Your browser version may not work well with NCBI's Web applications. More information here...
1: J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Apr 26;98(3):351-60.
Related Articles, Links
Click here to read
Antimalarial remedies in French Guiana: a knowledge attitudes and practices study.

Vigneron M, Deparis X, Deharo E, Bourdy G.

Laboratoire de Pharmacochimie des Substances Naturelles et Pharmacophores Redox, UMR-152 IRD - Université Paul Sabatier, Centre IRD de Cayenne, BP 165, 97323 Cayenne, Guyane, France.

A "knowledge attitudes and practices" study about malaria treatments was undertaken in French Guiana, along with an ethnopharmacological study. One hundred and seventeen people from five different groups and nationalities (Creole, Palikur, Galibi, Brazilian, and European) answered the questionnaire. The results were analysed using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. First, we evaluated the overall knowledge about malaria from the interviewed people. According to bio-medical concepts, we noticed that they have a good knowledge of this illness. Secondly, we studied the treatment used by sick people during their last malaria attack. We demonstrated that, although bio-medical treatment is available in this area, people use both modern drugs and traditional remedies. Finally, preventive attitudes have been examined. One-third of the interviewed people drink regularly some herbal remedy to prevent febrile illnesses and malaria, thus displaying a strong concern about this disease. The ethnopharmacological study highlighted the frequent use of traditional remedies, along with their mode of preparation and administration. A total of 34 different species (both from flora and fauna) have been registered as antimalarial. Twenty-seven are used for curative purposes, 20 as preventive and 13 of them are used for both purposes. Quassia amara (Simaroubaceae) whose antimalarial activity has already been demonstrated was the species most frequently used as antimalarial for curative and preventive purposes.

PMID: 15814272 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]