develop new prevention methods the mosquitoes develop more
resistance to the chemicals used.

The article identifies which species are the most popular for treating the different
symptoms and even possibly the parasite itself. To do so they sampled the many
different combinations which are offered by the many women in the market place of
Southern Benin. From there they determined which species were present in each and
proceeded to create a herbarium to identify which plants are used most often and with
what they the are used with. A few of the more popular being: mpelocissus bombycina
(Baker) Planeh, Chamaechrista rotundifolia (Pers.) Greene, and Pavetta corymbosa
(DC.) EN. Wililams. Because of the use of mixtures it is not certain which plants aid in
what or if it could even be the mixture itself that causes the results.

I found the article interesting as I want to pursue a career in the medical field. The idea
that the people of Southern Benin are able to treat themselves by using plants that are
natural to their area is intriguing. Along with the fact that they have figured out which
combinations work well to treat what needs to be treated. They have no need for, and in
fact are somewhat hindered by the use of, western medicines.