Natural Products and Botanicals in Malaria Control: Mechanisms, Drug Resistance, and Translational Perspectives

Malaria remains a global health crisis, exacerbated by the emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium strains that threaten the efficacy of frontline treatments like artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). Historically, botanicals and natural products have been the cornerstone of antimalarial breakthroughs, most notably with the discovery of quinine and artemisinin. These successes underscore the untapped potential of traditional medicinal knowledge and plant-derived metabolites as vital resources for modern drug discovery. As resistance spreads, there is a renewed imperative to explore natural scaffolds and phytomedicines that offer novel mechanisms of action. Today, the convergence of ethnobotany with advanced pharmacognosy and molecular biology provides a unique opportunity to systematically validate and harness these resources to address the evolving challenges of malaria control and elimination, particularly in resource-limited endemic regions.This Research Topic aims to establish a comprehensive, interdisciplinary platform for high-quality research exploring the role of botanicals and natural products in malaria prevention, treatment, and control. The primary objective is to bridge the gap between traditional ethnobotanical knowledge and modern biomedical science by providing scientific validation of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds. We seek to foster collaboration across diverse fields to accelerate the translation of natural products into safe, effective, and accessible antimalarial interventions.The collection will prioritize studies addressing the urgent challenge of drug resistance, focusing on identifying compounds with antiplasmodial activity and those capable of modulating resistance pathways. Furthermore, the topic intends to highlight the importance of sustainability, equitable benefit-sharing with indigenous communities, and the integration of evidence-based phytomedicine into global health systems. By synthesizing new findings and historical perspectives, this collection will serve as a reference point for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers aiming to develop innovative strategies to combat malaria in the era of diminishing drug efficacy.We invite contributors to submit Original Research, Reviews, and Clinical Perspectives that explore the therapeutic potential of natural products. The scope of this Research Topic includes, but is not limited to:• Scientific validation of ethnobotanical knowledge and traditional antimalarial plants.• Phytochemical characterization and molecular mechanisms of action of antiplasmodial compounds.• Strategies to overcome drug resistance, including resistance modulation and host-parasite interactions.• Synergistic effects of botanical combinations and their potential to enhance existing therapies.• Innovative drug delivery systems and biotechnological approaches for sustainable sourcing.• Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of phytochemicals in malaria management.• Policy, regulatory frameworks, and the integration of phytomedicine into public health systems.We especially encourage interdisciplinary contributions spanning pharmacognosy, ethnopharmacology, parasitology, molecular biology, and translational medicine that address the needs of resource-limited settings. Topic editors: Chinenye Jane Ugwah-Oguejiofor, Akingbolabo Daniel Ogunlakin, Maduakolam-aniobi Tobiloba Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80082/natural-products-and-botanicals-in-malaria-control-mechanisms-drug-resistance-and-translational-perspectives