The Role of Medicinal Plants in Alleviating Malaria-Related Fever

Malaria remains one of the most persistent global health challenges, with over 200 million cases annually and significant mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Fever, a primary symptom of malaria, often compels individuals to seek medical care. Conventional antimalarial drugs face increasing resistance and can present severe side effects, making searching for alternative treatments both urgent and necessary. Medicinal plants have long been used in traditional medicine to treat malaria-related fever and offer an accessible, affordable, and culturally accepted solution, especially in developing nations. This paper explores the role of key medicinal plants such as Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ajuga remota, and Aloe macrocarpa in managing malaria fever. It reviews their phytochemical composition, pharmacological efficacy, safety concerns, and the outcomes of related clinical studies. Furthermore, it considers the cultural dimensions that shape the use of traditional medicine in malaria-endemic areas. While promising, the widespread adoption of plant-based antimalarial therapies requires rigorous scientific validation to ensure their safety, efficacy, and integration into modern healthcare systems. Keywords: Malaria-related fever, Medicinal plants, Antiplasmodial activity, Traditional medicine, Phytochemicals, Drug resistance, Azadirachta indica, Malaria treatment.