A natural Cuban cure for malaria, arthritis, poor memory?
By IANSWednesday, April 7, 2010
Havana, April 8 (IANS/EFE) A “natural” medicine derived from a herb that grows wild in Cuba can reportedly fight arthritis, malaria and memory problems and will also be tried on people with HIV.
‘Anamu’ or Petiveria alliacea, commonly known as “garlic weed” due to its strong garlic-like odour, has been found to be an “anti-spasmodic, diuretic, stimulant and sudorific, local analgesic and anti-inflamatory in different skin complaints, and it is used against arthritis, malaria, rheumatism and memory problems,” Cuba’s official news agency AIN said.
The anamu tablet, 400 mg and completely natural and herbal, will be supplied initially to patients with the AIDS virus in Santiago de Cuba province, where its effectiveness will be verified, according to its immune response…in the human organism, it said.
Martha Zoe, a specialist in natural medicine, said the pills are made from powdered leaves and young stems of anamu, a grassy herb that grows wild in Cuba, the Caribbean, South America and Africa.
“The tablets already have the first health registration, backed by medical reports on the plant and research linked with its traditional use and reported benefits,” the report said.
–IANS/EFE
