Medicinal Plants in the Tropics Used in the Treatment and Management of Parasitic Diseases Transmitted by Mosquitoes: Administration, Challenges, and Strategic Options for Management

Mosquitoes are highly diversified insect group, globally distributed, and carry and transmit parasitic infections that are recognized threats to the world public health. Infections such as lymphatic filariasis and malaria are caused by filarial nematodes (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori) and protozoans (Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi), respectively, which are transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Filarial parasites are transmitted to humans and are spread by infected female mosquitoes (Anopheles, Culex, Aedes, Mansonia) while malaria parasites are spread and transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes to humans. Over 1.4 billion people in about 73 countries are at risk of lymphatic filarial infection while about 3.4 billion people in about 97 countries are at risk of malaria, contributing to about 90% of malaria deaths in developing countries. Orthodox means of treating the diseases have encountered some setbacks due to drug resistance, cost, accessibility, and other logistics, hence becoming necessary to employ sustainable and affordable alternatives. In this chapter, we shall emphasize entomological approach to managing mosquito-borne diseases which is rooted in controlling mosquito species at different stages of development. For the disease-causing parasites, various extracts of medicinal plants which are abound in the tropics and reported to have anti-filarial and anti-plasmodial properties shall be succinctly discussed. Biodiversity loss occasioned by continuous harvesting of plants and root structures, inefficient scientific production tools, paucity of documented data on medicinal plants, and lack of subsidy from government and other stakeholders shall be highlighted as some of the challenges against the use of medicinal plants for the treatment and management of mosquito-borne parasitic diseases. We shall also espouse strategic options such as creation of platforms that will link the health sectors in the ministry of health with traditional medicine practitioners in a view to establishing a reliable and responsive national agency that will protect plant-based medicines and her members. Also, to champion a common front for acceptance of plant-based medicines, product patency, and advocate for sustainable gathering of medicinal plants in the tropics is highly needed.