Exploring the Phytochemical Diversity and Antiplasmodial Potential of Artemisia annua and A. afra from Different Geographical Locations in Cameroon

Malaria remains a global public health concern, and natural products have been investigated as potential treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Artemisia annua and A. afra as both a curative and preventative measure against malaria, and to analyze the phytochemical composition of ten Artemisia samples from different geographical locations in Cameroon. The plants were collected at the flowering stage from five regions during both the rainy and dry seasons, and the content of artemisinin and polyphenols in the samples was evaluated. Additionally, antiplasmodial activity was assessed. The results showed that the activity profiles of the samples were correlated with their environment, with distinct phytochemical compositions observed for each sample based on its geographical origin and the season of collection, as analyzed using both geographical and multispectral remote sensing data. These findings suggest that the selection of a suitable Artemisia sample for use as a potential anti-malarial treatment should take into consideration its geographical origin, the period of collection, season, and remote sensing data. By understanding the environmental factors that influence the phytochemical composition of Artemisia samples using remote sensing data, this study may provide insight into how natural products can be effectively used as a preventative or curative measure against malaria.