Hwentia, also called as Grains of Selim, is a common Ghanaian spice used in local beverages, soups, and porridges. It has been linked to anti-fever and anti-malarial qualities.
In their search for plant-based alternatives to anti-malaria medications, University of Cape Coast researchers discovered Hwentia to be an excellent source of xylopic acid, which is effective against fever and malaria.
Professor Johnson Nyarko-Boampong, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, stated in his inaugural lecture on "Malaria treatment failures: What can we do?" last Friday that his team's research on the spice tested on plasmodium berghei (in the malaria infection group) infected mice indicated that Hwentia had anti-malaria effects with an acceptable safety profile.
He requested that Hwentia be explored further for future clinical studies, citing the need for new medications to supplement the ones now in use.
The VC expressed worry over the country's insufficient expenditure in scientific research, claiming that it has hampered efficiency and effusiveness.
He urged the government to support the nation's researchers by issuing a nationwide call for groundbreaking study into the country's concerns.
"Dare us to explore and discover answers to challenge and see what we can do," he joked, "and if we can't bring you the results, don't pay us."
Prof Nyarko-Boampong also asked for the National Research Fund to be established as soon as possible to assist research. Devastating consequences
Prof Nyarko-Boampong stated that, despite the fact that malaria is preventable and treated, it continues to be a public health concern in tropical regions, posing a threat to countries' socio-economic progress, particularly Ghana, and asked for strategy and seriousness in the fight against malaria.
He advocated for early detection and measures to eradicate mosquitos, the vector, through education and better sanitary standards.
Prof Nyarko-Boampong also advocated for more community-based malaria testing and treatment, as well as the usage of bed nets, to assist win the malaria war.
Why do we falter?
He said that present malaria-fighting efforts have failed because the plasmodium can be medication-resistant, and some patients do not follow the treatment dose routine.
The Vice-Chancellor urged Ghanaians to approach the malaria battle "the same way we approached COVID-19 to get the intended result."
Profile
Prof Nyarko-Boampong is a parasitology professor who has counseled on community pharmacy practice extensively.
He is a pharmacist, biomedical scientist, CV Raman Scholar, member of the Association of African Universities' board of directors, and a fellow of the Ghana College of Pharmacists.