The Influence of Climate Change on Medicinal Plant Availability on Malaria Treatment

Climate change significantly alters the distribution and availability of medicinal plants, affecting global health, especially in regions reliant on these plants for treating malaria. Medicinal plants, recognized for their therapeutic properties and low side effects, have been integral to malaria treatment in traditional and modern medicine systems worldwide. However, changes in temperature, precipitation, and other climatic variables are influencing plant physiology, reducing the abundance and potency of species crucial for antimalarial therapy. The current review examines these climate-related impacts on medicinal plants in malaria-prone regions, with case studies from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The findings suggest that changes in plant availability and efficacy threaten local healthcare systems and emphasize the urgency for collaborative, interdisciplinary research to sustain medicinal plant resources. Solutions may include climate-resilient plant cultivation and bolstering indigenous knowledge, which could lead to sustainable alternatives for communities affected by climate change. Keywords: Climate change, medicinal plants, malaria, antimalarial therapy, traditional medicine.