Transmission Blocking of Year Round Resistant Malaria in Koraput (India) by OMARIA – A New Antimalarial Phytotherapy

Abstract

Background: Globally, in resistant malaria endemic zones, even the latest lines of MDTs (multi drug therapes) are yielding chaotic results. These include unacceptable side effects/contraindications, with poor prognosis in juveniles/adolescents. Juvenile stage is intensely humoral and up-regulate infestation. MDTs are more unpredictable in the juveniles, and fail in the geriatric group. Pharmacies are also failing. Tropical-equatorial conditions necessitate frugal body cover cum bare foot life style. Typical geomorphology, orography, meteorology, flora and fauna provide year round conducive conditions for vector bionomics and for other types of infections. OMARIA (Orissa Malaria Research Indigenous Attempt) is a new anti-malaria phytotherapy that has been in mono station use (Koraput, India) since 1998 in drug resistant core endemic regions, also well known for tertian type. It transpired out of Koraput Model to Fight Malaria at Home with OMARIA. Materials and Methods: OMARIA is composed of the dry rind of the Indo-year round fruiting Punica granatum (Dalimba). Principal drug moieties are: (i) ellagic acid; (ii) punicalagin (iii) punicalin and (iv) potassium (K+). Are physiologically compatible and has never been used before. All the moieties being non alkaloids offer a paradigm shift among anti-malarials. Results: OMARIA kills and clears hemoprotozoas of all spp., at all stages (including gametocytes) in patients of all ages and chronicity. Is potently anti-inflammatory vis-a-vis WBCs; blocks transmission; prevents relapse and non- recrudescence; and is very useful in severe/acute/complicated/refractory malaria and in sickle cell patients. No development of resistance. Potassium (K+) probably acts as the drug’s efficacy upregulator. Conclusion: OMARIA is prophylactic and therapeutic in target groups. Is useful in numerous forms of malaria, being active against key stages of the parasite (complicated or systemic status); and in patients having multiple infections. It has synergistic and possibly buffering roles. Koraput Model has been of much help to the afflicted communities and to the administrations.